I almost hesitant to put in a review because this is my favorite spot in the city, and I don't want all the crazy food influencers discovering the spot. That said, I would be doing this place an injustice if I did not place in a review because it is THAT good. I come here for any kind of occasion, for any mood or feeling I am up to. The food is delectable, versatile, healthy, and the staff lady is always very kind. Heavy emphasis on the amazing food. I have tried most of the menu at this point. With the exception of the kebab that I found to be slightly dry, when I say every other dish, and I mean every other dish, is phenomenal, I mean it. Try the chicken cubes. Try the baba ghanouj or hummus (I probably butchered that spelling). The warm pita bread with garlic and spicy sauce. The generous portion sizes. I love this spot with all my heart, and it is my place of retreat read more

Karam - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Relatively new to Polk st, Karam is a fine addition serving traditional Mediterranean fare. It has plentiful vegetarian options. You'll find the classics here like falafels and mezzes, but they also serve curries. Okra curry - 4.5/5 Delicious curry, served with rice and pita bread and dips. The portion is extremely generous, can easily be shared by 2 people. The pita was warm and soft, but the dips. Oh the dips. Absolutely incredible and unique. There was a spicy one and salty yogurt based dip. Both were delicious to the extreme. Rice was served with chopped almonds on top which added a really nice bite to the dish. The curry was flavorful and hearty. The ambience was welcoming, very family restaurant vibes. Service was excellent. Go here for a casual and delicious meal read more

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Discovered this hidden gem on Polk street as it was one of the few places with availability on a busy Saturday night. The inside is very cozy and unassuming. Food was amazing. The Reyash lamb rack was grilled perfectly, slightly charred on the outside but very smoky and tender. Also got the combo kebabs which included the beef, chicken, and lamb. They both came with a side of fresh herbs and veggies. Hummus and pita are also provided. Sizable portions and great service. Definitely check out this spot for some incredible Mediterranean food. Some of the best I've had in the city! read more

Karam - combo kebab and lamb rack - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food is from Syria - something that was different for me. Food was fantastic! It is very flavorful and had a lot of good spices. The homemade pita and baba ghanouj is a must try - smooth and well mixed. Meats were tender and cooked with distinctive flavors. Service was good and efficient. read more

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Current reviews are right again. This place is LEGIT. I had: Fatoush (salad) - Very good. Dressing is a little heavy (pomegranate dressing) but everything is fresh and seasoned well. Fries - Perfect. Like McDonalds but better. Salted perfectly. Combo shawarma plate with chicken, lamb/beef and lamb. Absolutely delish. Even the rice was flavored impeccably. I polished off some of the wife's uneaten falafel and it was also spot on. It's hard to put a finger on exactly why the food is so good but obviously everything is totally fresh and seasoned perfectly. Any fan of Mediterranean food will be happy here. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

Karam - Combo shawarma plate. Freakin' delicious. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I already had dinner and was heading toward Bob's Donuts for a treat but was still hungry. Saw this place across the street and figured I might as well order take out just in case I was still hungry when I got home. Got the kafta kebab. Very good. And solid value at $22. Came with some nice sauces as well. I like that they put lots of parsley as topping. Would recommend and will come back when I'm in the neighbborhood. read more

This was a surprisingly YUMMY hole in the wall Arabic restaurant we stumbled upon before heading to a bar across the street. The restaurant has a casual and laid back atmosphere with economical pricing as well as very friendly servers. Everything from the hummus and baba ghanoush to the okra veggie dish was so so so flavorful! And to top it off, we got baklava after our meal which hit to sweet spot. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

Karam - Falafel Plate, Veggie Okra - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

I got two apps and was wowed in particular by the Hummus Shawarma Chicken. First dip in and I thought it was DELICIOUS. I also got the baba ghanouj. They gave a ton of fluffy pita, toum, and a spicy sauce to go with it. And they also threw in a baklava for me. I appreciated the hospitality. I would definitely order from here again! read more

Karam - Hummus Shawarma Chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Friendly service and delicious food! If you like halloumi cheese, this is the best: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. You get hot sauce and garlic whip with it. The lamb/beef shawarma plate was yummy, and a large portion. I took half home. The meat was slightly gristly, but that was the only drawback. Nice presentation and a pleasant interior. Do try! read more

Karam - Halloumi cheese - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Wrong order, no resolution, very poor handling of issue We ordered food for me and my husband on May 2 through Toast as a guest order. My husband's beef and lamb shawarma was fine, but my order was incorrect. I ordered shawarma lamb and beef with rice, but what I received was fries instead of rice without any notice or approval. At no point was I informed that rice was unavailable or asked if I agreed to a substitution. The order was simply changed without my consent. After discovering the issue, I immediately contacted the restaurant to request either a refund or a replacement meal.But they were already closed. after that night I called them and both were refused. I was told it was "their decision" to substitute fries if rice wasn't available, even though I never agreed to any change. The way my concern was handled felt dismissive and unprofessional, with no effort made to correct the mistake or take responsibility for delivering an incorrect order. Very disappointing experience, especially when paying for a specific item and receiving something completely different with no resolution offered. read more

I am so happy I discovered this a hidden gem on Polk street. Karam offers one of the most delicious Mediterranean food at affordable prices here in the city. My only wish is that there is more staff. There was only one woman greeting and seating customers, bussing tables, taking orders, and checking out. We could tell she was doing her best to manage the load, but she was pulled in so many directions that we had to wait long to order and get water. Other than the lack of service, the food itself was delicious. Large portions, flavorful and not too salty or oily. I had the chicken shawarma entree which came with loads of marinated chicken and a generous serving of rice. The house made pita with garlic sauce and chili sauce was addicting. The baklava was also one of the best tasting ones I've had. It was the perfect amount of sweetness, flakiness, and had no overpowering rose water taste - just how I like it. On that night for dinner I went in with no expectations and left a happy and full customer. I can't wait to return, as I've been eyeing their Arabic style dishes. read more

Karam - Chicken Shawarma Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

So glad I found this hidden gem on Polk St. I walked past by this restaurant a few times before and I finally got to try their food, and it did not disappoint. The okra lamb shank was perfectly cooked and very tender and soft. I never had this dish before but it was something that I would go back to this place for. The halloumi cheese was delicious as well, and harmonized amazingly with the fresh vegetables and the sauces that came with it. The waitress here carried such a kind and bright energy, it added to the great dining experience. read more

Karam - Okra Lamb Shank - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A solidly priced and decently tastey Turkish restaurant in the Nob Hill area. The service is terrific (helpful, friendly) and the food was better than average, especially for the price point. The hummus was ok as was the bread, but nothing to run too. If I had to give it a grade, I would give it a B minus. The shish tawook (cubed chicken breast on skewers) had a good flavor and was juicy. I opted to substitute salad for the usual rice. This is a super casual spot with very little noise dampening but it was immaculately clean. read more

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Relatively new spot on Polk St! They have some seating inside -- good for casual meals. However, service was slow and it took a while for our food to come out (~25mins). I'd recommend either ordering take out or don't come too hungry. Food seemed hot & fresh tho! Food is yummy! I ordered the chicken shawarma wrap and it came with fries drizzled w pomegranate molasses (this combo was DELISH). The baklava at the end of our meal was truly icing on top. Overall, solid place to grab food! read more

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Newer to polk but amazing!! I got the shish tawouk plate and it was so yummy and filling. Rice was seasoned, chicken tender and juicy and the salad was + hummus was delicious! My friends arabic style chicken shawarma plate was also delicious. We got complimentary pita and hot sauce/garlic sauce (toum) which was SO yum. They had a deal going which got us free baklava, def the best part. It was flaky, sweet and I'd go back just for this. Service was sweet and friendly! Exciting to have a new mediterranean place on polk street!! read more

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The food looked amazing and taste so good. The decor is beautiful. And the service was fast and friendly. I'll make Karam a regular spot. read more

Karam - Chicken Shish Kabab - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Really hungry for some good hummus and babaghanouj, we were searching for good Mediterranean in Polk Gulch. This place had only been open for a month, but we decided to give it a try. We had a very sweet waitress who was very helpful. We were hoping for a combo platter of all the favs to dip warm pita in, but they were only listed separately by appetizer. They just published their menu, so we will look for a combo platter in their future, but today ordered three separate dishes of hummus, baba, and muhamara- the sweet red pepper dish. We also added a wing plate which came with seasoned and fried wings with garlic fries on top, a really yummy salad and more hummus. Of course, a basket of pita was an essential, to dig in to all these dips. We were delighted at the amazing flavors and depth of each. The hummus was creamy and fruity with good olive oil, the baba smoky with eggplant and tahini and the muhamara sweet with a little kick. It was hard to stop eating, quite frankly, but stop we did and packed the leftovers to take home and enjoy another day. The wings were crunchy and the salad was colorful and fresh, providing a nice contrast to the wings and fries. We even had a bite of their baklava, which was a promotion for coming in to eat. Well worth the trip and we'll be back. read more

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Sooo glad I suggested we try this restaurant! :D Everything tasted delicious. You know you've come to a good Mediterranean restaurant when the hummus and fattoush are done right. We were a party of 7 adults (all middle eastern and particular on what we like) and this place nailed it. We got the chicken shawarma plate, kafta plate, halloumi, and grape leaves. Probably my least favorite was the grape leaves .. I just thought it was too stuffed and not too flavorful. The plate portions are huge (good to share between 2). I saw tabbouli and falafel scratched off on the menu. I'd love to come back and try those! Service was a little slow but I think that may be because they are fairly new and don't have enough staff. Worth the wait though! Highly recommended! read more

We came here to give a new neighbourhood small restaurant a try (plus we love Mediterranean food!) The interior is beautifully designed, it's very nice and fancy-looking, something we don't have much of on Polk Street. It wasn't too busy when we came in for dinner, although there seems to be a pretty constant stream of food pickup/delivery going on, so they were definitely on the busy end behind the counter. We ordered the Fatouch Salad, the halloumi cheese, and a chicken wrap. The cheese and salad came out pretty quick but I guess hot foods take a bit longer as my partner's wrap was a bit slower than expected. Either way, it was worth the wait, as everything we had was absolutely delicious. The fatouch is super sour with tonnes of herbal flavours. I wasn't expecting the cheese to be deep fried but it was and that made it perfect. My partner said the chicken was well-seasoned and the hot sauce went well with it. We'll definitely be back to try a few other things that grabbed our attention. read more

SO GOOD!!! Food and service were amazing. We came on a monday night. So flavorful and large portions. My family really enjoyed the meal as well, 100% will come back. The lamb shank was best. read more

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I loved their Chicken shawarma plate,I think it about it a lot but wasn't a huge a fan of the lamb plate but would go back for the chicken,good service read more

Karam - Chicken Shawarma Arabic Style - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

No frills- just Phenomenal food and lovely service, really just superb. Glad I found this, will be back!!! and will bring my kids and my friends. read more

Lamb Shish Kebab, Karam = It means, "Generous." Flavor to the palette 〰 A garlic and sauce festivity.... Fresh made to order. Fresh, herbs . I appreciate the hospitality, so much. Open late until 9:30 pm last serve, I think. I like that. Rie read more

Karam - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Incredible new Mediterranean/Lebanese place that opened at Polk. Great food at great prices. I would recommend for family gathering or late night fare. Service was great and ambiance was very good. read more

Karam - Various appetizers, including muhamarra, hummas/beyrooti, and halloumi - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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got the chicken wrap for delivery and it was very substantial! chicken was moist and the burrito skin wasn't too excessive but still held up well read more

Karam - chicken wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

It was a really good experience. Staff was cordial and ambience was good. Worth recommendation. Thank you. read more

Karam - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

The food is below average. Their service is very bad. Went there again for the second time to give it another chance but it was very disappointing again. The first time the food was below average, small quantity and expensive. Also, the service was very slow. The waitress had a very bad attitude. She was very rude every time we asked her a question or even to get us a glass of water. The second visit was even worse. We were there around 8:00pm on Sunday while they close at 10:00pm. We were told that they wouldn't seat us as the food had to be to go. We told the owner that he didn't mention that neither on his website nor was it listed on a sign in the restaurant. He said that he would stop seating customers anytime he wanted to. Also, he said that he would close the restaurant anytime he didn't feel like working. He definitely lacked some intelligence. We told him that he wouldn't be in business too long with this bad attitude. At this point, we decided to leave and went to another restaurant. read more

I've been all over the Bay Area for Mediterranean food, from Falafel's Drive In to Falafel Stop to Falafelle to Mazra to Sofra Grill (my absolute favorite until now), and Karam is the one to rule them all. Owned by the kindest, sweetest family, their food is extremely fresh, delicious and authentic! They have quite literally the best humus (bayrooty) and baba ghanouj I've ever had, and their chicken shish taouk is breast meat but so juicy you'd think it's thigh! I normally don't like lamb but their lamb shish kebab is cooked to perfection, so much that myself and my chicken-eating friend fought over the table's shared lamb plate! Lastly, we loved the dawood basha, this delightful sautéed meatball dish full of spices and a rich, flavorful sauce!! Portions are huge here and prices are super reasonable. Service is top notch, they are extremely attentive! Ambiance is very inviting and experience overall is just awesome. We found this place thanks to other Yelp users, and even though we live in the peninsula, we try to come up to eat here whenever we can so we can help them stay in business!! This place is the best! I promise that you'll get hooked after the first visit! read more

Delicious, fresh homemade dishes. Love the baba and hummus beiruti! Got the kofta in a spicy tomatoe sauce for my entree on the first visit.. Served with rice, meat was delicious and your could taste the smokiness from The grill! Second visit, got shish taouk.. so fresh and chicken grilled to perfection.. I look forward to trying more dishes here. Clean, kind and great service! Price is reasonable for the portions.. read more

Karam - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very good middle estern food. The menu consists of meza, kabobs, wraps, salads, and desserts. Walked by randomly today and decided to have an early dinner. I had the combo kebab with chicken, kefta, and beef which came with hummus, bread, and salad. The sauces were a little spicy and I haven't had them at other restaurants before, they were good. Prices are reasonable for the quality. I recommend. read more

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Highly recommend this gem on Polk Street!!! We wandered in not knowing what to expect and ended up satisfied. The outside and inside present super differently - the outside gives street food / quick bites vibes while the inside is very spacious and feels very high-end-sit down-restaurant. The portion sizes were massssssive - we literally could not finish our food. Service was quick too!! read more

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The food was delicious. Well seasoned and lotsa flavors. I ordered the lamb shish kebab and I loved it. The lamb was well cooked the rice was delicious and the hummus was tasty. The woman who helped us was really friendly and helpful when deciding what to order. It's on Polk street and that location gets a lot of visitors. It was halfway packed. I liked the table they sat us at. The vibes were cheerful and friendly. I would definitely return in the future. read more

Karam - Lamb Shish Kabab - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

I already started eating and then remembered to take pics oops! The food is very yummy and the portions are big - def splitable size. The staff is super nice and attentive. I pass by this place all the time and it's cuter inside than I thought it would be. My bfs new go to in the neighborhood. read more

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A new gem on Polk Street! Great authentic Syrian food. Good quality and great presentation. Service is amazing, you feel at home. The restaurant is designed nicely and cozy ambiance. Family owned and owners is always there to make sure you are welcomed, and you are fully satisfied with what you order. I highly recommend their Baklava, tasty crunchy and not overly sweet. Everything I tried is great, simply you will be happy with anything you order. I highly recommend this place and wish them best of luck, we needed such a restaurant on Polk street. read more

Great new Mediterranean spot on Polk St. Tried it out today. The Shish Taouk was absolutely delicious... the chicken was perfect. Service was great, the staff is very kind. Will be returning! read more

Fairly new restaurant. I felt warmly welcomed. I got my favorite beef kabobs plate to take home. The meat was perfectly grilled tender steak. I love that the meat was not on a stick. Great hummus. I would like more vegetables to round it out. read more

Karam - Beef, rice, hummus, grilled tomato, Pita bread, salad. Also included baklava - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Excellent addition to the neighborhood, home cooked and carefully executed middle eastern food. The grilled meat plates are fantastic, I prefer the lamb but the beef kafta and chicken were very good Humus chicken Schwarama is an excellent combination The hot sauce and garlic (Toum) are fantastic read more

Karam - Shish Taouk - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I am strict when it comes to Arab food, I've been eating it my whole life. After visiting with my family, we will all be coming back. The flavors of garlic and picketed vegetables burst through every bite. The meat was dense and flavored with individual spices, and the service was wonderful! It's great to see a new restaurant have the care and flavor of my grandmothers house, if I'm out before midnight I'll be stopping by here read more

Karam - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We accidentally stumbled upon this place walking down Polk. Probably the best food I've had since starting to come to the city. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The baba ghanoush was incredible, half chicken was amazing, and the salads are fresh. Not to mention the woman working at the register was incredibly sweet and very welcoming with excellent customer service. The space was clean and well maintained as well. Highly recommend!! read more

Karam has reminded me that Mediterranean cuisine has like 5 different top 5 dips and sauces. This place is actually next up. Beef and lamb has a slight char to it, pita and baklava was top notch. read more

Karam - Beef & Lamb Shawarma - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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