Truly Mediterranean
27 ratings since posting on Friday, July 9, 2004
Overall Rating  based on 27 ratings |
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The one on 16th and Valencia has two seats. It's a take-out place. So my rating is compared to other takeout sandwich places in general. The shwermas here are awesome. I'm not sure about this other reviewer talking about servers playing with their falafel balls. When I've gone in there, they are certainly mediterranean folks in there speaking something I don't understand (I understand spanish). Try the sandwich with some roasted eggplant next time. Yummy. - James , posted 11/29/06 |
 You gotta hear this one...Ive been to a lot of restaurants divey and nice and this one takes (one of) the cakes!! Ive been hearing all the hype so I finally went with a friend of mine. He knows all the great places so I figure it would be a sure shot. The place was small and had the air of being of those tiny ass greasy dives with good food. After a beer across the street, with my stomach churning with intestinal vibrations I was stoked be finally macking at Truly Mediterranean. A Shawarma, which I think is what they are known for. Gotta love 'em right?! Ive been to a lot of great Shawarma places and I know the best. I know of one that is MUCH BETTER but Ill get to that later. Keep reading it gets better, I assure you. The Shawarma itself: A mediocre Shawarma wrap, I hit bits of chewy fat, the flavor itself was okay but lacked the bite that a good hummus gives. The veggies were not to the grilled perfection I prefer and was minimal at that. Slimy peppers and I could'nt even taste the onions if there were any. Hot sauce was custom I think, it was okay. Decent with a unique, dim flavor. Not as spicy as I would have liked either. Overall I say a 2.75 out of 5.0 But here's the GRIMY TRUTH.... I realize there may be shady dealings with food at certain restaurants from time to time. Most of the time behind our back and hopefully not too extreme. (Thats why you're always nice to waiters and food service!). I also value the importance of having someone from the similar ethnic background to be representing the given restaurant. ie, Korean at Korean BBQ, Japanese at a sushi bar, big fat guy at a Greasy Spoon breakfast joint, etc. Truly Mediterranean's cooks were Mexican, they were speaking Mexican and NOT ARABIC. They were snickering about the entire time, and at one time that dirty guy with the BLUE APRON, WHITE ADDIDAS CAP PICKED UP A FALAFEL AND PLAYED WITH IT, SOMEHOW JOKED AROUND WITH IT AND THEN PUT IT BACK!!!!!! He even noticed I was watching and gave me a snicker too!!!!! What the hell?!?! If this is normal practice for their employees, playing with the food in front of the customers I WILL NEVER GO BACK AGAIN!!!!!!! The food was not worth the risk of getting sick from what they could be doing to their food other than what I witnessed. Albeit, the instance was not extreme, but it is the principle. Most of you hopefully understand my point. Please Truly Mediterranean, get a hold of your employees and it wil make it at least that much better for the others to enjoy. The better one, the BEST SHAWARMA place ever is on 24th between Mish and Valencia. ZAIN'S MEDITERRANEAN. THE BEST. Friendly, AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!! - EZ , posted 09/11/06 |
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....and it has been 9 years since I lived down the street. I tell everyone in New York who is going that-a-way to try this. - Chloe , posted 10/23/05 |
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There used to be three locations. Down to one I think. Valencia and 16th. - Dan-imal , posted 08/14/05 |
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Tuesdays and Fridays they have chicken shawerma. Tuesdays and Fridays there is no better food in the city. - Patti , posted 06/21/05 |
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I crave their schwermas! Friendly service, cheap, and oh so yummy. - Unsubscribed , posted 04/13/05 |
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They have, hands down, the best schawerma. The Hoummous is awesome, and theirs is the only babaganooj I will even attempt to eat. The service is fast, those dudes simply rule. Yay yay yay, yum yum yum! - Mollena , posted 11/17/04 |
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Tues and Fri - chicken shawarma, yummy. I get food from them once or twice or week. Its clean, healthy, absolutely delicious, the staff is very friendly and talkative, and its always packed. They know me as "David" and I get the "usual" :-) - Conrad , posted 11/16/04 |
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Although truly the best, Truly Mediterranean in North Beach has closed due to increased (atrocious) rent. Never got a chance to say goodbye; only left with a note on the door. if you can, please go to the other locations to keep them in business. - Mika , posted 11/02/04 |
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Shawerma or Falafal all good. I have never had a better shawerma ever - easy money , posted 11/02/04 |
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there are two locations: the north beach one is larger and the mission locale is quite small. but the falafel is hands-down the yummiest at both locations. - Unsubscribed , posted 11/01/04 |
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the only place for shawarma! the place is tiny so be prepared to order take out but its so worth it!! it's truly the best!! - renee , posted 10/18/04 |
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This is a great "fast food" place. Friendly service and excellent food. The lamb schwarma is my personal favorite, but everyone i've taken here has been happy with what they've ordered. Check their schedule as they only have lamb on certain days, chicken is available the rest of the time. If you like garlic you have to try the yogurt and garlic drink. I know it sounds weird but it's really good! - Mitch , posted 10/17/04 |
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A little hole in the wall, these guys make the best food. Gyros, Chicken, Hummas. All very yummy. - Sara , posted 10/17/04 |
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Great place for shwarma and falafel. Fast service. - Unsubscribed , posted 10/16/04 |
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Thank GOD I discovered this place when I did. I moved here in 1995 and started eating here right after, and though I've eaten falafel in other places, this place still kicks the most butt! Ask for extra hot sauce if you can stand it and feel free to bring a friend--they're big enough to share! They used to have a place on Haight, but when that block got gentrified, they were forced to reduce to one location, 16th and Mission, next to the Roxie. - Danae , posted 10/15/04 |
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Tuesday and Fridays only they serve CHICKEN, the rest of the week it's lamb, but there is NO COMPARISON to the two -- the chicken is tender, succulent and wonderful and the lamb can't hold a candle to it. For about $6 you can get a huge stuffed Schwarma with chicken, onions, grilled tomatoes, a mouth-burning hot red sauce, and a lovely cool tahini sauce to balance it out. I've tried schwarmas around the city and this one is the BEST by far. The same guys have been behind the counter for years and their friendly and chatty. - Trouble , posted 10/15/04 |
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So good... Super flavorful. Quick, cheap, and exquisite all at once. Not much for seating or ambiance, but you'll be happy the minute you walk through the door. - Unsubscribed , posted 10/15/04 |
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The falafel's good, but a shawarma with their spicy sauce and feta cheese will have you singing like Shakira Mubarak. - Unsubscribed , posted 07/09/04 |
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This tiny 16th and Valencia hole in the wall offers transcendental takeout for moderate prices. Special favorites of mine are the lamb kabob (lamb kabob with tons of tahini, onions, tomatoes) and the combo plate (huge plate of falafel, hummus, baba ghannouj, tabouleh, cucumber salad, dolmas, feta cheese, seasoned onions, tahini sauce, and pita bread.) My favorite place in the Mission. - Matt , posted 07/09/04 |
