Kokkari Estiatorio
Greek restaurant · North Waterfront ·
Greek taverna with wood-fired meats, seafood, and cozy fireplace
Greek taverna with wood-fired meats, seafood, and cozy fireplace
"Kokkari Estiatorio is a Jackson Square restaurant that oozes white tablecloth charisma—the kind where a server pulls out your chair and refills your free bread endlessly. The Greek spot has been around since the 1990s, and we’re pretty sure the upholstered armchairs and blazingfireplacehaven’t changed since this restaurant opened. Crumbs are swept off your table with laser focus while the scent of roasting lamb and chicken wafts through the air, and you’re more likely to overhear conversations about what the grandkids are up to than the latest Y Combinator class." - Team Infatuation
"Since 1998, this FiDi staple has been spinning roasted meats over open flames. The atmosphere is ski-cabin-meets-San-Francisco-chic, and you’ll know the restaurant by the smell of fresh lemon and spiced lamb wafting through the room. For either a power lunch or a romantic night out (make sure to sidle up to the fireplace for the full effect), pair Greek classics like dolmathes and moussaka with a glass of crisp white wine." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Zeus himself would be satisfied after a soul-warming meal at this Greek favorite, which serves up San Francisco-chic with a side of old-world taverna hospitality. Once you’re seated at the bar or settled near one of its toasty fireplaces, the thoughtful staff will cater to your every whim.The intoxicating scent of caramelizing meats and lemon will certainly whet your appetite for what's to come. Kokkari's menu leans heavily on the wood grill and rotisserie, which turns out such simple delights as bizelosalata—spring peas topped with olive oil, feta, and scallions—followed by the eternally classic chicken souvlaki. For dessert, go for the galaktoboureko, or semolina custard, rolled in crisp filo and matched with pistachio ice cream." - Michelin Inspector
"There aren’t a lot of Greek restaurants in San Francisco, but even if there were places on every corner (Souvla is certainly trying), Kokkari would still be one of the best. Everything at this rustic place from the crispy zucchini cake to their braised lamb shank that falls off the bone is delicious, and the roaring fireplace is a great backdrop for birthdays, special occasions, or any time you want to feel like a CEO at a very important power lunch." - lani conway, julia chen 1
"Last time we were at Kokkari, the server proudly told us that we were sitting at Willie Brown’s regular table. That’s the type of old-school, white-tablecloth energy you’ll get at this Greek restaurant. Water is served in goblets, the armchairs are lift-with-your-knees heavy, and there’s a fireplace constantly crackling in the back. Order a lamb chop, and swirl around some Cretan wine. This is a meal every San Franciscan should experience at least once." - patrick wong, julia chen 1, lani conway