Middle Eastern restaurants in California
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A
Old Jerusalem
Foodies scouring the Mission for the ultimate taco shouldn't overlook this outpost of Middle Eastern authenticity, complete with Dome of the Rock poster and pristine hummus – it doesn't overdo the tahini or garlic, or put roasted red peppers where they don't belong. Get the classic felafel, shwarma (marinated, roasted lamb) or shish taouk (marinated grilled chicken) with all the fixings: hummus, onion, eggplant, potato and tangy purple sumac, with optional hot-pepper paste.
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B
Sunrise Deli
A hidden gem in the fog belt, Sunrise dishes up what is arguably the city's best smoky baba ghanoush, mujeddrah (lentil-rice with crispy onions), garlicky foul (fava bean spread) and crispy falafel, either to go or to enjoy in the old-school cafe atmosphere. Local Arab American hipsters confess to passing off the Sunrise's specialties as their own home cooking to older relatives.
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C
La Méditerranée
Zesty, lemon-laced Lebanese fare at friendly prices makes La Méd the Castro's neighborhood meet-up spot. Chicken kebabs on rice pilaf are pleasingly plump; the kibbe is a harmonious blend of pine nuts, ground lamb and cracked wheat; and the smoky eggplant in the baba ghanoush was roasted for hours and isn't the least bit bitter about it.
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D
Ziryab
Banish all traumatic memories of dry chicken shwarmas with this succulent, organic poultry rolled in flatbread and sealed by hummus with a tantalizing whiff of curry. The vegan lentil soup is so robust it'll make your voice drop an octave, and the hookahs on the front porch provide solace to smokers rendered furtive by SF's antismoking laws.
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E
Burger Continental
What sounds like a patty-and-bun joint is in reality a high-energy Middle Eastern nosh spot that delivers a first-class culinary journey at economical prices. Breakfast and lunch are all-you-can-eat buffets and there are nightly specials as well. Live bands and belly dancers provide ear and eye candy from Wednesday to Sunday. Great patio.
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