Kitchen Istanbul

Name: Kitchen Istanbul
Address: 349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94118
Telephone: (415) 753-9479
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (1200)

$30 and under

Turkish

349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Great for fine wines
Good for special occasions

Kitchen Istanbul is an elevated neighborhood restaurant celebrating the rich and diverse flavors of Turkey. We believe in real food, honest wine, and genuine hospitality. Recently named one of the Bay Area’s Top 100 Restaurants by the SF Chronicle and one of San Francisco’s standout spots by the LA Times, our little corner of Clement St. has become both a local favorite and a destination for visitors.
Led by owner Emrah Kilicoglu, Kitchen Istanbul is run by a close-knit team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests. Our menu was originally developed by Chef Alican Boynak and is now guided by Chef Busra Ayvaz, his close friend and chosen successor. Chef Ayvaz brings deep knowledge of Turkey’s regional cuisines and a passion for seasonal ingredients, resulting in dishes that are soulful and full of character. Our wine program, curated by Joseph DiGrigoli, reflects a producer-first philosophy and sustainability. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation,
Wine Spectator.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Turkish, Greek, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(415) 753-9479
Website
http://www.kitchenistanbulsf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Büşra Ayvaz
Private party facilities
Kitchen Istanbul is bookable for private events of all dining styles, from wine-and-snacks receptions to seated, multi-course dinners. We can accommodate up to 30 people for a seated dinner at one contiguous table, up to 40 people for a seated dinner at multiple tables, and up to 50 people for standing receptions with wine and passed food.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighborhood
Richmond District
Cross street
5th Avenue
Parking details
Street parking. Public Parking on 6th avenue between Clement and Geary.
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Olives$9.00
with mixed herbs
Pickles$10.00
Indian eggplant, Romano bean, cauliflower, broccoli
Potato Croquettes$10.00
with Girit ezme
Muhammara$11.00
Roasted red pepper, walnuts, pomegranate molasses
Havuc tarator$11.00
Shredded carrots, yogurt, mint, walnuts
Hummus$11.00
You know what hummus is :)
Istanbul-style şakşuka$15.00
Japanese eggplant, Anaheim pepper, tomato
Levrek marin$24.00
Aegean-style branzino crudo, Fresno chile, green apple

Small Plates

Pistachio Salad$20.00
farm greens, cara cara orange, mint fennel, flax seed
Pomegranate Salad$19.00
Radicchio, frisée, farm greens, golden beet,, goat cheese, walnut
Celery Root$21.00
Fried leek, carrot, green pea, almond crema
Paçanga Börek$16.00
Kashkaval cheese, Armenian basturma, Anaheim pepper, frisee
Sautéed Shrimp$22.00
Shishito peppers, chermoula butter, Maraş pepper
Octopus$24.00
Catelvetrano olive, roasted red pepper, chickpea, fried caper, pearl onion
Charcoal-grilled Adana Kebaps$29.00
Sumac-onion, ezme, Fresno chile, homemade lavash

Large Plates

Orzotto$26.00
Maraş pepper okra, hen of the woods mushrooms, Erzincan tulum
Pitman Farm Chicken for Two$48.00
Couscous, sun-dried tomato, chard, eski kasar
Aegean Branzino$38.00
Preserved Meyer lemon, cowpea "börulce" piyaz, salsa verde, fresh herb salad
Moussaka$34.00
Spiced ground beef, eggplant, bell pepper, béchamel
Braised short rib$38.00
Urfa chimichurri, smoked firik bulgur, İzmir tulum

Dessert

Büşra's revani$13.00
simple syrup soaked cake, poached sand pear, homemade whipped cream
Künefe$14.00
Kadayif, traditional cheese, pistachio
Sutlac$13.00
Rice pudding, Alexandre Family Farm milk, hazelnut
İnci Profiterole$14.00
patê a choux, pastry cream, chocolate, almonds

What 1,200 people are saying

Kitchen Istanbul reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Kitchen Istanbul shines as a "neighborhood gem" with "top quality" food and a "thoughtful" wine list. Patrons praise the "super attentive staff," "excellent service," and "delicious" dishes like silky hummus and Adana kebabs. Though the ambiance can be noisy, the "intimate, warm" vibe and "incredible" wine program keep guests returning.

1,200 Reviews

D
Deborah VIP
San Francisco Bay Area15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great food and service! Small restaurant so you should make reservations.
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H
Helen
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was our first time at Kitchen Istanbul. The 5 of us ordered 5 mezes and 2 small plates to share and ordered our own main course. The ingredients were of high quality and preparation of each was beautifully prepared. The short ribs were the best I have had from a restaurant, and not overly salty. The bulgur was fantastic. One of us had the moussaka which was also delicious, I also tried the branzino. Generally, I appreciate the esthetics of the kitchen, each dish was beautifully composed. Our server was very nice, informative, patient and friendly. The only drawback was the chairs were not as comfortable as can be. But the height of the seat in relationship to the height of the table was perfect which is a welcome consideration. Some restaurants don't even think about that. Considering all aspects of a dine-out experience, I would give you a 4.5 star.
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A
Andrew
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Istanbul Kitchen has become a regular spot for us. Food is always interesting and always well cooked. Staff are friendly, wine list thoughtful and extensive. It can get noisy, but so is virtually everywhere else. Always a pleasure.
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S
Shari
San Francisco Bay Area6 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great flavors, personable service, will return. Only negative was noise level too high
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T
Tim
London13 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
LOVE Kitchen Istanbul. Menu has changed since we were last there and even though some of our favorites are gone, the new additions are fantastic. Great wine menu too. And the people couldn’t be nicer. One of my absolute favorite go-to consistently great SF restaurants.
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B
Britton
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on May 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every dish we ordered was excellent down to the warm pita and silky hummus. The servers were super friendly and attentive and the wine suggestion was spot on. The kebap and carrot starter were stand-outs. Love this neighborhood gem.
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A
Alexia
London2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, wonderul wine and excellent service. We will be back.
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L
Libby
Greater Boston4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience! The service and food are top notch. Incredible advice from the sommelier! Will absolutely be back.
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M
Mary
Washington, D.C. Area1 review
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite place to take any guest from out of town, or eat with my fiancé. The staff have AMAZING wine recommendations for any occasion, and the food is always top quality. I already can’t wait to go back again!
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U
Ursula VIP
San Francisco Bay Area17 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Kitchen Istanbul is extraordinary: delicious, exquisite, lovely! We drive a long way to come to this SF restaurant. The food is always top class and artistic, beautifully presented, and divinely delicious. We roll out of there after a meal in bliss! Thank you for the gift of a delightful sensual experience.
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FAQs

Kitchen Istanbul offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 753-9479.

Kitchen Istanbul is rated 4.8 stars by 1200 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
5th Avenue
Neighborhood
Richmond District
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Turkish, Greek, Wine Bar
Dining style
Elegant Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking. Public Parking on 6th avenue between Clement and Geary.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Büşra Ayvaz
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
http://www.kitchenistanbulsf.com/
Phone number
(415) 753-9479
Private party facilities
Kitchen Istanbul is bookable for private events of all dining styles, from wine-and-snacks receptions to seated, multi-course dinners. We can accommodate up to 30 people for a seated dinner at one contiguous table, up to 40 people for a seated dinner at multiple tables, and up to 50 people for standing receptions with wine and passed food.

Kitchen Istanbul

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Mezes

Olives$9.00

Pickles$10.00

Potato Croquettes$10.00

Muhammara$11.00

Havuc tarator$11.00

Hummus$11.00

Istanbul-style şakşuka$15.00

Levrek marin$24.00

Small Plates

Pistachio Salad$20.00

Pomegranate Salad$19.00

Celery Root$21.00

Paçanga Börek$16.00

Sautéed Shrimp$22.00

Octopus$24.00

Charcoal-grilled Adana Kebaps$29.00

Large Plates

Orzotto$26.00

Pitman Farm Chicken for Two$48.00

Aegean Branzino$38.00

Moussaka$34.00

Braised short rib$38.00

Dessert

Büşra's revani$13.00

Künefe$14.00

Sutlac$13.00

İnci Profiterole$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Kitchen Istanbul offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Kitchen Istanbul restaurant rated?

Is Kitchen Istanbul currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information