Kitava

I recently dined at Kitava in San Francisco’s Mission District, and it was an absolute game-changer! I ordered the BYO bowl with Paprika Chicken and the Farmers Green Bowl, and both were bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The chicken was perfectly seasoned with a smoky paprika kick, tender and juicy, while the Farmers Green Bowl was a colorful mix of crisp greens. Every bite felt nourishing yet indulgent, which is hard to pull off! What really sets Kitava apart is their commitment to clean eating—100% free of seed oils, gluten, dairy, and other common allergens, which makes it a haven for anyone with dietary restrictions or just looking for real, wholesome food. The fact that they avoid seed oils entirely is a huge plus, as it’s rare to find a spot that prioritizes such high-quality, health-conscious ingredients without sacrificing taste. The service was friendly and quick, and the casual, clean vibe of the place made it a perfect spot for a feel-good meal. I’m already looking forward to my next visit—Kitava is a must-try gem in the Mission! Five stars all the way

Underwhelming. I have celiac disease so a friend found this place to try together. I’m also vegan, and this restaurant doesn’t cater to vegans. There are options, but the food is pretty bland and boring. I suggest they make a vegan aioli. All of their sauces are vegan except the chipotle aioli which surprises me, because I’ve known many restaurants to provide vegan chipotle aiolis. I would’ve liked to enjoy the Brussels sprouts with it if they had. My friend got a bowl with beef and wasn’t impressed. We both noticed they throw a big thing of salt onto the dishes, even a side of broccoli was covered in salt. Too much. It also upset me their one plant protein option has oats, because many of us celiacs cannot eat oats (regardless if they’re labeled gf or not). I think it’s great they have a kitchen free of so many allergens, and healthier food! I would still refer them to others I know who struggle to eat out because of food allergies and contaminations, just not for me.

Healthy quick casual food right off the 16th St BART and in adjacent building to a great yoga studio - easy pick up to/from commute. Love the menu options, especially the build a bowl and plantains.

If you’re looking for fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious food, Kitava is the place to be! I tried the Mezze Harvest Bowl, Caesar Salad, and Immunity Broth, and every bite was perfection. The mezze bowl was packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, the Caesar Salad was crisp and well-balanced, and the Immunity Broth was pure comfort—warm, soothing, and exactly what I needed. The entire menu is full of fresh, wholesome options, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and flavorful. The space itself is modern, clean, and welcoming, and I practically had the whole place to myself, which made for a relaxing dining experience. The staff were friendly and attentive, adding to the overall great vibe. I’m already looking forward to my next visit—this spot is a must-try for anyone seeking nutritious food that doesn’t compromise on taste!

Clean, nourishing food that still feels comforting Kitava brings health-conscious comfort to the Mission with bowls, roasted veggies, globally inspired flavors, and a menu that manages to feel both satisfying and fresh. Gluten free friendly, dairy free friendly, and very “I did something good for myself today.” If you can over the gross street vibes on 16th and Mission, you'll find a clean haven with tasty rewards. Great for: post-class refuel, clean eating, food that feels kind to your body.

Healthy, clean, and surprisingly flavorful. I can definitely see that there is so much thought and care put in the food from the sauce, side dishes, and the main salad or bowl itself. It can be a bit pricey if you keep adding add-ons. Still the food is high quality and you won't feel guilty to your body afterwards.

Wifi, healthy bowls, super fast service. Not a huge portion (but a good lunch still), but not that much protein! Didn’t taste super fresh either, Honestly. Like it works? Was I impressed? No. Would I route there, prob not. But does it work? Yes. Vegan options. I went with signature “crispy chicken” which comes “highly recommended” but really it’s an 18$ chicken + broccoli + white rice. They served the plate without utensils (“go get them over there” was what I was told. Ya just really expensive but works ok

This is my go-to spot for ordering lunch when I don’t want to feel like I’ve overdone it all afternoon :) Make your own bowls and the crispy chicken bowl are always great. Also shout out to the staff here for being so accommodating and careful with my baby daughters’s allergies. I called to confirm a few things and have been so impressed by the clean ingredients and care they take in the kitchen.

Delicious and Healthy! I had an amazing experience at Kitava! Nice service and the atmosphere was cozy. I loved the gluten-free fried chicken and cauliflower rice bowl--everything was fresh and full of flavor. It's great to find a place that offers healthy, tasty options that make you feel good after eating. Can't wait to come back and try more dishes!

I'm here to tell you that if you're going to treat yourself to good salad, Kitava does it right. I got the power bowl with additional chicken which was just the right amount of food for me as a big eater. It also kept me full for about 6 hours. If you're a small eater you may be able to split it into two meals or a meal and a half. Although pricey, most salad spots priced lower tend to have less quality and quantity. If you get the base salad without an additional protein option, it's actually quite affordable; but as other reviews mentioned the additional protein adds an extra ~5 dollars. For me, since I'm viewing it as a treat, I don't mind paying extra for good quality ingredients and a well balanced nourishing meal.

When I want to eat something healthy and fast, my go-to for this is Kitava, and they have two locations. The SF location is next to the 16th Street BART station, which used to be a McDonald's. The space has a lot of seating and is bright, warm, and inviting. Everything on the menu is prepared using whole food ingredients which are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanuts-free, and soy-free. One of the oils they use is Palm oil, and this sometimes bothers my digestive system. I am a fan of the sesame chicken bowl ($16), and the evolved caesar salad ($10, which is a more affordable dup. of the vegan caesar salad at Rad Radish). If you have celiacs or any autoimmune disease(s), this place is a must.

I love this place so much!!! One of my favorite Cesar salads in the city. Everything has so much flavor and is such a unique take on a simple Cesar salad. I like to add a side of their crispy chicken nuggets on top. Everything from the dressing to the croutons are 10/10!!!

Healthy and delicious! My sister and I order here from doordash and we're always happy with the food. The barbacoa beef is not at all dry and I would definitely recommend the Green Goddess dressing! Always comes safely packaged and I don't feel sluggish once I finish my meal.

Not much for me here. The subtracted stars are mostly because they refuse call-in pickup orders when I'm 10-15 minutes away. Parking is rough.

First time trying this restaurant and it did not disappoint. The menu selection is very simple & the price can be a little pricey for how simple it is, but it's worth it! I like making my own bowl, so I can pick & choose what toppings I like and when they combined all of it together it was very flavorful & healthy. I like how everything in this place is self-service. You go in to pick a table, then order through your phone (or the cashier) and they serve you your food (but you have to grab your utensils & put your dishes away like at a food court). The ambiance inside is way nicer than the outside. The only downside for me with this place is the location since it's located in the Mission meaning it can be impossible to find parking.

Kitava is the kind of place you can just order from over and over again and always leave feeling satisfied and nourished. Especially after a long day or trip, a bowl from Kitava is *chef's kiss*. What I love about Kitava is the realness of their ingredients. Even when eating at healthier restaurants, it's kind of a given that they're using refined seed oils and heavily processed ingredients. People should not be overly paranoid about that, like please enjoy your tofu banh mi, but I do really appreciate that you don't even have to think about that at Kitava. And to top it off, their food is delicious!! Their bowls are generous and full of variety so you can get pockets that are fresh, hearty, indulgent, or punchy! And their sauces are bombbbb. So worth adding 1-2 on the side. Power Bowl: Classic, cannot go wrong. Filling, nourishing, every bite is delicious. The hummus, green goddess dressing and sweet potato combo? Period. Throw in some herb chicken? Mhmmmm yupp yuppp. Sweet Plantain Bowl: So hearty and yummy. And more amazing combos here. The plantain with the cumin beans? Uhuhhh!! With the romesco sauce... it's unbeatable! Mezze Harvest Bowl: Of course this was gonna be amazing. I added barbacoa as my protein (grass-fed and -finished, period), and omggg so good and rich and filling. This one might be my fave. I look forward to trying more for Kitava! They are killing the healthy and delicious food game in SF (I guess Oakland too) and I hope y'al get to try it too!

Healthiest meal I've had at a restaurant in a while. That's mostly my fault though. The highlights were the brussel sprouts and paprika chicken. The flavor of those with the ginger ponzu sauce was great! The mushrooms were pretty normal (quantity was low too), and the rice was mushy for my taste. Great for those with food sensitivities and allergies, which I appreciate!

Healthy and delicious - wish there were more premade combos to choose from only because it forces me to be creative. I got the harvest bowel and mushroom. Both were delicious but the harvest was my favorite!

Small place but clean. Friendly service. Pretty quick. We ate the mushroom bowl, the tuna poke and watermelon salad. All were well made.

Yum! Got the sesame chicken bowl. Nice and light, super fresh and tasty. Friendly staff and clean restaurant. A new favorite.

Came across Kitava while visiting the Bay Area for work and I'm really happy with my decision to order here. The barbacoa bowl is a must! I would love to check out the ambience of the restaurant next time and get a feel for the service but since I had ordered out this time. Looking forward to eating here again!

Peace of mind for healthy eating. Since moving to SF a year ago, I've been on the hunt for reliable, convenient healthy places as I cook 95% of the time, but there's always those times you're running somewhere and need the convenience without having to jeopardize healthy choices - and Kitava ensures fast service, quality ingredients and meals, and variety in terms of flavors and cuisines!! I've come here more than any other restaurant in SF for that reason. Recently, my pork in the Sweet Plantain Bowl (which I've ordered numerous times) came out way too salty and I couldn't eat it. However, they gave me a refund for the pork. Then, the manager realized that the next batch was indeed a lot less salty, and gave me a small bowl of complimentary pork! Excellent service, and Dylan who facilitated all of this was also very accommodating. He gives great recs as well. I've come here alone with my laptop to get work done as often as I come with friends, and it's chill for both occasions. Though the area around it can be a little sketchy, I've always felt at ease inside. Would 10/10 recommend to a friend! It's a safe bet.

On short notice we needed catering for a small wedding reception that accommodated multiple dietary restrictions. We were grateful to find Kitava that re-assured us, walked us through the ordering process. We were happy that they offered delivery service to our home in Redwood City which aided our logistics. The delivery went smoothly and the food was warm; the wet foods were well-wrapped for minimal drip. The food was tasty , great variety and toppings were in separate containers to allow personalization. A couple thoughts: 1) mark the small containers with the main dish they were attached to, we were scrambling to find the menu to figure it out 2) consider putting dry toppings in paper boxes rather than plastic tubs for sustainability. Thank you for helping make our party perfect!

I like wild rice. I like mushrooms. So I had to go for the Wild Mushroom Bowl. It didn't disappoint. Very tasty and nutritious. I saw a promotion on DD and decided to seek it out one day. The place is very accessible by public transportation @16th ave & Mission. But I have not noticed it all these years riding buses up and down Mission st. Now I am glad I know of this place! Just a step into the place, it felt like a whole different world. I really enjoyed the time I spent here, reset from a whole day of busyness, took care of myself, before again facing the world outside.

This place is located in a somewhat sketchy area (right across from the 16th St BART station), but it is nice inside and full of healthy, clean, plant-based foods. The Power Bowl is nourishing and SO flavorful. Good service at this casual eatery.

I love this place. Came in as this showed up in my search for a healthy meal and ordered a salad bowl and a cup of chicken broth to go. Both were excellent. Especially the immunity broth for sipping - so delicious and wholesome. Today I DoorDash'd their immunity broth, chicken nuggets and a side of sweet potato. They were all sooooooo good!! May be a tad calorie dense based on my choice but you can definitely tell that it's fresh, high quality ingredients and not overly processed. Bookmarking this place for many future lunches!!

I recently revisited Kitava for the first time in over 3 years for lunch and noticed the menu changed quite a bit over the years. I ordered the power bowl and asked if I could customize it by replacing sweet potatoes with cauliflower to add some texture to an otherwise relatively mushy bowl. In the past, I appreciated being able to build and customize my own bowls. However, this time the woman at the counter refused my request and said I'm not allowed to customize anything. I was surprised because I had read a recent Yelp review of someone getting to make the exact same customization. No worries I suppose...I just went with the standard power bowl. This bowl was tasty, although I still think it would've tasted even better with cauliflower (or any other crunchier item) instead of sweet potatoes. The power bowl already includes several soft/mushy ingredients such as hummus, avocado, green goddess dressing, and sweet potatoes. The option to include a crunchy veggie would've further elevated the flavor and texture profile of this bowl. Long story short, I mostly enjoyed my power bowl. But if customizations were still allowed, this spot would've definitely been a 5/5 that I would go to regularly.

no wait time on a saturday afternoon . touch-less ordering, clean. The food was flavorful. service was quick.

I have never been here in person but have ordered 3 time on DoorDash. Their food has never disappointed and it is very good and flavorful and fresh.

the build-your-own-bowl with wild rice, chimichurri mushroom, chickpeas, & lemon tahini was quite substantial and flavorful

Casual vegetarian dining. Safe gluten free cuisine. My favorite is the simple side of plantains and kombucha on tap.

The BYO Bowl with kale slaw, broccoli, cauliflower rice and romesco sauce is one of my favorite dishes. The major asterisk is the annoying trend (not unique to Kitava) of a reasonable base price that becomes exorbitant once you add a reasonable amount of food. What starts as a deal runs you well over $20 if you want to get a protein and turn the bowl into a main. Even so, the broccoli is my favorite I've had and the romesco sauce is absolutely delicious (though I'd recommend an additional side of it to really coat your fixings...an even steeper price). I wish Kitava could adjust their prices so it could be a weeknight spot, but sadly the price to portion ratio makes it feel like an indulgence even when the interior is clearly a fast causal affair with a heavy emphasis on takeout.

Thank god for Kitava!!! My partner and I started Whole 30 and we're so happy that Kitava is Whole 30 approved (minus some items). Essentially all their proteins except for the ahi tuna (addition of coconut sugar) is Whole 30 approved. Their fried chicken and fries are also whole 30 approved which is a god send. The bowls are very hearty and very filling. Service was great and the indoor space is very vibey. They also provide take out. Will be back!

honestly a 10/10. light lunch with good flavor. good ambience, lots of seating. i couldn't wait to take a pic until i was halfway done, so good!

Some days when you eat out, you just wanna get a healthy option and eat some veggies. We found Kitava and thought it looked promising as both healthy and yummy. Overall, we were all super happy with what we got and loved how light we felt afterwards. I tried the mezzo harvest bowl, which had nicely roasted vegetables with a delicious romesco sauce. My favorite parts were the chickpeas and sweet potatoes. My boyfriend really wanted a dish with some meat so he got the Local Special ($7), which is a way for Kitava to also provide affordable meals for everyone. Even though it was on the smaller side, it was worth it for the price and the plantains were great. Lastly, the Za'atar Cauliflower & Hummus side is a must to try. Kitava is definitely a great place for some healthier options made with quality ingredients. It also gave me some inspiration for future veggie bowls I would want to make!

I can smell the food in the container. I hope it tastes as good as it smells. Restaurant will be till 4/23/23. For lunch, fish and chips for $15. To go is ok. Great welcoming service. All food comes in its own tote paper bag. Wild caught fish with vegan tartar sauce. Best to eat there. A bit greasy. 30 min delayed eating means less than crunchy fried fish. Fish tasted fresh. Fries were yummy. Organic food tastes so much better. Enjoyed the carrot cabbage salad.

Kitava is such a lowkey place! I love it here! I went on yelp to find restaurants that have WiFi so I can use the internet on my laptop, and I am happy to have come across this place! I ordered their Locals Special which came with beans, rice, plantains, and pork. As simple as this meal sounds, it was really good. You can tell that the pork and plantains were fresh. It was a good portion and definitely affordable. I had to double check the price as it is cheaper than a usual dish in the city, and of good quality. Knowing how I also love plantains, I ordered an extra side and I loved how it came with the aioli as it made the plantains more tasty! Service was also great! Very fast. Staff were friendly. The RnB music was a vibe. Love the simple decor and layout of the restaurant. Liked how you can order and checkout from the table as it was efficient. Also liked how you can get your own utensils. Yes, this restaurant seems to be mainly self service. Overall, would come back here again to study or catch up with work while also having delicious and affordable food. Looking for a place to study, relax, and eat affordable in the Mission District of SF? Come to Kitava! 10/10

I ordered a bowl with their ginger yuzu and chicken and it really tasted pretty terrible unfortunately - It seemed healthy. It tasted like eating plain, skin on boiled chicken; Had no flavor at all. Was hoping to love this place cause - helth. It's hard pass from me though. I don't know I received a stale meal or something but I couldn't even finish half the meal. I can't remember the last time that's happened!

We have ordered this 3 times in the past 2 weeks! The service was great and they filled our bowls to the brim! We ordered to go each time since we got it for our work lunch. The tuna poke bowl is so good that I have gotten it every single time. It is marinated so nicely and the flavors go together really well. Not only is it delicious but it's so healthy! Even though I just had it, I'm already craving it again!

Is one of you keto and one of you vegan? This place works for both. Omnivores can eat anywhere. Vegetarians who eat dairy can ear at many places. But a place where a vegan and a keto person both have options? Not so easy. Kitava is perfect for this . The corner its on- 16th and Mission - is a mess but Kitava is spotless, even the bathroom.

Great food! Highly recommend. One of those places that doesn't look too healthy or clean from outside but taste is on point. Prices are reasonable and service is quick. Salads and entrees are large. Plantains are a must. Ambiance is modern and minimalistic.

I ordered thru door dash. I ordered general tso with turmeric cauliflower. Meal come with broccolis. Chicken is nicely breaded with cassava flour. Served with green goddess sauce. I expected a little bigger portion for plantains 5 small pieces. But it tasty and not too soft in texture Sweet potatoes was delicious in salt and olive oil. Brussels sprout perfectly roasted in olive oil. Very fulfilling healthy meal. Definitely will try again.

Got Uber eats sesame chicken and fried plantains from here and honestly exceeded expectations. It's a lot more food than I expected and all of it was so good but felt so healthy. Definitely recommend

My friend and I attended a workshop at a local yoga studio and wanted something clean and healthy to eat during our lunch break. We both didn't eat breakfast, so Kitava really hit the spot after a whole day workshop at the studio. Overall customer service was great. The employee at the register was friendly, and our food came out very quickly, which was perfect since we were on a tight lunch schedule. I had the Mezze Harvest Bowl with shredded beef. I thought that all the flavors melded well. The beef was optional but recommended, and it did not disappoint. The beef was also plentiful and really kept me satiated for the rest of my workshop. In general the bowl looked pretty hefty, but I finished my bowl and didn't feel stuffed.

YUM! The food was perfect, but make sure to ask for utensils. I forgot to ask and i must've missed any signs as well, and left with no way to eat it. Fortunately, I was able to pick up utensils from another place after I arrived at my destination. Parking sucks, and the neighborhood seemed a bit rough, but the restaurant itself was SUPER clean and plenty of eating space. Plus, super keto-friendly menu!

Easily one of my favorite places in the mission (maybe SF) to eat! They have healthy options that are full of flavor. You do not have to give up taste for the healthier options. Their restaurant space is great and bright - great to have a nice meal. I have to say can also get the to go or delivery option and the food stays perfect. The Cuban Bowl and the Power Bowl are my favorite items. I cannot decide so I rotate! I like their Turmeric cauliflower rice but I am sure it is equally as good with jasmine rice or quinoa. I think that you cannot go wrong with most of the choices!

great tasting food & combinations. Able to balance proteins with carbs & fats. Delicious & nutritious and all gluten free. Very clean, helpful team & good services. Well worth the visit.

Unfortunately, area really sketchy... But the restaurant is solid goodness. This place is clean.... The dishes are simple, unique combos of clean eating. Dishes I wouldn't normally order, but everything I've tried I've really enjoyed. I think it's nice that they have tasty vegan dishes and variety of cultures working. Nice job on this restaurant.

Huh, I forgot about this place for a few years, and just went back today to pick up a curbside order for dinner (I work at the hospital). It's just as good as before!! Consistency is so key for a restaurant. They so often fall apart over time, or with new ownership. Happy, and it's easy to order for pickup or curbside they will run out. I just parked illegally for a split second right in front and ran inside. Love the Plantain bowl with added shredded pork. Very tasty. I do feel like I need more protein, small amount of pork for single size. But I guess it's a cost issue.

I love this place and I love its brownies but I knocked a star off because the powers that be decided to shrink the size of the brownies - a lot! I don't care if I was paying a dollar more - give me that nice rectangle brownie please !!!

I missed my BART train and needed somewhere to grab a bite and wait for the next one. Kitava is conveniently located right by the station, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling 16th/Mission intersection. I was the only person dining in when I went at around noon. You can order with your phone via a QR code. I wanted something small so I just opted for the Brussels sprouts. The server at the counter was very friendly- he asked if it was my first time there and asked if I had any questions about the menu. I appreciated the personal attention! I'd give the Brussels sprouts a 3.5/5. They were a bit too over-roasted for my preference, and could have used some more seasoning. Luckily, they come with a delicious chipotle mayo, which I drenched the sprouts in. Halfway through the meal, the server handed me a strawberry vanilla probiotic drink! Though it wasn't my preferred flavor, it was quite tasty and made me even more impressed with the customer service. Kitava is a great place if you're looking for an ambient place to read, work, or just chill with a bite or a drink. I did notice only one table with an outlet, but it felt like a great environment to be productive in. I will likely be a regular!

This is one of my favorite restaurants that serves nearly all paleo-friendly dishes on their menu. Their hummus is tied as my favorite (along with Goood Frikin' Chicken). My favorites dishes to order are: *Power Bowl sans sweet potatoes nor green goddess dressing, but add plain ahi tuna without the ginger ponzu sauce. *BYO Bowl with Farmer's Greens, Crispy Chicken, Za'atar Cauliflower, Hummus, and the Turmeric Coconut Ranch sauce on the side.

If you want something healthish this is your spot! They have salad and grain bowl options as well as a variety of protein choices. You can also build your own, which I gladly did. Half greens and half ancient grains with chicken and green goddess dressing. They do not have calorie counts for the dressing but they do have ingredient lists. The chicken on the salad was mostly dark meat, surprising for the theme of this place and what I got (I was in the mood for lean protein) but for those of you looking for a dark meat/ fatty chicken salad, you will find it here! I did not care for the immunity broth, found it very oily, could not drink it, but I make my own broth from scratch at home and do not put oils in it so perhaps I am bias. The location is across from the Bart station on mission and pretty sketchy outside, highly recommend going during the day!

Avoid - Total RIP OFF!!! Most pathetic excuse for a bowl that I have ever seen. Ordered a chicken bowl with rice, beans & kale, bowl was LESS than HALF FULL. I will not be returning here anytime soon.

omg, so delicious plantains, brussel sprouts, chicken and broccoli and some butternut squash dish. can't wait to come back! I love that everything was mostly gluten and dairy free! yay! please consider making another location in Mountain View! :)

The food is so healthy and tasty! The service is good; the folks who with here are friendly.

Got takeout here for lunch! I did the make your own veggie bowl ($12) with garlicky greens, plantains, and kale slaw. I didn't realize it only came with the sides and not any rice, so I do wish it came with a base. Really loved that kale slaw! I also got a side of crispy brussels sprouts (that weren't super crispy but maybe it's because I got it delivered). A bit pricey at $8, but all the food is very good and was just what I looking for. The chunks of plantains were also really good! I was surprisingly pretty full after all of it. Would get food from here again!