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Kitchen Istanbul, San Francisco, CA

Kitchen Istanbul

4.8 (1206)
$30 and under
Turkish
349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Make a reservation

2 people
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
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

NoiseModerate

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
  1. 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.

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  2. 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!

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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?

  7. 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!

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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.

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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 1206 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Richmond District

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Kitchen Istanbul

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
  • Phone number
  • 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.
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