Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Mission District

We had a fantastic dinner - the grilled octopus and shrimp were delicious - as was the saganaki. For mains - the lamb chops were delicious as was the sea bass! Incredible meal all around.

We LOVED this restaurant. We sat inside so we couldn’t see the movie, but that wasn’t really an issue. The restaurant itself was stunning. Our server David was absolutely lovely. He really made our experience. The food was great, we got the smoked salmon, burrata with pears, sesame chicken, and pork chop. Everything was delicious. For dessert we got crème brûlée and a sort of chocolate mousse. Fantastic. It’s an expensive date but you pay for the food and the experience. Would go again!

The star of the evening was undoubtedly the grilled octopus, prepared with a masterful touch that spoke to the chef's expertise with seafood. The tender tentacles, charred to perfection, carried subtle notes of harissa and lemon, while maintaining the natural sweetness of the meat. Each bite offered that ideal combination of crispy exterior and buttery-soft interior that octopus aficionados dream about. The lamb dish proved equally impressive. Slow-cooked until falling off the bone, the meat was perfumed with an aromatic blend of traditional Tunisian spices. The accompanying bread, light and fluffy, served as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich, complex sauce. What sets this establishment apart is their commitment to authentic Tunisian coastal cuisine while maintaining exceptional quality across their menu. The kitchen demonstrates a deep understanding of traditional cooking techniques while adding subtle contemporary touches that enhance rather than overshadow the classic flavors.

Nopa is a really special place. It does everything SO well. I will start with the food. Their menu stays interesting over time with new dishes regularly introduced with the seasons and what’s seasonally available. The ingredient quality and preparation are really next level and I don’t think there is a single thing on the menu that anyone would not enjoy. The flavor of every dish is always surprising in a wonderful way with interesting combinations and textures. And plating is, of course, just beautiful. And my god, don’t just order one dish per person; share! You will be wowed. Their mainstay burger should not be missed either. If you’re into mixed drinks or wine, again, Nopa is standout. And even if you don’t drink, there are mocktails that I’m confident you’ll enjoy. Next let’s talk about the staff. Nopa has such a special and wonderful culture. Their entire staff is very well versed in the ingredients and preparation of their food. They’re also extremely kind and accommodating. There seems to be a genuine enthusiasm and shared belief that they make great food, and I would agree. They have opinions and can definitely suggest wine and beverage pairings to what you order. They know where ingredients were sourced from. And their attention to detail is also remarkable. I made a note on our reservation that we’d love a table instead of the high table if one came available and true to form, they came through. Someone took time to read the comment I had left! If you have a chance to dine here, take it. Even if you don’t have a reservation, there is a high table and bar area that may be able to accommodate a drop in. It’s a lovely atmosphere and always a joy to be a patron here. Thank you Nopa staff for the unique place you’ve created here.

Food and service were excellent. Lunch: We had Breaking bread (pita with about 6 spreads-don't miss that.) Spring tabouleh which was so unique and much better than what you usually get at mediterranean restaurants. Excellent flavor and texture. Criapy lamb riblets. a stuffed onion dolma which was fantastic. the only dish we were not crazy about was the turkish lamb dumplings in a tomato sauce. Service was impeccable and friendly. Highly recommend this and eat family style so you can taste alot.