Best Shawarma 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
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
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.
6
Mystic Grill
Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Persian restaurant, Turkish restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 6133 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Mystic Grill in San Diego, California, serves up authentic Mediterranean and halal cuisine with generous portions in a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly known for their flavorful shawarma, tender kabobs, fresh hummus, and unique halal pizza options that keep locals coming back. Their diverse menu features everything from classic Mediterranean staples to fusion dishes, all prepared with high-quality halal ingredients and served with warm house-made pita bread.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers praise the generous portion sizes, often describing them as "huge" or "large."
Prices: Reviewers generally describe prices as affordable, reasonable, or good value for the amount of food received, although some mention prices being a little high for the portion size.
Parking: One review mentions parking as being "a little tight", suggesting limited parking availability.
7
Babaz Grill Pizza & Subs
Halal restaurant, Delivery Restaurant, Pizza restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 4672 University Ave STE D, San Diego, CA 92105
Babaz Grill Pizza & Subs in San Diego, California, is a late-night halal eatery known for its diverse menu featuring everything from pizzas and shawarma wraps to chicken tenders and burgers. The casual spot specializes in Mediterranean-American fusion cuisine, with their chicken shawarma and specialty pizzas being particularly popular among locals. While the establishment maintains a no-frills atmosphere with limited seating, it has built a loyal following for its generous portions and commitment to serving authentic halal food until late hours.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Some reviews mention decent or generous portion sizes, while others express disappointment with the amount of food received for the price.
Prices: Opinions on pricing are mixed. Some find prices reasonable or good value, while others complain about high costs and discrepancies between menu prices and actual charges.
Parking: The parking situation is described as a hazard in one negative review, highlighting a difficult parking experience. No other reviews comment on parking.
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
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.
10
Deccan Bites
Halal restaurant, Fast food restaurant, Indian restaurant
Address: 9810 Carroll Canyon Rd ste 102, San Diego, CA 92131
Deccan Bites in San Diego, California offers a vibrant mix of halal fast food with influences from both Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant is known for its signature items including perfectly spiced broasted chicken, authentic Irani chai with bun maska, and flavorful chicken shawarma that keeps customers coming back. The warm atmosphere and attentive service complement their diverse menu which features everything from crispy zingers to traditional favorites, all prepared according to halal standards with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Some reviews mention generous portions, while others note smaller portion sizes, particularly for sides. There are conflicting opinions.
Prices: Reviewers express mixed opinions on pricing. Some find the prices reasonable or affordable, while others feel the value is not commensurate with the portion size.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about the restaurant's parking situation.
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.
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.