"Al-Masri could be just the ticket for Bay Area palates that think they've tasted it all." --Bill Citara, San Francisco Examiner

"This is a good as it gets . . ." --Hagar Islambouly, Consul General of Egypt

"Al-Masri is more than a restaurant; it is an experience, providing their curious patrons with the most authentic live Arabic music, belly dancing and cuisine short of actually going to Egypt." --Gene Burns, Dining Around

"Al-Masri menu gives a vivid sense of peoples and movements that have swept across the Nile delta over the centuries. Al-Masri means to be something more than simply another ethnic restaurant." --Paul Reidinger

Catherine Heenan dancing with Sausan Academy of Egyptian Dance graduate, Samar

"In a city known for every kind of fusion and ethnic food, this Egyptian restaurant with comfortable bar, alluring decor, and belly dancing, stands alone." --GAYOT (AOL), San Francisco Restaurants

"We weren't quite prepared to be as completely swept away as we were by Al-Masri. Al-Masri meals were a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. We may not have physically left town, but Al-Masri certainly helped us make an imaginary escape." --Amanda Berne, San Francisco Chronicle

CRITIC'S CHOICE: Lamb Dishes "Try the lamb kebabs, or rack of lamb with a variety of sides." --Robin Davis, San Francisco Chronicle

"What to do when you want a night out but don't want to rush your meal to get to your entertainment? Want an experience tinged with the exotic? Want free parking? Sensual dancers? An attentive staff that goes out of its way to make sure you're happy? It's all at Al-Masri and it's very Egyptian, from the succulent morsels they'll place on your table to the well-trained belly dancerws schooled by the restaruant.... The Bottom Line - Al-Masri Gets All My Stars." -- Martha Bakerjian

"Owner Hatem 'Pasha' has created his own fantasy Egyptian courtyard. In it, gorgeous, world-class belly dancers entertain smart people feasting on succulent lamb, grilled quail, roasted game hen, and marinated seasonal fish. Share hummus, falafel, tahini, and stuffed grape leaves while the proud proprietor regales with tales of Egyptian culture, his royal lineage, and the murals he has painted throughout." --The Best in the Bay Area Dining

"Al-Masri serves tasty Egyptian food.... We ate succulent, crispy-skinned rabbit and savory lamb kebabs. Even better were the ground lamb kebabs, kufta mashwiya, seasoned with garlic and mint." --Patricia Unterman, San Francisco Food Lover's Guide

Critic's Choice

"Egyptian Food Served in beautiful, colorful surroundings. Try the lamb kabab, baked quail and hummus. Belly dancing featured every night." --Robin Davis