Souvla is a fine casual Greek restaurant with locations in San Francisco‘s Hayes Valley and NoPa neighborhoods, inspired by casual souvlaki joints found throughout Greece. The word “souvla” means “spit” or “skewer” in Greek—the rod on which meat is roasted—and that’s exactly what you’ll find here: locally-raised meats spinning over open flame before being wrapped in warm, fluffy pita with seasonal salads and Greek yogurt sauces.

The rotisserie approach makes a real difference. Everything tastes like it’s meant to be eaten quickly and with your hands, which works great if you’re grabbing lunch before heading to nearby Hayes Valley Park or catching some sun in the neighborhood. The Greek fries have topped a whole lot of “best fry” lists, and they’re the kind of thing you’ll find yourself thinking about days later. They’re crispy, well-salted, and actually substantial enough to be their own meal if you’re in a hurry.

Don’t sleep on the frozen Greek yogurt served in the classic “NY Cup”—it’s a simple finish that feels authentic without being pretentious. The Hayes Valley location opened in April 2014 and draws a steady crowd of locals who’ve made it part of their regular rotation. The NoPa spot on Divisadero followed in June 2016 and has the same vibe: efficient, unpretentious, and focused on doing one thing well.

The restaurant’s motto is “make it nice and be nice,” which you’ll notice in how the staff moves through their day. It’s the kind of place where you can take your dog to the outdoor seating area, grab something that tastes genuinely good, and not feel like you’re compromising on quality just because it’s casual. Everything here moves quickly, which means if you’re planning to sit outside with your dog, you won’t be waiting around wondering if your meal will ever arrive.