Lokma

"If you’re looking for a space that lends itself to a cute brunch date with someone who you’re finally leaving "just talking" territory with, look no further than Lokma. Located in the Outer Richmond, this Turkish spot feels like a homey den with brick walls and window sills that are filled with a hodgepodge of found glass, bird feeders, and plants in mismatched pots. The menu is short, but it doesn’t matter because there’s one correct order here: the two-person Turkish breakfast spread of creamy scrambled eggs with chewy sujuk, pita, feta, olives, nutty muhammara, sweet hazelnut spread, fresh fruit, and kaymak with honey." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

"Lokma is a Turkish spot in the Richmond that shines during brunch. Reservations are for dinner only, so swing by and put your name on the waitlist for your turn at dessert-like hazelnut dips, greek yogurt pancake stacks, and the main event: the traditional Turkish breakfast. It includes scrambled eggs with crispy sujuk, what seems like a pound of sliced pita, and an assortment of ramekins filled with clotted cream and honey, marinated olives, and thick muhammara. Washing it all down with an extra strong turkish coffee is always a good idea." - ricky rodriguez, patrick wong, julia chen 1

"TV has Cheers reruns and the Richmond has Lokma. The Turkish spot is the destination for meet-ups and long meals. The den-like space with brick walls and window sills full of found glass, bird feeders, and plants in mismatched pots has a lot to do with it. Adding to the charm is a long list of mostly Mediterranean wines, and a stay-awhile-friendly service. We like dropping in for a glass, offloading our thoughts to a friend, and filling up on tomato-heavy manti, hearty karniyarik, and calamari." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

"After you’ve made contact with your favorite runner, head to Lokma. This Turkish spot on Clement St. feels like a homey den with brick walls, a hodgepodge of plants in fun pots, and dark wooden tables—just the right setting for an excellent Turkish breakfast. The two-person spread features creamy scrambled eggs with chewy sujuk, pita, feta, olives, nutty muhammara, sweet hazelnut spread, fresh fruit, and kaymak with honey. More than enough to power you through the hard work of watching other people exercise. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"Some restaurants are pretty much made for perfectly cute, chill dates. Lokma is one of them. The California-inspired Turkish spot—and older sibling of fine dining restaurant Taksim—is as charming as they come. Located in the Outer Richmond, it feels like a homey den with brick walls and window sills that are filled with a hodgepodge of found glass, bird feeders, and plants in mismatched pots. Grab a seat by the window overlooking this unhurried part of the town and drink some wine while you wait for your notoriously late dining companion to arrive. Lokma’s small shareables and big plates are the comfort dishes you want to have while fielding softball questions about your day. Two highlights are the bowl of manti stuffed with ground lamb and the fresh calamari over pearl couscous, both topped with a rich tomato butter sauce. There are really no bad choices when it comes to the rest of the menu, but you could order the sweet clotted cream drizzled in honey, served with pita, or the perfectly grilled lamb kofte and keep the night moving. photo credit: Lokma For day dates, Lokma transforms into a bright brunch spot with excellent greek yogurt pancakes, lamb burgers, and a two-person Turkish breakfast spread of olives, scrambled eggs, cured meats, and feta. Regardless of when you make it here, the charm of this date spot will always draw you in. Food Rundown photo credit: Lokma Manti This bowl of tiny lamb-stuffed dumplings are slathered in garlic yogurt and tomato butter sauce. You need this. Grilled Lamb Kofte The koftes are well-seasoned and perfectly grilled, while the chickpea salad is an herby dream. There is no going wrong with this starter. photo credit: Lokma Karniyarik Lokma is a comfort spot, so embrace this stuffed eggplant dish. Their rendition is loaded with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and the whole thing sits over fluffy saffron rice. We wish the meat had slightly more depth of flavor, and we wanted more char on the eggplant. An enjoyable dish regardless. Calamari A friend’s questionably passive aggressive text got you down? You need this comfort dish. The saucy tomato butter makes this bowl of pearl couscous and fresh calamari. Chopped pistachios add nice earthiness to it." - Lani Conway