Souvla

Overview

If you're in San Francisco and craving a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired meal, Souvla should be at the top of your list. Located at 517 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA, this modern Greek restaurant has quickly earned a reputation for its delicious, approachable take on traditional Greek cuisine. Whether you’re popping in for a casual lunch or a relaxing dinner, Souvla offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that’s packed with vibrant flavors.

One of the standout features of Souvla is its dedication to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The team here believes in bringing out the best in each dish by using fresh, sustainable produce, hormone-free meats, and authentic Greek recipes. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of roasted meats and the buzz of happy customers enjoying their meals.

Souvla's menu is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors with a focus on rotisserie meats. The standout is their signature Greek-style rotisserie chicken, which is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices before being slowly roasted to golden perfection. Each bite is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, making it a fan favorite. Another highlight is their lamb shoulder, which is equally succulent and packed with a rich, smoky taste that pairs perfectly with their house-made sauces.

The menu is designed for flexibility, making it easy for diners to mix and match their favorite dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sandwich or a lighter, vegetable-forward salad, there’s something for everyone. The Souvlaki sandwiches are a hit, with options like the lamb or chicken, served in fluffy pita bread and complemented by a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce.

For those looking for something fresh and vibrant, Souvla’s salads are a perfect option. The Greek salad, with its mix of crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta, is a refreshing addition to any meal. You can also try their seasonal options, which highlight the freshest local produce available, ensuring that every bite feels both wholesome and satisfying.

If you’re feeling indulgent, don’t skip the fries. These aren’t your average fries - they are golden, crispy, and seasoned with oregano, making them the perfect side to any main course. Pair them with their famous "Souvla Sauce" for an extra punch of flavor.

Vegetarians and vegans also have plenty of choices at Souvla. Their roasted vegetables, served with a simple yet flavorful olive oil dressing, are a great way to enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean without the meat. You can also build your own veggie-based bowl with a variety of toppings that offer both healthful and indulgent options.

Souvla's wine list is another notable feature, showcasing an excellent selection of Greek wines alongside local options. Their staff is knowledgeable and eager to recommend the perfect wine to pair with your meal, whether you’re enjoying a light salad or a rich rotisserie dish. The cocktails here are also worth trying, especially the Mediterranean-inspired ones like the refreshing "Ouzo Lemonade" that adds a nice twist to a classic drink.

What truly sets Souvla apart is the sense of community and passion that permeates the restaurant. The owners and staff are always welcoming, and it’s clear that they take pride in their work. Whether it’s a quick bite on the go or a more leisurely meal with friends, Souvla offers a memorable dining experience that goes beyond just the food.

With its prime location in Hayes Valley, Souvla is perfectly situated for a post-meal stroll around the neighborhood, where you can take in the sights and sounds of one of San Francisco’s most vibrant areas. The restaurant’s clean, modern design complements the food perfectly, creating a laid-back yet elevated dining experience.

Souvla has consistently earned rave reviews for its delicious, flavorful dishes and friendly service. Many customers praise the quality of the food, noting how fresh and satisfying each dish is. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Greek cuisine or someone looking to try something new, Souvla offers a dining experience that’s both accessible and elevated, making it a standout spot in San Francisco’s bustling food scene.

Good to know

Service options

âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in

Highlights

âś“ Fast service

Popular for

âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo dining

Accessibility

âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings

âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Organic dishes âś“ Quick bite âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ Wine

Dining options

âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Counter service âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table service

Amenities

âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet

Atmosphere

âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Trendy

Crowd

âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Tourists âś“ Transgender safe space

Planning

âś“ Usually a wait âś“ Accepts reservations

Payments

âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cards

Children

âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs

Parking

âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Paid street parking âś“ Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 2274 reviews
Amazing 1620
Great 484
Okay 137
Not Great 70
Terrible 49
Yelena Mirko

Brisket bowl is yes!!! They split it for us so we can take it to go and have it on the grass by the painted ladies. Super helpful staff. Fast. Delicious. On the expensive side but worth it! I love the signs too!

Brendan Harris

This place is absolutely fantastic. The freshness and the quality of the food too. We had the pork salad that me and my girlfriend split, Greek fries with garlic dipping sauce, and for desert we had the Greek yogurt with baklava crumbles. Definitely recommend!

Jae Jun

Phenomenal food if you are looking for a healthy and hearty meal. The gyros are delicious and very filling ($17 before tip). If you like savory desserts, definitely try the Greek olive oil and flaky salt frozen yogurt. Very friendly service as well and I’d visit more if I lived around the area.

Ricky Da Luz

This place is always super delicious and fresh. I have tried most things on the menu from the salads to the Greek yogurt. My favorite has to be the gyro, which is always warm and yummy. Would recommend if you are in the area.

Dylan Li

I got the chicken salad delivered, and it was delicious! Unique combination of orange with different onions, greens, and feta cheese that worked well together. No complaints!

Zein Chehab

Tried the baklava froyo, it was delicious, would be even better with some more honey. The restaurant smelled delicious, will have to try their food sometime!

Paul Bendor-Samuel

Food: 5/5 One of my go-to restaurants in San Francisco. Excellent food that tastes fresh. Bathrooms 4/5 Clean, well equipped. Maintains the theme and aesthetic of the restaurant. No paper towels; Dyson air blade for hand drying.

Mariel Camargo

Please get the frozen Greek yogurt. Gyros were okay, the lamb lacked in flavor. Cute to eat in or take out to Alamo Square!

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