Fresh falafel and juicy shawarma bring in locals looking for a little variety on a Outer Sunset strip renowned for predominantly Asian cuisine.

by Chelsea Sime

Residents recognize that the Outer Sunset is often synonymous with cheap heaping portions of delicious Asian cooking. But Sunrise Deli is the avenues' stop for some worldy cuisine outside the Far East. The bare-bones decor is accented by old-world hookah paraphernalia (not for customer use) and dusty shelves of tahini and grape leaves, but the Middle Eastern cuisine--tabouli, babaghanouj, hummus and the like--behind the glass deli case is made fresh and moves quick. Sidewalk passersby gawk at the rotating shawarma meat hanging in the front window, and those who wander in get giant sandwiches spilling with the shaved lamb or chicken. Vegetarians and carnivores alike dig into the restaurant's mainstay: freshly fried falafels in lavish or pita bread with the usual toppings plus potatoes or avocado.

03/12/04

Great food, friendly staff

by eatingman

I feel like I am on the East Coast with the great characters working here. Not only that, but the food is delicious. The mixed plates are tasty and more than filling. Atmosphere is small town where usually one or two regulars are sitting and jabbing.

• Pros: good food, service, atmospher

06/09/03

great salads

by batifol

I like the baba ganoush here a LOT, and the felafels are addictive. The veggie combo is a delicious, affordable meal. On a sunny day, get takeout and eat in Golden Gate Park, just one block away.

• Pros: Affordable, Delicious, Casual

07/22/02

Tastiest Lunch in the City

by abaiyor

This little deli offers fresh and authentic middle-eastern cuisine such as falafels, shwarma, and humus, as well as selling a small selection of ingredients to prepare your own dishes. It is a great place for a quick work lunch or a causual lunch date, and is available for pick up or eat in. The food is delicious, the service is fast and friendly, and I would highly recomend stopping by, if only for their savory olives.

• Pros: authentic food, fast service, unusual menue
• Cons: difficult parking

06/15/02

Delicious hole-in-the-wall

by lalala

Sunrise Deli is someplace you would probably walk by and not even notice. But it serves up the yummiest Middle Eastern treats for a great price. Try their falafels and spinach pies. Oh, and the people are very nice.

• Pros: Inexpensive