Sarah, Linda & I dined here before a show at Grace Cathedral on 28 May and had quite a mixed experience. We chose the place largely because they were (sort of) close to Grace Cathedral, and had a table for 3 available at 5pm on opentable.com.

Sarah & I arrived a few minutes before Linda and were promptly seated. We perused the menu, which features the usual greek/mediterranean items – dolmas, hummus, tabbouleh, moussaka, gyros, and so on. Once Linda joined us, we decided to start with the “Santorini Island Platter” ($15), a combo appetizer of dolmas, hummus, tabbouleh, babaghanoush, falafel, and spanikopita. Linda & I liked the dolmas (which Sarah detests as a rule, and generally avoids), but the falafel was only so-so, ditto the hummus, which wasn’t any different than what we get in tubs from Trader Joes. The baba was better (as it is at most places). The spanikopita was flavorful, and had a nice crispy exterior.

For entrees, I had the Smoked Pork Chops ($17), Linda the Adana Kabob ($14), and Sarah the Chicken Souvlakia ($15). Quite a mixed bag here…. My chops were tender and smoky, with perhaps a bit more sweetness than would have been ideal, but they were otherwise very enjoyable. Sadly, the same could not be said of either the chicken nor the adana kabob, both of which were very, very dry and had little flavor. Linda also had to send her plate back, as the (overcooked) vegetable side was cold, and Sarah felt moved to order a side of tzatziki ($1.95) to add some moisture back to her dish.

Sarah & Linda each had 2 glasses of Bolla Pinot Grigio ($4.95/glass), while I had 2 of Gnarly Head Zin ($6.95/glass). About an average wine markup, I think. Service, much-maligned on Santorini’s Yelp page, was fine, not especially attentive, but not bumbling either. Our total (1 combo app, 3 entrees, 6 glasses of wine) was $103 after tax, before tip. Although I liked my pork chop, I would have to explore many other restaurants in the general area before feeling moved to return.

My rating: Mediocre

Santorini (website)
242 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA (map)