Reem's California Mission

Reem Assil modeled this corner spot on Mission Street after the street-corner bakeries of Beirut and Damascus, intending it to be a place where noise and movement are part of the draw. It doesn’t operate with the hushed reverence of a typical artisanal bakery; instead, Arabic music often plays over the speakers, competing with the sound of orders being called out from the counter. The menu is built on the man’oushe – a traditional flatbread that serves as the vehicle for most of the kitchen’s output. You order at the register, choosing between open-faced versions topped with za’atar and cheese or wrapped options like the Pali Cali, which combines sumac chicken with caramelized onions and arugula. The food reflects Assil’s background as a community organizer and La Cocina alum, blending Levantine staples with California produce in a way that feels specific to this neighborhood. While it functions as a full-service lunch or dinner spot for some, many treat it as a quick stop for mezze and sweets. Trays of hummus and muhammara circulate the room, and the chocolate chip halawa cookie is a frequent sight on tables, often sitting next to a glass of cardamom cold brew or Damascus lemonade. It is a casual, high-traffic anchor at 25th and Mission that prioritizes hospitality and volume over formality.