Valencia & Kebab

The food here is quite delicious and I find myself coming back here from time to time to get lunch during my break, I work next door so it is extremely convenient! They have a great lunch special with the best hot sauce and the first time I visited they even gave me a free order of their baklava. Why the two stars you ask? Today as I wished them a good day after I picked up my lunch, one of the workers made a racist comment; I am usually quite a patient and forgiving person but I just cannot get this out of my head! Being Chinese and hearing him try to speak to me in Japanese just made me upset and even though I will miss their food, they unfortunately won’t be expecting another visit from me.

Growing up near Greek and Lebanese communities, I have had my fair share of quality and sub-​par food of those styles. V&K is surely nothing anyone looking for authentic Mediterranean would be happy with. Lovely staff, but this review is about food.

Food was tasteless, and the service was poor. We initially ordered a hummus appetizer. The appetizer did provide a fair amount of hummus, and had a decent consistency, but it seemed to have little spice in it.
For the mains, we ordered a lamb and beef gyro and a chicken gyro. When the meal came, the gyros had no tahini sauce despite mentioning tahini on the menu. After requesting tahini, we did eventually get some, but the quality was not that great (reminded me of thousand island dressing). Even aside from the tahini, the lamb, beef, and chicken had little flavor. Seemed like a generic wrap with no particular Mediterranean quality. Do yourself a favor and go to Truly Mediterranean just one block away on 16^th street.

They had me at tahini.
Well, kind of. But when a wrap is advertised as having tahini in it but then a yogurt sauce shows up instead — along with the tomatoes I had requested to be axed — my taste buds and I couldn’t help feeling disappointed. As another reviewer mentions the same, it sounds like they need to update their menu to accurately represent the ingredients because their version of tahini does not taste like any tahini I’ve ever had. And I eat a lot of Middle Eastern cuisine, as it’s one of my favorites!
Aside from the sauce and tomato snafu, the lamb and beef was pretty good though by no means did the meat taste like authentic shawarma. I realize this is difficult to do when certain ingredients are scare, but a proper dousing of cumin, coriander, cinnamon or turmeric spices could remedy this. This meat needed some spice!
Also, I should note that my food was delivered cold… not slightly warm or even a little cool, but cold. Not sure if I’d give Valencia & Kebab another shot.

On our way in and out of SF during a fabric run we decided to stop and grab a bite, enter in Valencia and Kebab,
The service was incredibly friendly and the seating was plentiful, but the food wasn’t really my bag. The kebab was good, but just not the quality I’m used to (Chelokababi I’m looking at you;) and my rice was both a little too bland and a little too lemony for my taste. There was also too much of it — I really like my portions to be on the smaller side.
The final kicker was the price. Honestly just too high for the quality — I would have much rather had half of the portion, a slightly higher meat grade and a better price, but maybe that’s just me.
We’d come back, but there’s so many food choices in SF — I’m not sure beyond the fantastically friendly service, why we would.

Best Gyros in San Francisco, the combo platter’s huge and has various selections. Also, their Kunefe is amazing.

The best service I have ever had at any restaurant. The waiters and the owners are very friendly and they genuinely care about their customers. Their dip platter is amazing. Their pitas were soft n fresh. We even got mint tea for free :)

I wanted to love it, just because a Turkish family owns it, and I love supporting family businesses.
Great, fast service.
I hit up the vegetarian wrap. The feta was fresh, Bangin’, 5-​star-​worthy. The grilled veggies and hummus fell short tho.
The side of fries I ordered were a nice touch.
The hot sauce? Yum.
Would I go back?
Maybe, to try something else…

This place is my favorite place in SF for Mediterranean food. Their gyros are delicious and well made. When you are enjoying them, all of the components keep in the wrap, which is especially valuable for those of us who take lunches in business clothes and like their clothes to stay free of babaganoush.
They are also amazing for anyone looking for Mediterranean food catering! I had them cater an event, they were easy to work with, showed up on time (even a little early) with delicious food, and everybody loved it.

First time having Turkish food. Had the mixed meat platter (chicken, beef & lamb) and dolma specially made by Chef Mustafa. Super friendly staff and fast service. We also had the best baklava I’ve ever had in my life along with their Turkish black tea. I heard that this spot gets super busy after the party goers leave the bars for which I am not surprised. Awesome food and service.

Tabbouleh is amazing. Best I’ve had.
Falafel is amazing. Possibly also the best I’ve had.
The hummus and pita are very, very good as well.
My new favorite Mediterranean restaurant!

A newer establishment. I hope the lasts. I got the falafel wrap and it tasted pretty authentic. They gave us a side of pitas and hummus that hit the spot. They have a large dining area but not many people dining in.

I was saddened when Marina & Kebab closed its door, and then Hayes & Kebab was gone, poof. Was this the end of the «…& Kebab» shops that allowed me my periodic gyros fix? Probably not since in this city, you’re never that far away from an Oasis Grill, a North Beach Gyros, a Gyro King, a Gyro Express, or any number of similar spots that offer the exact same Mediterranean menu of plates and wraps. However, I was still pleased when I heard that Valencia & Kebab opened in the former Gajalee spot even though that meant another Indian vegetarian place bit the dust.
I came after work one evening and was surprised that the space was empty except for the bustling activity in the crowded kitchen. I tried the $ 12.95 Lamb & Beef Gyro plate, and I’m afraid it was a bit disappointing with the generous portion of meat quite dry and indistinguishable in flavor. It helped that it came with a full basket of warmed pita wedges, a scoop of rice and plenty of salad (photo:
). I’d like to give it another try since the «…& Kebab» shops are in need of a comeback. One can never have too many places to get gyros since not everyone has room for a rotating vertical spit.
FOOD — 3 stars… portions are generous here but the gyro meat was awfully dry for an early evening dinner
AMBIANCE — 3 stars… spacious though not much more to it
SERVICE — 3 stars… pretty transactional
TOTAL — 3 stars… Ed & Kebab lives on… for now

Stopped in here for lunch and had the lamb and beef gyro wrap. Very flavorful and just the right amount for lunch. I will have to try the other things on their menu.

We came in here with high hopes based on the 5 star Unilocal rating, but were not that impressed. Some food items were better than others, the service was ok, and the ambiance pleasant.
I had the beef and lamb gyro wrap, and was not impressed. The meat lacked flavor and the wrap was mediocre. My husband’s chicken gyro wrap was better, as the meat seemed to have more seasoning to it. We did appreciate the complimentary starter of hummus, babaganoush, and a vegetable relish served with warm pita bread — it was delightful.
The staff member who took our order was very friendly, but our server wasn’t very personable. Our server didn’t bring us napkins or silverware until we asked, which was irritating.
The space (the former Gajalee space) has been decorated in an elegant manner, and the Middle Eastern (sounded Turkish) music playing on the speakers were great.
Overall, a decent spot that needs to work on its service and food quality.

Lucky people who live in the Mission! This amazing restaurant used to be in Hayes Valley and was our go to every Sunday evening. It was immensely popular, as I’m sure it will be in the new location. The hummus is the best we’ve had. You’ll be taken care of here, 5 start service, that’s genuine, humbling — you’ll feel like you’re being hosted in someone’s house. Food is delicious. Free delivery for corporate catering. We will be back. Many many times.
Highly recommend the lamb and beef gyro wrap and plate. The baklava and tea is a perfect way to finish the meal. Plenty of seating, mostly tables for two, but I’m sure they could be pushed together to seat a larger group.

My shawarma dreams were crushed last week.
You see, I was hoping to get a delicious sharwarma from this new Med place in Noe Valley. Except cook bro decided to use his bare fingers to smear hummus on the lavash without washing his hands. That same lavash then exchanged another two set of bare hands. It was a blessing in disguise when that shawarma fell apart on my lap after I took the first bite. When I think about where those fingers were prior to stroking that hummus, my gag reflexes go into overdrive. Stay tuned for that review!
Redemption. Time.
Yesterday, I decided to pop by the newly opened Valencia & Kebab in the old Gajalee space (Indian restaurant with awful service). They’ve been open for about a week now and are from the owners of the recently closed Hayes & Kebab and recently opened Kobani in the Marina.
On the menu are starters & dips ($ 4.95-$ 14.95), salads ($ 4-​$ 7.95), shawarma wraps ($ 7.95-$ 8.95), meat & rice plates ($ 8.95-$ 19.95), and desserts ($ 3-​$ 6). Cc’s accepted.
I ordered the Lamb & Beef Shawarma ($ 8.50) and also received a complimentary piece of baklava which was a really nice gesture:
. For the price, the shawarma was decent. The lavash was basted with ghee (?) and nicely toasted on the griddle. There was a good amount of lamb & beef that was subtly spiced albeit a bit dry. The lettuce, tomatoes, and onions were fresh and crisp. The tahini (sesame paste) looked and tasted more like tzatziki (cucumber yogurt) which was fine by me since I love the creamy tang from tzatziki.
It’s hard to beat the shawarma from Truly Med (around the corner) and from Old Jerusalem (Mission/​26^th) but I would definitely give Valencia & Kebab another shot if I was in the area and I’m able to find parking because they’re quick and service was friendly. Oh yah, and the fact that the cook stroke my wrap with gloves is a huge after last week’s shawarma fiasco.
Because, yanno protection is important.

Tastes like home, and it’s just around the corner. Brand new, clean, and cute. I’ll be back often if they keep it up.
If you’re looking to order to-​go and you’re in a hurry, grab a wrap. We had to wait a while for plates but the service the staff were very sweet and made our wait comfortable.
The plates are really generous, we didn’t need one each (but I’m happy to be eating that moussaka again tomorrow.) My friend also struggled to finish his chicken wrap.
The sauce with the moussaka was so good, it tastes just like my grandmas. And the Kibbeh were also tasty, I can’t wait to come back and try my favourite for lunch — spanakopita!

Great new counter-​service Mediterranean spot in the neighborhood! The service was super friendly and the food was delicious and fresh.
My boyfriend and I wandered in last Friday night, and ordered a couple entrees. Since they had just opened, the owner offered us a couple cold appetizers and baklava on the house.
* Lamb & beef gyro platter — The meat was very flavorful and the portion was huge! I also really enjoyed the fresh side salad and rice. The tomatoes and cucumber were so refreshing, and the tabouleh sauce on the side was delicious.
* Lamb & beef gyro wrap — Basically everything on the platter, in a wrap. Yum.
* Baklava — so good! Super sweet and sticky, but not overwhelming. One of the best I’ve ever had!
The owner said they plan on staying open til 11pm on weekdays, and til 3am on weekends. Great new, fresh option for late night eats in the mission!

Valencia and Kebab is a new restaurant on Valencia serving hearty portions of kebabs,
Mediterranean appetizers, and some of the most delicious baklava that I’ve ever had.
The service is friendly, fast, and polite. Can’t wait to return!