Al-Masri Egyptian Restaurant

Take a trip to Egypt and leave your troubles behind. I recently had to go out to San Francisco on business. My Client owns many restaurants in California but asked me to meet him and his two Partners for dinner. We have known each other for years and had met while traveling in Europe. We both enjoy all types of different foods from around the world and he felt that the Al-Masri Egyptian Restaurant would be the perfect spot. For me going out to eat is an escape from the stress of having a business and a growing family. Our culture here in the United States has programmed us that we are supposed to eat fast and be out in an hour. That is to stressful and I do not like one course right after another. In the case of Al Masri you also have the entertainment to relax and enjoy. I have traveled around the world twice and traditional food that would be served in ones home is always my favorite. Al Masri delivered on all of my needs and more. We were seated and immediately I felt like I was in Egypt and all of the stress in my head was gone. We talked for a few minutes and our starters arrived. The Imported Egyptian beef pastrami was amazing. The Yogurt cheese and garlic served with sliced cucumber was a great combination that was refreshing but not overpowering. Our last item the Egyptian fried “felafel” that was such an unique item we all enjoyed. I ordered my favorite food, the Grilled rack of lamb with a butter-garlic sauce. The temperature was perfect. In the big box chain steak houses I have paid twice what Al Masri charged and did not have the distinct flavor profile and tenderness. Some people want the cookie cutter chain restaurant feel and frozen food experience. If your looking for an authentic Egyptian traditional look and feel without the cost of flying half way around the world you can find it at Al Masri. Great food, great value and a chance to leave the fast pace world we live in for a few hours. This is now a must have experience whenever I am in town.…

BEST Egyptian Restaurant in the WORLD!!. You can't go wrong. But there have been some changes, lately...GREAT changes!! The menu has changed, as the former cook is no longer there, and the food is more of the Egyptian style with more variety -- and much tastier! Additionally, the dancer has changed (finally! I was wondering when I was going to see someone new.) So, the variety is better and more delicious. :-)

Log onto their website wwwalmasrisfcacom and check out their new menu. The food is great; the dancing is great.…

Bad, Overpriced Food. Good Bellydancings.. This place is overpriced for the food. The atmosphere is cool, and the belly dancers are truly amazing. But I paid $18 for a plate of fries with sauce. I ordered one of their vegetarian dishes, and I got glop served over fries. We went with a group of 6 people, and everyone complained. My husband ordered lamb, and got lamb shards with a dollop of rice - for $20 bones.

Considering it's way out in the richmond, the owners/chefs must be smoking something to consider charging diners such high prices. But maybe that's why the place was so dead on a Sat. night. Lame, lame. You'll have a better time at any of the other middle eastern/bellydancing dives in the city.

I love good ambiance, but even that couldn't reconcile the low quality food for me.…

Great experience!. I can't tell you how much a fabulous time I had at Al Masri...it was such an amazing, delicious, and educational experience. After talking to Samar and Hatem during dinner, I had such a better appreciation for the experience and respect for the culture. It was nothing that I had expected...the hummus was the best I've ever had I'll tell you that...it's not thin or generic like the ones I've tried. The hummus I tried last night tasted so fresh and more fluffy? creamy? I'm not sure how to describe it. I had the filet mignon and my friend had the pacific sole. We loved it! You can tell (taste) that the meals were prepared with fine, quality ingredients. Samar and Hatem, who were very knowledgeable and proud of their culture, shared with us so much interesting information and history related to the food and the difference between their food and imitations of Egyptian food. The decor was beautiful which adds to the whole experience. This place is no joke so come here if you're open-minded and willing to experience something new and to be educated. Oh and if you order Arabic coffee, have Samar tell you your fortune!…