
Kokkari Estiatorio
A renowned Greek restaurant offering a luxurious, old-school ambiance with a roaring fireplace and authentic Mediterranean dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Kokkari Estiatorio

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A renowned Greek restaurant offering a luxurious, old-school ambiance with a roaring fireplace and authentic Mediterranean dishes.
"One of the best Greek restaurants in the nation, serving food from the Gods with outstanding and flawlessly cooked specialties."
Reservations are Key
Make reservations over the phone as this popular spot fills up quickly; booking is essential.
Savor Traditional Greek
Try traditional Greek items like saganaki, dolmades, and gigantes for an authentic taste of Greece.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Greek
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Mediterranean Flavors
Indulge in exceptional Mediterranean cuisine that transports you to Greece with authentic dishes like Grilled Octopus and Lamb Chops.

Cozy & Elegant Ambiance
Experience a cozy yet elegant ambiance with rustic decor, a roaring fireplace, and dark wood detailing, perfect for any occasion.

Must-Try Grilled Octopus
Savor perfectly cooked grilled octopus, lauded for its tender interior and crisp exterior, a true highlight of the menu.
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Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations are Key
Make reservations over the phone as this popular spot fills up quickly; booking is essential.
Savor Traditional Greek
Try traditional Greek items like saganaki, dolmades, and gigantes for an authentic taste of Greece.
Don't Miss Unique Dishes
Explore unique offerings like Lamb Organ Meat Souvlaki or Grilled Octopus Salad for memorable, distinctive flavors.
Share Appetizers
A variety of delicious and generous portioned plates are recommended for sharing among friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations are Key
Make reservations over the phone as this popular spot fills up quickly; booking is essential.
Savor Traditional Greek
Try traditional Greek items like saganaki, dolmades, and gigantes for an authentic taste of Greece.
Don't Miss Unique Dishes
Explore unique offerings like Lamb Organ Meat Souvlaki or Grilled Octopus Salad for memorable, distinctive flavors.
Share Appetizers
A variety of delicious and generous portioned plates are recommended for sharing among friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kokkari Estiatorio is highly praised for its superb Greek cuisine, particularly the grilled octopus and lamb dishes, and its warm, elegant ambiance featuring a fireplace. While most diners rave about the delicious food and attentive service, a few have noted issues with seating proximity and the occasional flavor disappointment in specific mezedes.
"This was the best Greek food I’ve ever had! The food was delicious, and the temperature and atmosphere of the restaurant were perfect.
Our server, Ben, was incredibly kind and professional. His recommendations did not disappoint. The highlights of the meal were the lamb and sea bass—both made with fresh ingredients and had an amazingly tender texture.
Everything came together perfectly. This is definitely a place I’d love to return to when I’m back in San Francisco! 👏🍽️🥂"
CHLOE CHOE
"We went with a group of friends and tried several dishes from the menu. First of all, we were served a huge basket of freshly baked sourdough bread with amazing olive oil, such a great start!
We ordered a variety of plates to share, and everything was delicious and generous in portion. Highlights for us were the octopus and the massive branzino, both outstanding.
The service was excellent from beginning to end. A solid 10/10. We’ll definitely be coming back! :)"
Abril Ruhstaller
"This place is elevated, I feel like I wasn’t dressed appropriately. But even so the staff was great, very professional and friendly. Exceptional wine menu. We got a mix appetizer and moussaka. I liked the app, the moussaka was pretty heavy and a bit one note for me. I generally enjoy a more casual place."
Eva Toimil
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are best made over the phone, as the restaurant is very popular and tends to fill up quickly.
Popular choices include the grilled octopus, lamb chops, moussaka, and traditional Greek desserts like baklava.
The restaurant features a cozy and elegant ambiance with rustic decor, a roaring fireplace, and dark wood detailing.
Yes, the restaurant is noted for being accommodating to dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance.
Many reviewers recommend Kokkari for date nights due to its romantic ambiance and exquisite food.
Consider unique offerings like Lamb Organ Meat Souvlaki or Grilled Octopus Salad for a distinctive culinary experience.
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The best Greek restaurants in San Francisco
With its roaring fireplace, dark wood detailing, and uncommonly gracious service, this renowned Greek spot feels luxuriously old-school. Despite the white tablecloth flourish, it’s named after a small fishing village on the island of Samos in the Agean Sea. (In Greek mythology, that’s also the place where Poseidon’s son, Orion, prepared elaborate feasts for his beloved.) The emphasis is on citrus-spiked seafood and rich game dishes prepared on the charcoal grill and wood-fired oven, including lamb chops in an oregano vinaigrette and calamari stuffed with feta, orange and fennel.
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There aren’t a lot of Greek restaurants in San Francisco, but even if there were places on every corner (Souvla is trying), Kokkari would still be one of the best. Everything at this place from kolokithokeftethes (crispy zucchini cakes) to their braised lamb shank that falls off the bone is delicious, and the roaring fireplace is a great backdrop for any birthday or special occasion. This place only takes reservations over the phone, and even if you hate dialing more than paying your actual phone bill, it’s worth it.
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Warm and cozy, with ochre-hued walls and chunky wooden tables and beams. There's usually something turning on the spit (chicken or lamb, most likely) over an open fireplace and it smells amazing!. The place is big, with around 200 seats, and is always full.
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Will go back just to eat the rice pudding and octopus again and again and again!We were able to scoop a bar reservation for a party of 3 and they put us in the corner where we'd be able to face each other more for conversations than sitting side by side. There was a draft because it was directly down the hall from the front door, but it wasn't too bad especially after a glass of wine. Didn't snap pics of the entrees we got, but we had the stewed goat, the ravioli and moussaka. The orzo was my favorite! But hands down the appetizers and desserts were the best. Quite pricy (~110) per person but it was incredible and definitely one of my fav SF resto.
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This well-known Greek restaurant has a roaring fireplace, dark wood decorations, and extremely polite service, making it feel lavishly traditional. Impress your special person with some of the best grilled octopus in the area or marithes tiganites, which are mezethes (small plates) like fried smelt with garlic-potato skordalia and lemon. The majority of main courses are made with lambs, such as kokinisto me manestra, braised lamb shank with orzo, and myzithra, but there are still plenty of choices for people who prefer fish, chicken, or vegetables.
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With all the fuss about the French and the Italians and their romantic ways, we shouldn't forget that the Greeks have been in the business of pairing food and love since ancient times. One of the most enchanting dinner destinations in the city, Kokkari Estiatorio offers a refined yet cozy ambiance that sets the mood for a perfectly picturesque evening. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are carefully combined to create Mediterranean delights like moussaka, zucchini cakes and grilled lamb chops.
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Kokkari Estiatorio is one of the most admired restaurant in San Francisco and because of its unique Greek cuisine, it is a favourite for adventurer foodies as well as romantic couples. It is often complimented as a restaurant serving food from Gods, thanks to its outstanding variety of flawlessly cooked Greek specialties. This restaurant has been a winner since many years and has a special place in the hearts of food lovers and people who prefer fine dining.
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Kokkari Estiatorio offers a warm, rustic romance that transports you straight to the heart of seaside Greece. The wood-fired cooking, exposed brick, and soft lighting create an incredibly inviting atmosphere for couples to share a quietly cozy evening out. Break bread, sample artisanal olive oil, share plates, and enjoy robust Greek wines while creating memorably intimate culinary adventures for two here.
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In SF, the Greek dining list is short: Orexi in West Portal is a neighborhood standout, Palo Alto’s Evvia is the best outside SF, while its sister, Kokkari, is SF’s Greek queen since 1998. Kokkari remains one of the best Greek restaurants in the nation, but there’s a newcomer from none other than locally-based but international restaurateur/chef Michael Mina: Estiatorio Ornos a Michael Mina Restaurant.
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Here, they live by something called “philoxenia,” or the magic of turning strangers into friends. The interior exudes the coziness of a rustic Mediterranean inn, with a crackling fireplace, handcrafted pottery, and fresh flowers welcoming you. Not only is the atmosphere lovely, but Kokkari offers heavenly Greek cuisine with a warm, homey vibe that’ll make you feel like you never want to leave.
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Once you step inside Kokkari Estiatorio Opens in new window you will know that a special evening awaits. The fireplace creates a warm, cozy vibe and they have mastered modern Greek fine dining with dishes such as lamb chops perfected on their mesquite grill, traditional Greek baked moussaka, and baklava ice cream. The stellar bar at Kokkari is not to be missed.
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Once you step inside Kokkari Estiatorio you will know that a special evening awaits. The fireplace creates a warm, cozy vibe and they have mastered modern Greek fine dining with dishes such as lamb chops perfected on their mesquite grill, traditional Greek baked moussaka, and baklava ice cream. The stellar bar at Kokkari is not to be missed.
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Kokkari Estiatorio brings a touch of warmth and charm to business dinners. It is a Greek restaurant that transports you to the Mediterranean with its rustic decor, wood-burning fireplace, and rotisserie. The menu features traditional and contemporary Greek dishes which use fresh and seasonal ingredients from local sources.
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It exudes the warmth and vibrancy of a Mediterranean taverna. Its rustic interiors, complete with a cozy fireplace and inviting open kitchen, create a captivating dining atmosphere. While its menu is heavily influenced by traditional Greek cuisine, Kokkari Estiatorio ensures that plant-based dinners aren’t overlooked.
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This well-known restaurant has been roasting meats over open fires since 1998. Amazingly, you’ll recognize the restaurant by the aroma of fresh lemon and seasoned lamb floating through the room. You will have a chance of ordering taverna-style food served in a sophisticated setting with candlelight and wood beams.
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This upscale Greek restaurant features rustic-elegant decor and a fireplace, creating a cozy ambiance. Kokkari's Mediterranean flavors and attentive service make it a romantic choice. The menu offers a variety of mezedes (small plates) perfect for sharing, as well as wood-fired meats and seafood.
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If you're looking for delicious Greek food, look no further. Here you order à la carte from an amazing array of appetizers and main dishes. Unlike the other San Francisco fine dining restaurants on my list, this one is open every day of the week, including for lunch during the week.
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A perfect choice for a date or large party, this upscale Mediterranean stalwart with cozy-chic environs never disappoints. Exposed wood, earthen pottery, soft lighting, an open kitchen, and a large rotisserie fireplace give it a warm, chic, Mediterranean feel. Reliably superb food…
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Re Kokkari - it is an amazing restaurant with great food, but I would call it California-Greek - standards are re invented and there are some dishes there you'd never see on a traditional Greek menu. BUT go anyway - it is the best of how SF interprets regional cuisine.
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A true gem of Mediterranean hospitality, Kokkari Estiatorio brings the warmth of a Greek taverna to San Francisco. Their rustic yet refined food paired with their inviting ambiance (there's even a fireplace indoors!) provides an unforgettable experience.
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Transport your date to Greece with Kokkari’s traditional Mediterranean fare for takeout. Try the fresh grilled octopus or chicken souvlaki. End on a sweet note with flaky walnut and honey baklava, served with vanilla praline ice cream.
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Kokkari Estiatorio, a rustic Greek taverna, offers diners a chic, warm Mediterranean dining experience in a space with a fireplace, handmade pottery, and more. You can't go wrong with the whole grilled fish or the grilled lamb chops.
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Kokkari Estiatorio, just a few blocks from the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero, is not just the best in high-end in all of the city, but ranks in the top 10 in the entire United States, according to Tripadvisor.
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There’s a reason Kokkari is one of the hardest to get reservations in the City. It’s just that good. Anytime anyone asks me for San Francisco restaurant recommendations, I steer them directly to Kokkari.
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Located in the financial district of San Francisco, Kokkari Estiatorio is home to possibly one of the best Greek food you can find in the West Coast, according to some reviews that I’ve read.
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The atmosphere of old-world charm and the Mediterranean inspired decor make this restaurant unique. The menu is full of delicious Mediterranean specialties.
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- Rating: 4.4/5 (5309 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 200 Jackson St. San Francisco, California - Categories: Greek, Mediterranean- Read more on Yelp
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200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111Phone: 415-981-0983 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Megan Henry (@megan_in_charmcity)
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