sfdee
(129) reviews
1/6/2009
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I LOVED this restaurant. Altho' large, it's cozy & inviting and you are warmly greeted by the host & servers. The food is fabulous-some of the most flavorful I've had in ages-lots of fresh herbs used in the dishes. Great appetizer menu. Extraordinarily delicious beet & dill salad and lamb riblets. That night's special-brined rotisseried pork accompanied with potatoes cooked with the pork juices was one of the most outstanding pork dishes I've ever had. It was so wonderful I'm still thinking about it. The galaktoboureko dessert, filo tubes filled with a creamy semolina custard with pistachio ice cream and quince on the side was SO good. Service was knowledgeable, attentive and friendly without being overly friendly. You can actually hear and see your dining companions. And unlike many busy restaurants, we were not rushed in the slightest. Although on the pricey side, for once I felt like it was totally worth it. I can't wait to go back. ”
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sfsappho
(252) reviews
3/3/2008
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I was taken here for a birthday dinner and it was absolutely fantastic. We had reservations, were seated promptly. The waiter knew all about the menu and about greek wines. He suggested a fantastic wine to go with dinner. Almost everything we tried was fabulous. And the stuff that wasn't fabulous was still good. I would definitely go back. I suggest trying the octopus, the pita topped with olives, etc, and the lamb chops. And try a greek wine if you've never tried one before. Worth it! ”
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sillygoose408
(54) reviews
10/23/2007
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I've never had any problems getting a table here. The greek spread with 3 different dippings (cucumber, eggplant, and something else pinkish) is refreshing. Their signature dish is the lamb chops I think. Don't care too much for the seafood, nothing special. Galaktoboureko dessert is to die for, the main reason for me to keep going back :)
”
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chowdawg
(121) reviews
6/27/2007
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ This is a packed upscale greek...something every city should have more of..so dont expect table in the teeth dancing or broken plates ..but well built food of the med...pricey..downside..service sucks..we had a stoned out waiter who droped out starters on the table next, drinks took forever, water not refilled...etc...the fried cheese was standard at best, the was an over feta'd salad....but the roasted fish you have choice of bone on or off nice touch for thos of us who like all the sweet meat in the cheecks and such...but for those whowant no part of bones the option is there...sides were great...so recap food good..room nice...crowd expense account, service aweful... ”
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tomkliu
(4) reviews
2/24/2007
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“
Expensive, but darn good. This place is lifely, great services, and the chicken kabob at lunch is the best. My top 5 for fine dining in SF. The atmosphere is warm, very mediteranean style decor. A nice place to have a business lunch. ”
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whitecamero
(50) reviews
11/22/2006
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“
This was my second time to dine at Kokkari and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This restaurant is quite huge. If at all possible, try to get a table at the front room of the restaurant. It is much more intimate with charming character. The back room seems a bit too big and a tad lifeless. The small plates are delicious and burst with flavours and tempting aromas. I like the idea that one can get a selection of treats and flavours. It's just that small plates can add up and make for an expensive meal. The meats here are well prepared - if you order grilled meats, you just can't seem to go wrong. The main dishes are huge, so don't eat too many small dishes at the start if you want to enjoy a main. I had the ribeye, which I enjoyed. It was a bit overcooked, but the flavour was nice nonetheless. My partner had the lamb shank which was tender and comfy. Again, huge huge dishes. Make sure to make a reservation when dining there. ”
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bess
(30) reviews
9/12/2006
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ Excellent dining experience. I don't think I've ever had better service. Everything we ordered was delicious. I'm interested in their sand-warmed tea (or was it coffee?). The restaurant was super cozy and wonderful. They have tons of appetizers which are fairly inexpensive. The bar next door (Frisson) is a nice place to go for drinks before or after. Frisson is expensive but super swanky. ”
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Cosa
(49) reviews
9/10/2006
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I rarely eat eggplant. It's one of the last things I would normally order, but on the recommendation of two different people, I had the moussaka. It was delicious, very rich and flavorful. I would order it again if the lamb chops didn't look so good.
The pita with four spreads and the zucchini cakes were also good and the restaurant is beautiful. ”
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JenJenn
(115) reviews
8/10/2006
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ Came for lunch and it was good. We tried the Zucchini Cakes and was really pleased with it. and for my entree, I had the Moussaka. The service was really good, very attentive. ”
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Runabout
(62) reviews
8/2/2006
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ Went here with the boss and coworkers a while back. I loved the decor, ambiance and staff. I honestly cannot recall what we ordered, but 4 people were all very satisfied with our meals -- 2 border on being foodie snobs --we tested each others meals and were happy with other people's choices. I have never been to Greece, am not greek and wouldn't know "authentic" if it bit me in the a**, but I know when something tastes damn good and we were all happy. I wasn't paying for my meal, but if I had been, I would have felt like it was a worth the money. Is a nice option for a nice evening out. If you are on a tight budget, skip buying lunch out a few days, and use it to go here for a nice evening meal. The fireplace is a wonderful feature. ”
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green tea smoothie
(63) reviews
5/26/2006
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ the tapas menu alone can serve as a full on meal. mediterranean food done well. this place can get crowded. we found breathing room near the front door. request a cozy booth at the front of the restaurant, it gets stuffy towards the middle and back. the elevator takes you to the restroom downstairs resembling pinocchio's house. yummy rice pudding. ”
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sarahh
(43) reviews
4/27/2006
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I went to Kokkari for a business dinner and absolutely loved their appetizers. Their sample platter with hummus, tahini and pita was great. The friend aubergines were also quite delish and not greasy at all. They have a good selection of wines as well but be careful if you're on a budget because the tab easily adds up to quite a bit! ”
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El Gran Tomate
(46) reviews
11/9/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I love this place. It's big, comfortable, the food is GREAT and very much my style. The only thing that keeps me from going back much more often is the cost -- high but worth it. Four stars **** ”
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wyld4yoo
(212) reviews
11/9/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I liked Kokkari and was finally able to try it after all the hype. It didn't really blow my socks off though. The food was good. I tried the Lamb Shank, which was a bit tough and dry. I also tried the Sea Bass and it was wonderful. The best part was the dessert. It was called Galaktoboureko which I still can't pronounce, but the filo was as flaky as you can get it. I hope to go back and try something different this time. ”
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RoxyCat
(59) reviews
8/29/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I love this place! The ambiance is great (sit by the big fireplace); the service is great; the food is great (best lamb ever and must try the Mousaka at lunch). ”
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jpierson
(412) reviews
6/11/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ Two visits, and each was awesome in its own way. First visit, we were mid-way through the meal, and my companion was felled by a migraine. The waiter wrapped the remainder up to go, rang us out, hailed us a cab, and was a total pro all around. The lamb shank was stellar as a leftover. We swore we would return. When we did, it was just as good as the first visit, but the open 2-tops could be situated with more intimacy in mind. Maybe one less of them, or something. The shank was even better straight out of the kitchen, and the chop was better still. I happened upon a few bottles from their wine list at a bottle shop and was stoked to find their markup was less than I would have thought. Awesome place. ”
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SF Brown
(20) reviews
6/2/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ Wonderful restaurant on all counts. The food is consistently spectacular, and the service is warm and helpful. We had a surprise party here, and the staff did a fantastic job at helping keep the surprise going (something you never get in other restaurants). The risotto is always phenomenal, and it's a great place to have a nice, long, euro-style dinner. ”
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evilcindy
(55) reviews
5/17/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ I wish I could afford to go here more often. The flavor of every dish we had was absolutely AMAZING. It's been awhile since I have been here so I can't recall specific dishes but I do remember every dish being a hit. This is a great restaurant for a nice dinner or special occasion. Ask the bartender to make you a greek influenced cocktail. ”
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aujon
(5) reviews
5/5/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ A restaurant with a warm and cozy feeling (of course, we were sitting next to the fire place). The food is good in general but I think the dishes lack the authenticity I anticipate in a greek restaurant. Appetizers are better than the entrees, just like most other restaurants. ”
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stella
(9) reviews
1/31/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ The large square table in front of the fireplace gives you the feeling of eating in your own home. Our group of 8 loved it! The food, from appetizers, to entrees, to desserts were outstanding! All the appetizers are worth trying, especially the Melitzanosalata. The lamb didn't taste very greek to me, but nonetheless delicious. ”
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basicallyhungry
(30) reviews
1/31/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ Very good food and the decor is beautiful. Great service. Would like them to offer more choices on their menu or switch it up every once in a while. I go there for lunch twice a year and it always seems the same (which some people may like). ”
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chris1
(116) reviews
1/14/2005
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ What a fun place! We had an office party luncheon here & it was fabulous. We sampled many appetizers & they were all great. The staff was friendly & didn't mind that we sat at the main dining table for hours. We were not rushed at all. I loved the traditional greek decor. Even the restrooms had the traditional wood work. ”
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meets2
(1) review
12/10/2004
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ We were there a few days ago.The appetisers were good.I ordered the seabass and it was awful.The fish was not cooked properly and had some tendons in it.
Their dessert were not anything to write home about either.The waitstaff was very curt and the service was not particularly good.For the money you are paying, it is definitely not worth it. ”
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delight
(120) reviews
11/12/2004
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ This is one of the best restaurants in town! The best lamb chops ever. I've sampled many of the dishes and everything is always perfectly prepared. Great service. Beautiful, sophisticated and yet rustic atmosphere with an open kitchen in the back room - even the bathrooms are a treat. Check out the private dining room downstairs when you go to the bathroom - so pretty! ”
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Nancy
(19) reviews
11/11/2004
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ The best greek food in town with magnificient ambiance. Great for casual, business, or large group dining. The wait staff has very low turnover, thus they know their stuff and are very attentive. The food is consistent and good. Try the moussaka...a specialty, but very rich and filling. They also have a specially prepared greek coffee that's worth trying at least once. The meatball appetizer is very tasty and the 3 spreads with pita bread is excellent. ”
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punks
(110) reviews
5/27/2004
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Cuisine:
Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
“ It's very good if you know what to order! The bar is happening on the weekend and Thursdays.
I have now gone there three times. Twice for dinner and once for appetizers. This time I ordered the lamb a point, or medium rare. It came out medium and it was floating in about a 1/4 cup of olive oil with bits of garlic and salt. The lamb chops are the house specialty but I think they can stand on their own in their own richness and don't need a ton of dippage like olive oil for every bite. Yuk. Overall, I'd give it a 5 out of 10. ”
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