Khamsa Restaurant

I went to Khamsa on a Sunday evening a few weeks back with colleagues for an informal business dinner/interview. It's a charming space that's easy to miss - limited seating in a more small-party setting. In short, Khamsa is high-end prices for mediocre Moroccan food. The menu is very short and lacks variety. The particular night we went, we decided on several dishes (one vegetarian, two meat) to share family style. The presentations were nice but two of the dishes were overloaded with spices (tumeric?) and lacked any kind of significant flavor. Typical wine list with $14/glass selections for bottles that probably cost less. Frankly an hour after we left, I was still hungry and stopped on Mission Street for some tacos.

I see many ultra-positive reviews from other Elite members...maybe they were having an off night, but I was also severely unimpressed by the level of service. Our sever was not friendly and seemed impatient to get our order and retreat back behind the counter to play on her phone. The branding of Khamsa is supposed to be upscale and boutique, and for this I would expect an equivalent level of service and etiquette from the staff. The fact that this was so sorely lacking means I probably won't go there again to give a second chance.

To be in San Francisco either living or visiting, I think you could do far better with a small "mom & pop" restaurant that are so frequently found throughout the City and Bay Area.

Originally I left a low review because there was some covid confusion regarding hours, and I ended up being able to order while the restaurant was actually closed.

Adil at Khamsa called me almost immediately and got me a full refund no questions asked.
I appreciate them taking the time to call *me*, and not having to track them down like almost any other business.

I’ll be ordering from here again, and happily.

Best Quality steak out there. Maybe not the most tastiest, but definitely good quality steak. No seasoning needed no nothing. We come every time we are in SF, and will continue to make this one of our go to spots.

Wow. Amazing food. The lamb couscous was so tasty and the tajine was to die for. Try the desserts too. One of the best Moroccan restaurant I have ever done in the US. They are very nice and we ate in a cute patio. Everything was just perfect, thanks for staying open during these rough times. What a pleasant surprise, will definitely come back.

Wow! Really sweet fun place. Tiny. Only 7 tables for 2 or 3 tables for 4 or 5. Wonderful outdoor space. The server was new, less than 2 weeks on the job but really knew their stuff and very attentive.

Some what limited menu (which I appreciate) but everything was totally sumptuous! From spectacular lentil soup to wonderful lamb couscous to delicious honey layer cake to Turkish coffee made the right way with mud in the bottom, the food was devine!

Sorry I didn't get any pictures of the great presentation, we were too busy enjoying ourselves.