Abu Salim Middle Eastern Grill

I told the friendly guy who works there that I'd drop them a 5 star so here it is.Tried it today. Very happy. Beef / lamb shawarma - spot on. Meat flavors were excellent and grilled to perfection.Lentil soup - a little on the thin side (watery) but still flavored impeccably. The place has plenty of seating. Would repeat for sure.

Knock another item off the bucket list. We're eating one block from Haight-Ashbury. Not how we pictured it, but we took it all in, anyway.We are still just discovering the halal-Arab food world, but this eatery provided an interesting first experience. The atmosphere is inviting and they play a comforting Arabic/middle eastern music to set the tone. First time I'd seen Arabic music videos. That was fun.I ordered the Kabob Combo plate and was thoroughly impressed. Tender with all the right spices, so tasty I could eat this every day! The hummus with shawarma and the baba ghanoush were equally as delicious. I wasn't a big fan of the falafel burger, but I could've eaten one, if necessary. They make a delightful Turkish coffee that's a must try.Only problem was their service. Once our waiter delivered our food, he disappeared. No check ups. No refills. Totally ghosted us. What a shame. I wanted more coffee. Sorry, but it was reflected in his tip.

A welcoming Middle Eastern Food restaurant, the staff were great and so friendly. The restaurant itself was very open and beautiful with rugs on the ground and paintings on the wall. Our waiter was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. The food came out quickly and was perfect for us to split. We got: Beef Kefta Kabob Plate: We decided to do the rice and salad as our sides. The rice was delicious and we wish there was more of it! The beef was a little on the drier side but seasoned well. The salad was fresh and yummy, I added lemon to it to make it pop even more!

My partner and I were relieved we did not get sick eating here, hence the extra star.Service was all right. But what is going on with the food?We ordered a veggie platter, which contained baba ghanoush, hummus, salad, falafel, eggplant and cauliflower. We also got a lamb and beef wrap.The veggie platter was a truly bizarre experience. The eggplant and cauliflower appeared to be deep fried without any kind of breading or prep. We were so confused. And felt a little ill after a few bites.The eggplant was jet black, simultaneously dry and soaked in frier oil. When you bit into it, a pool of oil would secrete out. No salt or seasoning--same with the cauliflower. Absolutely soaked in grease.It was honestly a little funny. Let me tell you that my partner and I are not fussy diners. We don't have any dietary restrictions or allergies and we aren't fine diners. We'll take what you give us and leave a nice tip.But this was shocking. The first time I considered sending food back, ever.The rest of the food on that platter seemed fresh enough and prepared in a reasonable way. Nothing to write home about. But this is a $24 plate. So, it's hard to overlook the weird, deep-fried veggies in old oil.As for the wrap, I wouldn't have really complained were it not for the other dish. Flavors were okay. A good 40% of the meat was gristle. I spent about a quarter of the time pulling out sinew from my mouth. Super appetizing as you can imagine.First time I left not tipping a restaurant. Pretty sure this place would be forced to improve their food or close if it weren't for their location, if our service was any indication of a common experience.Maybe we just got unlucky or picked bad items on the menu. Nearly $50 not well spent. If you're on Haight St, I'd imagine you have a wealth of opportunities besides this place.

Laid back restaurant in the Haight. They play music videos on the tvs so its pretty loud. Service was friendly and helpful. There is a family atmosphere. Lots of selection on the menu. I went with falafel salad. The falafel are large and heart shaped, a generous serving on a simple salad of cucumber & tomato. I was hoping for a bit more flavor.

Incredible service love ambiance we picked up this time would eat here next time! Vegan options were tasty

This spot single-handedly converted me from not really liking falafel to constantly craving falafel. The stuffed falafel here is the best falafel I've ever had - a nice crunchy outside with a moist and flavorful inside. You have to try it out! This is a cozy restaurant nestled in Haight-Ashbury, so a perfect place to stop by while in the area. The owners are nice and hospitable, and there is a lot of seating in the restaurant.

Well as an arab who ate mosabaha (AKA: hummus) like every single morning for 17 years. I would say without a doubt this is the best one in America! And the falafel. FUCKKKK ME UPPPP! Wow. Also best falafel i had in the US. The mint tea and the coffee were also great. The turnip pickles were fire. Cool vibe over all. Heard arabic music from early 2000 that shit was also firee. Wonderful staff. Would 10000% come back. Cool vibe over all. I really was super consumed with the food. I didn't look around much.

smoothest hummus I've had in the last half year!! I ordered the hummus with lamb for $17. The lamb was perfectly seasoned and the portions were generous. The pita it came with was also delicious. Service was very kind. The ambiance is very family friendly, homey and inviting inside. Will be back!

The service was amazing! Joanna was very attentive to all our needs. She was always at our table side to refill our drinks and any sides we desired to have replenished. Did I mention the food was phenomenal. From the hummus which we filled twice to the kabobs, to the heart shaped (for valentines) Falafel. Everything was just delicious. We even purchased the best pure Olive Oil imported from Jerusalem to take back home with us. This is a must to visit if you're in San Francisco. Thank you for the best Palestinian hospitality.