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 (1206)

$30 and under

Turkish

349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

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.

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

Experiences

Metiche at Kitchen Istanbul
$125.00 per person
Multiple dates available
On Wednesday July 9, we'll be hosting a very special pop-up from Ian Gordon, executive sous chef at Californios, for the launch of his new project Metiche. Ian has crafted a killer seven-course menu of elevated Mexican street food highlighting local ingredients. We've also put together a wine pairing featuring stand-out bottles from some of our favorite producers. The menu price is $125, with the pairing an optional add-on for $75. We will be able to accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diners for this event, but due to the special nature of the menu, may not be able to accommodate all allergies and dietary restrictions. Please reach out directly if you have any questions. And come join us for what's sure to be an incredible evening. Seats are limited for this one, so book sooner than later.

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 1,206 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
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Kitchen Istanbul is a delightful neighborhood gem with "delicious food," a "thoughtful and extensive wine list," and "incredible service." The ambiance is inviting and perfect for both intimate gatherings and special occasions. Frequent patrons praise the "amazing recommendations" and the "satisfying" dining experience. Despite occasional noise, it's a "must-visit" spot for locals and visitors alike.

1,206 Reviews

S
Steve VIP
San Francisco Bay Area22 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 29, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Really great food, warm ambiance, and great service.
Is this helpful?
A
Arie
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an amazing experience at Kitchen Istanbul. The server had wonderful recommendations and the wine manager had the perfect pairing suggestions that were new and so interesting in the best way. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen
Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A bright yet inviting corner spot with a real neighborhood vibe, delicious food, friendly service.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathryn VIP
San Francisco Bay Area71 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Neighborhood gem. Lovely hosts, excellent food and extensive wine list. This is our go to place with folks from out of town who come to visit and want a taste of a place that "locals" love.
Is this helpful?
J
Jenny
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wow! The food was so amazing, it made me want to hop on a plane to Turkey! The flavors and ingredients were so flavorful, quality and elevated. The service was exceptional-our server was so amazing I had to overtip. It is fine dining, the vibe is sophisticated and the prices and portions match. It's perfect for a small group or special occasion.
Is this helpful?
I
Izzy
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and wine were so amazing! The service was also great.
Is this helpful?
j
jeremy
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on June 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding restaurant. Great vibes, food and service. Joseph is the best and always makes our experience special!
Is this helpful?
D
Deborah VIP
San Francisco Bay Area15 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great food and service! Small restaurant so you should make reservations.
Is this helpful?
H
Helen
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
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.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
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.
Is this helpful?

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 1206 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

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

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

Metiche at Kitchen Istanbul

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

Loved For

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