A growing appetite for regional cuisines is reshaping San Francisco’s food scene, and Turkish cooking is the latest to gain a larger platform. Oklava Café is preparing to open its second location inside Saluhall at 945 Market Street, expanding from its original café concept with a broader menu that showcases the diversity of Turkish cuisine.

Expected to open in late June or early July, the new venue represents a significant step for owner Aziz Aslan. While Oklava’s first location focuses on coffee, pastries and desserts, the Saluhall outpost will introduce a more substantial food offering. Alongside Turkish breakfast, diners can expect flatbreads, grain bowls, salads and cooked meat dishes, creating a fuller picture of everyday Turkish dining.

The café has already built a following for combining traditional recipes with contemporary touches. Signature offerings include a baklava cheesecake that layers pistachio baklava flavours into an American dessert classic, alongside Turkish tea, traditional Turkish coffee, fresh pastries, cakes, Turkish delight and savoury buns filled with cheese and olives.

The move comes as Saluhall continues to establish itself as a destination for independent food businesses. Located above IKEA’s downtown San Francisco store, the Nordic-inspired food hall has attracted a diverse collection of international operators, making it a natural fit for Oklava’s expansion. Aslan has said the opportunity arose while the business was searching for a second location, with the ready-made space allowing for a relatively quick launch.

For San Francisco diners, the opening offers another opportunity to explore a cuisine that extends well beyond kebabs. From leisurely Turkish breakfasts to coffee brewed in the traditional style and comforting regional dishes, Oklava’s new home promises a broader introduction to one of the Mediterranean’s richest culinary traditions.