Ararat Mediterranean Tapas

Welcome to Ararat, where you'll find a mountain of the most delectable Mediterranean specialties awaiting you in a sophisticated yet intimate setting! Ararat, located at 4072 18th Street between Castro and Noe streets, offers both flavorful tapas dishes and full entrees you wouldn't normally be able to discover without a passport in hand. But the best part about your voyage is that everything on the menu, from savory appetizers like their delicious Cigar Borek (phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese and fresh herbs) to entrees like the Adana Kebab (skewers of grilled and spiced, ground lamb tenderloin), are prepared fresh daily with the finest ingredients. Ararat's Owner Koch Salgut's commitment to cuisine excellence comes from his daily shopping trips to discover the best ingredients for their dishes. He and his head chef bring decades of industry experience to Ararat, including home recipes from Turkey, giving them a unique ability to bring a very real Mediterranean dining experience to San Francisco. Ararat is a fairly new addition to the bustling Castro neighborhood, having opened their doors in 2006, but promises to be a neighborhood mainstay. Not only does Ararat feature a full menu, including their tempting desserts (the Nightingale's Nest was voted Best Baklava in the City by SF Weekly), but the restaurant also features a full bar with excellent specialty drinks. Prices remain very reasonable and the portions generous. Homemade pita bread and roasted garlic dipping oil are gratis until the exquisite courses arrive from the friendly staff. One visit and you'll be hooked ... no need to travel across the world for fine Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.