Best Kabobs 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
Charminar Indian Restaurant & Catering
Indian restaurant, Biryani restaurant, Caterer, Gluten-free restaurant, Halal restaurant, Lunch restaurant, Takeout Restaurant, Pakistani restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd Ste 111, San Diego, CA 92121
Charminar Indian Restaurant & Catering in San Diego, California stands out as a vibrant dining establishment specializing in authentic Hyderabadi cuisine and halal offerings. The restaurant's signature dish is their acclaimed biryani, which consistently draws praise for its authentic flavors and generous portions, while their diverse menu features everything from traditional curries to tandoori specialties. The elegant interior with intricate decor creates an inviting atmosphere, though service can be variable during peak hours.
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Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers describe portion sizes as generous, large, or ample. However, some reviews mention small portions, particularly in relation to the price.
Prices: Reviews are mixed regarding affordability. Some reviewers feel the prices are reasonable or a great value, especially for lunch specials. However, others complain about high prices, especially considering portion sizes in some cases.
Parking: The restaurant has ample parking, with multiple reviews mentioning this positive aspect. There is mention that the parking lot is a maze to get out of.
4
Mystic Grill
Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Persian restaurant, Turkish restaurant
Price Range: $$
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.
5
Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant
Afghan restaurant, Caterer, Halal restaurant, Persian restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 523 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Located in San Diego, California, Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant offers an authentic Afghan dining experience with generous portions of flavorful dishes ranging from tender kebabs to aromatic rice specialties. The establishment prides itself on serving halal meats and features an extensive menu that includes both traditional favorites and vegetarian options, all prepared with carefully balanced spices and fresh ingredients. The restaurant's warm atmosphere and attentive service have made it a long-standing fixture in the Hillcrest neighborhood, though parking can be challenging due to its busy urban location.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Numerous reviews praise the generous portion sizes, often noting that there was more food than expected and leftovers to take home.
Prices: Reviewers have differing opinions on affordability. Some consider the prices reasonable given the quality and portion sizes, while others find them expensive, especially considering the mandatory gratuity.
Parking: Parking is a recurring concern, with many reviews mentioning difficulty finding parking and suggesting paid lots or street parking as alternatives.
6
Casa Lahori
Pakistani restaurant, Afghan restaurant, Halal restaurant, Indian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 11975 Bernardo Plaza Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
Casa Lahori in San Diego, California offers authentic Pakistani cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere with traditional decor and ample seating both indoors and outdoors. The menu features popular dishes like chicken tikka, biryani, and mixed grill platters prepared in their clay tandoor oven, while their family-style portions are perfect for group dining and special events. Though service times can vary during peak hours, the restaurant maintains a loyal following for their flavorful halal preparations and reasonable prices.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers comment on the generous portion sizes, often mentioning that dishes easily feed multiple people. However, a few reviews noted smaller than expected portions.
Prices: Reviewers' opinions on pricing are mixed. Some find the prices reasonable or affordable, while others consider them expensive, especially in relation to portion size in some instances.
Parking: One review mentions the availability of ample parking. There is no other information regarding parking in the other reviews.
7
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.
8
Royal India-Delmar
Indian restaurant, Halal restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 3860 Valley Centre Dr, San Diego, CA 92130
Royal India-Delmar in San Diego, California offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian cuisine in an elegant setting with both indoor and outdoor dining options. The restaurant features signature dishes like tandoori wings, various curry dishes, and biryani, with customizable spice levels to accommodate different preferences. The establishment provides an upscale dining experience with attentive service, though reviews of food quality and portion sizes tend to be mixed across different visits.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed on portion sizes. Some mention generous portions, while others describe them as small or like "kids meals".
Prices: Many reviews mention high prices, with some describing the restaurant as overpriced. Others mention reasonable prices or affordable options, indicating mixed opinions on the value.
Parking: One review mentions "lots of free parking". The parking situation is not discussed in other reviews.
9
Ariana Produce & Cuisine
Restaurant, Afghan restaurant, Asian restaurant, Biryani restaurant, Butcher shop, Dairy, Halal restaurant, Persian restaurant, Produce market, Supermarket
Address: 11261 Camino Ruiz #3, San Diego, CA 92126
Ariana Produce & Cuisine in San Diego, California, stands out as a recently renovated halal establishment that combines a butcher shop with an upcoming restaurant space. The store specializes in fresh, high-quality meats including goat, lamb, and chicken, while also offering an expanding selection of authentic spices and grocery items. The establishment has garnered attention for its evolving menu of Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, with particular praise for their kabobs and traditional preparations that customers say remind them of home cooking.
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Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Portion sizes are not discussed in the provided reviews.
Prices: One review mentions prices as "outrageous," while others do not comment on pricing.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking.
10
Blazzers
Fast food restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Barbecue restaurant, Catering food and drink supplier, Fried chicken takeaway, Halal restaurant, Hamburger restaurant, Takeout Restaurant, Pakistani restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 9756 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126
Located at Blazzers in San Diego, California, this halal food truck serves up a fusion of Pakistani and American cuisine with their signature burgers and traditional dishes taking center stage. The menu features juicy halal burgers, flavorful chicken tikka plates, and specialty items like their popular Blaze fries topped with seasoned meat and special sauces. Situated in a convenient lot with outdoor seating, this family-run establishment has earned a reputation for friendly service and consistently fresh food prepared with authentic spices and halal ingredients.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed; some mention generous portions while others mention smaller portion sizes, particularly regarding the fries.
Prices: Many reviewers say the prices are reasonable or affordable for the quality and quantity of food.
Parking: Most reviewers mention ample parking is available at the location.
Fatuma Restaurant
East African restaurant, African restaurant, Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 4869 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Located in San Diego, California, Fatuma Restaurant offers authentic Somali-Mediterranean cuisine with generous portions that have become a local favorite. The establishment is known for its aromatic rice dishes and uniquely spiced meats, particularly their well-loved lamb preparations and signature Wasla kebabs. The casual eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere with reasonable prices, making it an accessible spot for those seeking halal dining options in the area.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers explicitly praise the generous portion sizes.
Prices: Many reviewers comment on the affordable prices and good value.
Parking: One review mentions that there is plenty of on-premise parking available.
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.
Mirch Masala Indian Restaurant
Indian restaurant, Halal restaurant, Indian takeaway, Modern Indian restaurant, North Eastern Indian restaurant, South Indian restaurant, Vegan restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 9254 Scranton Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92121
Mirch Masala Indian Restaurant in San Diego, California, serves up authentic North Indian cuisine with a focus on traditional dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and various curry specialties. The restaurant offers both dine-in service and a lunch buffet, with generous portions that provide good value for customers seeking flavorful Indian fare. While the atmosphere is casual and no-frills, the establishment has earned a reputation for its masala chai, fresh naan bread, and customizable spice levels to suit different palates.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews regarding portion sizes are mixed. Some reviewers mention generous portions, while others describe portion sizes as extremely small for the price.
Prices: Reviews regarding prices are mixed. Some mention good value or affordable prices while others complain about high prices for small portions or the overall value.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability or customer experiences with parking.
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.
Paradise Kabob
Persian restaurant, Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 6780 Miramar Rd STE 105, San Diego, CA 92121
Paradise Kabob in San Diego, California, serves up authentic Persian cuisine in a cozy, family-run establishment that emphasizes traditional flavors and warm hospitality. The restaurant specializes in expertly grilled kabobs, particularly their standout koobideh and chicken varieties, accompanied by aromatic saffron rice and fresh sides like grilled tomatoes and Persian salads. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service from the owners make this modest establishment feel like dining in someone's home, where every dish is prepared with care and traditional cooking methods.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Multiple reviews comment on the generous portion sizes.
Prices: Several reviewers mention reasonable or good prices, suggesting affordability.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking.