Best Lamb Dishes 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
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
Mystic Grill
Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Persian restaurant, Turkish restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 6133 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Mystic Grill in San Diego, California, serves up authentic Mediterranean and halal cuisine with generous portions in a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly known for their flavorful shawarma, tender kabobs, fresh hummus, and unique halal pizza options that keep locals coming back. Their diverse menu features everything from classic Mediterranean staples to fusion dishes, all prepared with high-quality halal ingredients and served with warm house-made pita bread.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers praise the generous portion sizes, often describing them as "huge" or "large."
Prices: Reviewers generally describe prices as affordable, reasonable, or good value for the amount of food received, although some mention prices being a little high for the portion size.
Parking: One review mentions parking as being "a little tight", suggesting limited parking availability.
6
Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant
Afghan restaurant, Caterer, Halal restaurant, Persian restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
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.
7
Mr. Shawarma
Halal restaurant, Falafel restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant, Shawarma restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 5111 College Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
Mr. Shawarma in San Diego, California, offers a diverse menu featuring Middle Eastern classics with a modern twist, including their signature shawarma wraps, Habibi burgers, and various Mediterranean platters. The establishment has evolved from a food truck to a restaurant, maintaining a reputation for generous portions and fresh ingredients across their menu items. While the service experience varies, they're known for their flavorful meat preparations and complementary sides like hummus and baklava, making them a notable halal food destination in the area.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews emphasize the generous portion sizes as a positive aspect of the dining experience.
Prices: Several reviews mention reasonable or affordable prices, while others mention expense. Opinions are mixed regarding value.
Parking: Parking is not discussed in the provided reviews.
8
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.
9
Spice Lounge
Indian restaurant, Gluten-free restaurant, Halal restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Wine bar
Price Range: $$
Address: 859 Hornblend St, San Diego, CA 92109
Spice Lounge in San Diego, California offers a diverse menu of authentic Indian cuisine in a modern, plant-filled setting with a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in both traditional curry dishes and innovative fusion items, with particularly strong offerings for vegetarian and vegan diners. The establishment stands out for its expertly crafted cocktails, attentive service, and flexible spice level customization that caters to different palates.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed on portion sizes. Some describe portions as generous or enough for two meals, while others complain of small portions, particularly relative to the price.
Prices: Reviews are mixed regarding affordability. Some reviewers find the prices reasonable or good value, while others find them expensive or overpriced, especially given the portion sizes.
Parking: The reviews do not mention parking.
10
Royal India-Delmar
Indian restaurant, Halal restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
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.
Ma's House
Chinese restaurant, Halal restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 5537 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117
Ma's House in San Diego, California offers authentic halal Chinese cuisine with generous portions and a diverse menu featuring everything from tender lamb dishes to flavorful soups and stir-fries. The restaurant provides a spacious dining environment with ample parking, making it a convenient spot for both small and large groups seeking halal options. The establishment consistently delivers quality food at reasonable prices, though service can be inconsistent during peak hours.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers explicitly praise the generous portion sizes; some even mention having leftovers.
Prices: Several reviews mention that prices are reasonable or good for the portion sizes offered; however, some mention that it is a bit expensive.
Parking: Many reviews highlight the restaurant's ample parking lot as a significant advantage, especially compared to other establishments in the area.
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.
Known For
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.
Royal India - San Diego
Indian restaurant, Banquet hall, Caterer, Fine dining restaurant, Halal restaurant, Restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 329 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
Royal India in San Diego, California, is a traditional Indian restaurant nestled in the bustling Gaslamp District serving up an extensive menu of authentic North Indian cuisine. The establishment offers a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with popular dishes including their lamb specialties, butter chicken, and various biryanis served in a warmly decorated dining space. While some diners praise the authentic flavors and attentive service, others note varying experiences with portion sizes and pricing in this downtown dining spot.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews on portion sizes are mixed. Some describe portions as generous, filling, or a good amount for sharing, while others mention small portions, especially for appetizers or to-go orders.
Prices: Opinions on pricing are divided. Some reviewers find the prices reasonable or inexpensive, while others consider them expensive or not worth the value, especially considering the portion sizes.
Parking: Parking is mentioned as a challenge by several reviewers, particularly in the downtown location. Reviewers suggest that finding parking can be difficult or terribly painful.
Paradise Biryani Pointe
Indian restaurant, Halal restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 8995 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126
Paradise Biryani Pointe in San Diego, California offers a diverse menu of authentic Indian cuisine, specializing in their signature biryani dishes and fusion creations like Indian-style pizzas. The casual dining spot serves generously portioned meals with a range of spice levels, featuring popular items like butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and various curry dishes. The restaurant maintains a relaxed atmosphere with ample seating and convenient parking, making it a practical choice for both dine-in and takeout customers looking for flavorful Indian food at reasonable prices.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers comment on generous portion sizes, often mentioning enough food for two meals. However, a few reviews mention smaller portions than expected.
Prices: Reviewers frequently praise the affordable prices and good value. A few mention prices being high, particularly for the amount of food offered.
Parking: Several reviews mention easy parking as a positive aspect of the restaurant.
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.