Best Falafel in San Diego, California
1
Istanbul Doner Kebab
Kebab shop, Doner kebab restaurant, Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Persian restaurant, Pizza restaurant, Turkish restaurant
Address: 531 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Istanbul Doner Kebab in San Diego, California, stands as a vibrant Turkish eatery in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, offering an authentic dining experience with traditional dishes and warm hospitality. The restaurant specializes in expertly prepared meats, particularly their signature doner kebabs and tender lamb dishes, served alongside fragrant rice, fresh salads, and house-made sauces. The welcoming atmosphere features modern décor with Turkish touches, while the establishment takes pride in serving certified halal food and even provides a dedicated prayer room for Muslim patrons.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews emphasize the generous portion sizes, describing them as large, huge, and filling. Several reviewers explicitly mention being satisfied with the amount of food they received.
Prices: Several reviews comment on the affordability and value, describing prices as decent, good, and reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.
Parking: Reviews mention both street parking and a nearby paid parking lot. One review advises against using the paid lot due to its minimum charge. The ease of parking appears to vary depending on the method used.
2
Baba Kabob
Afghan restaurant, Halal restaurant, Kebab shop, Mediterranean restaurant, Restaurant
Address: 9474 Black Mountain Rd suite a, San Diego, CA 92126
Located in San Diego, California, Baba Kabob is a family-owned Afghan restaurant known for its authentic halal cuisine and generous portions. The establishment offers a diverse menu featuring perfectly grilled kabobs, fresh flatbreads, and specialties like bolani and mantu, all prepared with traditional spices and cooking techniques. The warm, professional service and casual dining atmosphere make this spot a neighborhood favorite, where guests can enjoy consistently well-executed dishes served with their signature sauces and aromatic rice.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews emphasize the generous portion sizes, often stating that there were leftovers. Several reviewers explicitly mention the large portions as a positive aspect.
Prices: Reviewers frequently comment on the affordable prices, describing them as reasonable, fair, and unbeatable, given the generous portions and quality of the food.
Parking: Several reviews mention ample parking, while one negative review mentions a parking issue caused by the owner. Most reviewers have a positive experience with parking.
3
Mr. Shawarma
Halal restaurant, Falafel restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Shawarma restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 2045 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Mr. Shawarma in San Diego, California, serves up authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on perfectly seasoned shawarma and crispy falafel in generous portions. The friendly staff provides excellent customer service while dishing out their signature items alongside fresh sides like garlic sauce, hummus, and rice bowls that keep locals coming back for more. The casual spot has earned a reputation for consistently delivering flavorful halal options late into the night, making it a reliable destination for both quick bites and hearty meals in the Pacific Beach area.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers comment on the generous portion sizes, describing them as "huge" and more than enough for two people. The large portions are frequently cited as a positive aspect of the dining experience.
Prices: Reviewers generally felt the prices were reasonable or affordable, with some specifically mentioning "great prices" and "great value." However, one review did mention the restaurant was "overpriced."
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about the restaurant's parking situation.
4
Shawarma Guys
Shawarma restaurant, Halal restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant
Address: 3012 Grape Street, San Diego, CA 92102
Shawarma Guys in San Diego, California, is a popular food truck known for serving up a diverse menu of Middle Eastern cuisine featuring their signature wagyu beef and chicken shawarma plates. The establishment offers generous portions of flavorful dishes including fresh tabbouleh, homemade hummus, crispy falafel, and their unique fusion items like shawarma egg rolls and lemon cream chop fries. While operating from a modest food truck setup with limited seating options, they've built a loyal following thanks to their commitment to using quality halal ingredients and maintaining consistent food preparation standards.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed regarding portion sizes. Some describe portions as generous and enough for two people, while others find them too small or lacking, particularly the rice portions in some plates.
Prices: Reviews on price are mixed. Some feel the food is reasonably priced or a good value, especially considering the quality of the ingredients. Others find it overpriced, particularly given the portion sizes and the fact that it is a food truck.
Parking: Parking is mentioned as an issue by several reviewers; the restaurant is a food truck with limited parking nearby, often requiring customers to find street parking.
5
Mystic Grill
Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Persian restaurant, Turkish restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 6133 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Mystic Grill in San Diego, California, serves up authentic Mediterranean and halal cuisine with generous portions in a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly known for their flavorful shawarma, tender kabobs, fresh hummus, and unique halal pizza options that keep locals coming back. Their diverse menu features everything from classic Mediterranean staples to fusion dishes, all prepared with high-quality halal ingredients and served with warm house-made pita bread.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers praise the generous portion sizes, often describing them as "huge" or "large."
Prices: Reviewers generally describe prices as affordable, reasonable, or good value for the amount of food received, although some mention prices being a little high for the portion size.
Parking: One review mentions parking as being "a little tight", suggesting limited parking availability.
6
Balboa International Market
Grocery store, Bakery, European grocery store, Halal restaurant, Indian grocery store, Mediterranean restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant, Persian restaurant, Pizza Takeout
Address: 5905 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Located in San Diego, California, Balboa International Market serves as a bustling hub for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, offering everything from fresh-baked flatbreads to an extensive selection of halal meats. The market features a diverse array of international products, including Persian sweets, Turkish olives, and authentic spices, while also housing an in-house restaurant serving traditional Middle Eastern dishes. The store's fresh produce section and bakery are particularly noteworthy, with daily-baked sangak bread and an impressive selection of baklava drawing customers from across the city.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Several reviews describe generous portion sizes, especially regarding kabobs.
Prices: Reviews are mixed on pricing. Some find the prices affordable or cheaper than other stores, while others consider them too high or overpriced.
Parking: Most reviews mention ample parking, though one review noted it as a challenge.
7
The Halal Shack
Halal restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: East Commons, Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
The Halal Shack in San Diego, California, situated within SDSU's dining hall, offers a vibrant mix of Middle Eastern street food that has become a popular spot for students and locals alike. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of fresh ingredients, particularly in their signature rice bowls, gyros, and naanaritos, all served with a variety of customizable toppings and sauces. The establishment stands out for its consistently friendly service and efficient staff who create a welcoming atmosphere while serving up quick, healthy meal options.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Several reviews praise the generous portion sizes.
Prices: Some reviews mention pricing as a bit high, while others find it reasonable or good value for the portion size.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
8
Shawarma Guys
Middle Eastern restaurant, Halal restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 9690 Reagan Rd ste 103, San Diego, CA 92126
Shawarma Guys in San Diego, California offers a diverse menu of Middle Eastern cuisine in a casual dining setting with friendly service. The restaurant specializes in shawarma plates, wraps, and bowls featuring seasoned meats served with traditional sides like hummus, rice, and warm pita bread. While the establishment has garnered attention for its signature dishes including Wagyu beef shawarma and chicken cream chop fries, some diners note that portions can be modest for the price point.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed; some mention generous portions, while many others complain about small portions relative to the price.
Prices: Many reviews express concern about high prices and small portions, suggesting that the value is not perceived as good by many customers.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about the restaurant's parking situation.
9
Kraving Kabob
Mediterranean restaurant, Greek restaurant, Halal restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 3804 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA 92109
Kraving Kabob in San Diego, California, stands out as a beloved Mediterranean food truck serving up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in the Pacific Beach area. The menu features an impressive array of dishes including perfectly seasoned kabobs, crispy falafel, juicy gyros, and their newly famous smash burgers, all prepared fresh to order with high-quality ingredients. Run by a passionate family team who treats customers like their own, this casual eatery offers generous portions at reasonable prices while maintaining consistently excellent food quality and warm, friendly service.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews comment on the generous portion sizes, using terms like "generous", "filling", and "satisfying portions". Reviewers frequently mention having leftovers.
Prices: Reviewers frequently mention the affordable prices and great value, stating that the prices are "reasonable", "very fair", "great", and "unbeatable in the area".
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about the restaurant's parking situation.