We love this place 30 years we have been eating here ! The best in San Diego!! Mike or Angie is our server ! They know what we like they take care of us every time! The food is always delicious!! 5 star every time read more

A lot of people I know spoke highly of Aladdin Cafe so I had to check them out especially since I always see it super busy. I ordered the #1 which is All Nature Free Range Chicken Shawarma. It comes with Chicken, Basmati Rice, Hummus, Tahini Sauce, Arabic Salad and Pita Bread. First, the amount of food you get is a lot. My picture doesn't do the portion justice. Between the spices and flavors, this is one delicious meal. It tasted fresh and light, but yet fulfilling. This place costs $30, but it's worth it. I definitely had leftovers and even after reheating it, it still tasted so good. They have plenty of seating, indoors and outdoors. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. Our waiter was very nice. It's a great place for lunch, date night or even a family night out sharing delicious food. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Highly recommend Aladdin to anyone who loves Mediterranean food . They have some authentic flavors & great portions that will make your belly & heart happy. Try the falafels , that's a must! Some of the best falafels I've ever tried . Great service , very helpful with recommendations and made us feel welcome . I will definitely come back for more visits . read more

Aladdin Cafe - #3 Lamb Tika Kebab #4 Chicken Kebab - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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My first time here and I will definitely be going back. They have indoor and outdoor seating. My friends and I shared the Baba Ghanouj appetizer. The smokey flavor was delicious and the pita bread was warm and fluffy. It was a perfect starter for the 3 of us. For my main dish I ordered the 1/2 and 1/2 Shawarma dish. It was a huge portion of beef and chicken. It came with a large side salad with a lemony flavored vinaigrette and rice. It also came with hummus and really good garlic dip. Server was so nice and attentive. It was a great lunch experience all around. read more

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The food was 5/5, but the service last weekend on 7/03 was a 2/5. She was nice but extremely inattentive and slow. It was busy but that just means they need to staff up better. read more

Aladdin Cafe - ##3. Lamb Tika Kebab and #1. Chicken Shawerma - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant is one of my favorite places for Mediterranean food in San Diego. The Tikka Kebab was absolutely delicious--perfectly seasoned, tender, and full of flavor. The service was fast, and everyone was welcoming and professional. A special thanks to Mike for his outstanding customer service and friendly attitude. He made our dining experience even better. Highly recommended, and I'll definitely be back! read more

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An absolute standout, elevated by exceptional service and unforgettable flavors. From the moment we sat down, Ivis set the tone for the entire evening. As first-time diners, we really appreciated how knowledgeable and intentional his recommendations were!! Everything he suggested was spot on. His attentiveness was seamless (never overbearing, always present), and he made the experience feel curated rather than routine. Now let's talk about the food... wow. Every dish came out fresh, beautifully prepared, and packed with flavor. You can truly taste the authenticity and care in each bite. It's one of those menus where everything sounds so good, you're immediately planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal. The ambiance makes it versatile enough for anything, whether it's an intimate date night or a lively group dinner, it executes both effortlessly. Safe to say, we've found a new favorite. We'll absolutely be back... and next time, we're ordering even more! read more

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We arrived at 5:30PM on a Friday without reservation but we got a table shortly. The restaurant is located small strip mall which has limited parking. Service was warm, fast, and efficient. Food: large portion, flavorful, healthy, delicious. Our favorite: the mixed grill lamb chops, chicken, and different kebabs. The garlic sauce compliments the meats well. We can't get enough of it. Arabic salad was refreshing and light with lemon and extra virgin olive oil dressing. read more

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Delicious food, generous portions. Be sure to order the fabulous tabouli. Good alone, and on everything! Half order was plenty for 4 of us. The baba ganoush was good, as well as the creamy humus. Don't bother adding beef to the humus, it was very dry. The #5, combo kebobs, was fantastic. We couldn't pick a favorite. They were all tender and flavorful. Each was treated differently, and I loved them all (lamb, chicken and kefta). Very good rice. Before the entree was served cane the house salad. Yum! Very fresh, well dressed and seasoned. Note: we ordered 2 entrees, the combo kebobs and chicken kebobs. It was too much in addition to our starters. Very nice people and good service. read more

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Omg every time we come here we have great customer service and amazing food! The place makes you feel like family.

Came here after a recommendation from a friend and had a great experience. I arrived 40 minutes before closing and still had to wait 15 minutes (for an outside table - it was fine because it was a nice night out). I guess it's just that popular! We ordered the Arabian mint tea and the mezze platter which came with pita bread. Tea was hot and refreshing. (fyi the tea will make the cups really hot so may have to let it cool down a little). I was impressed by the food and really enjoyed both the chicken and the beef. Not dry at all and very flavorful. Hummus and baba ghanoush were delicious! We had plenty of leftovers. I didn't love the wait or the parking situation but food was great. I can see many people coming here for celebrations. Worth a try! I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

Aladdin Cafe - #7 Aladdin Mezze Platter - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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In town for a company training and ordered online on my trip back to the hotel. Quick (superior) service. With my pickup they offered me a tea or something sweet. Knowing I was exhausted, I chose their spiced tea. Best part - I get back, open my box and the portion of Gyro meat on the salad I ordered was a meal in itself. Ignore my hotel ambience as next time I am back, I'll stay and enjoy the food, the service and the ambience. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

This is the best middle eastern restaurant we've been to since moving here a year ago, and we've tried several. The ambiance is great, servers and staff are super friendly. The food is amazing. - chicken tikka kebab was soft and flavorful- the best my wife said she ever tried . The cheese borek were so good. The aladdin pizza with zaatar and middle eastern spices and I tasted garlic, was a hit with the kids. The chicken shawarma was also off the hook, and top it all off with dessert that was amazing - one of if not the best dining experience we've had in SD. One thing I'd change is to have cloth napkins! But that's not a big deal.. read more

I've been going to this place since 2018-2019, and I hadn't been back until today, but it still hasn't changed. The consistency of the food, the aroma, and the taste remain the same - it all tastes delicious. The layout of the restaurant is even more beautiful now. I prefer the outdoor seats, even though it's cold, because each table has a heater and there are also curtains you can pull to give you more shade and privacy, which is really cool. They have really good teas; I personally love their coffee - it's the best. The mezza platter is one of my favorites to order because it comes with a little bit of everything. I also love their lamb. I'm really intrigued by the combo borak; it looks mouthwatering, but we already had too much food, so I'm going to get that next time. We ordered the shish mix kebab for $45; it's shareable for 2, which was very satisfying. Every entree comes with a salad as a starter and their delicious naan bread. Everything they serve here is fresh. If it's not the first, it's one of my top favorite Mediterranean restaurants in San Diego. FYI: if you haven't tried Turkish ice cream, you should and they have it here. It's so good. Its texture is thick, chewy, sweet but not too sweet and with the pistachios on top, it's so satisfying. read more

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Back for dinner with 2 others on a Sunday night. Very busy with a wait, but worth it. Service was quick and the food delicious. Probably the best salads in San Diego. Lots of choices, huge sizes and all under $20. A meal for 1 or 2. Great hummus and fresh warm pita bread. Love this place. read more

Hands down my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in all of San Diego and I have been to a lot of them since 1998 (the year I moved to SD). I love that their servings are big enough for two people...or just for one with a good appetite. The lamb shank that I ordered was delightfully tender! I would have ordered their wood-fired oven specials but it requires you to call 45 minutes ahead. I will do this the next time I have a hankering for Palestinian food! The photos alone make my mouth water! Mike, our Filipino server certainly made our visit unforgettable. He was fast, knowledgeable and reminds me of Philippine hospitality presented to us with flavorful spices, and aromas! He even convinced us to enjoy half an order of Baklava with Turkish ice cream. Indulging on this decadent desert will surely spike my insulin but...nothing a 20 minute walk or 30 squats can manage to lower. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Pistachio Baklava with Turkish ice cream, Alladin Ceylon Tea with fresh mint - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Delicious Halal food only chicken shish was over cooked. Other than that service was amazing and shockingly fast!! Ambiance was ok- traditional & cozy read more

Authentic, fast, and absolutely divine! Huge thanks to my brother for bringing me here! Even on a busy weekday, Aladdin Cafe delivers a 5-star experience. The place was packed, but the service from Mike and Samir was lightning-fast and super attentive. You can tell the staff love working here. The Food Highlights: * Shish Mix: Perfectly grilled and seasoned. One order is good for two people. * The Garlic Dip: Hands down the star of the show. It is so flavorful--we couldn't get enough of it. * Greek Salad: Fresh, crisp, and authentic. * The Finish: You HAVE to save room for the baklava and hot tea. The baklava was divine (flaky, sweet, and nutty), and the tea presentation in the traditional copper pot was a beautiful touch. Highly recommend this spot if you're in Clairemont. We'll definitely be back soon! read more

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Came here for a birthday dinner celebration. Maybe I should've mentioned that. Do they offer birthday dessert dish? Not sure. Although we didn't make reservations, we were seated outdoors right away under the heat lamp. It was nice! With a somewhat extensive menu we tried a salad, lentil soup, hummus, pizza and a platter for a family of 7. Soup was saltier than expected, but everything else lived up to its par and we left full and content would love to try their dessert next time. Service was fine, our waitress was helpful and friendly. They refilled our pita which came out hot. Kids loved the color activity while waiting for our dishes. This cafe is a treat for us when we visit and I always look forward to coming back! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Yum! - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

I would give this spot a 3.75! My family of 7 had a reservation but took 15 minutes to get seated once we arrived. Although the food was great, my rating decreased due to the service. It seemed very understaffed so it was hard to contact our server. The food was so tasty. Appetizers came out surprisingly fast. I recommend the pink hummus and boraks (especially cheese). I ordered the gyro for my entree. The meat and sauce were flavorful and the Arabic salad was a delight. The lentil soup was also quite tasty. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant, but expect slow service! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Boraks (cheese and lamb) - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great experience! We had the shish mix plate and shared it between 2 people and it was plenty of food! We ordered fries instead of salad and they gave us so many fries! Food is excellent quality and the kebabs were delicious. Our favorite was the chicken so I would just get that next time! The service was great and the restaurant itself is a fun vibe! read more

A large Middle Eastern restaurant with many food items and HUGE portion. Definitely do family style here to try as much as you can. Our waiter was so fun and lively. Made our meal even more enjoyable. We started with the Mezza Plate which came with so many things from chicken shwarma to lamb shwarma to baba ganoush to hummus to tabouleh to dolmes. The dips and the dolmes were my favorite, accompanied with a side of warm pita breads. For my main, I got the Lamb Shank that came with not one but two shanks with fall off the bone tender meat. Tenderness was on point but I wish the flavors were stronger though. My coworkers' dishes on the other hand had flavoful meats that were on the tougher side but that's just my preference. Pro tip, get the curly fries instead of the salad with your main. Some of the crispiest and delicious fries I've had. We also split some Mint Tea and Turkish Ice Cream Baklava for desserts. Both were amazing. I really enjoyed the not overly sweet baklava, filled with toasty pistachios. It's a feast to remember! read more

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This place was AMAZING. I'd go back just for the lamb and cheese borak. I got the lamb shank, it was so tender and flavorful. Well deserving of the hype, I have heard about this place for years and finally got a chance to try it out! read more

Aladdin Cafe - #14 Lamb Shank 2pcs - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Great place to come bring your family or friends here. The Kabob is greets service was quick.

I haven't been here in many years but I remember the food was spectacular so I brought my family today... the food was 5 stars! Everyone was very happy with their food. Portions are huge and most dishes can be shared.. makes for a great family meal. The service is great.. seating inside or outside.. both are very nice... I highly recommend giving this place a try... Note: the original location can be mistaken for the current location which is 100 yards down.. make sure you go to the main entrance. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Appetizer cucumbers, hummus and don't forget the hot sauce - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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First time here and service was quick. Travis our server was on it with the order and the staff were very friendly. The food was amazing, we got the gyro plate and chicken biryani. Definitely will be coming back to try other dishes. read more

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This was a fun and authentic dining experience with some great Mediterranean style food, The portions were huge and tasty and the service was great. The pizza was a standout item with a crust like pita bread and excellent flavor. We ordered the Aladin pizza as an appetizer and it was a hit. The Hummus appetizer was also delicious with a large portion of fresh pita and vegetables. I ordered the # 5 Shish Kabob Mix and it was delicious and a overwhelming amount of food. Everyone in my party were able to leave with a hearty amount of leftovers as well as satisfied. I would definitely come back, the pizza alone is worth the trip and for the price this is a great dining option in San Diego read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been going to Aladdin for many years and I've always ordered the mixed grill at around $80. I've always received a salad rice pita bread, etc. I ordered this item to go today and received one piece of pita bread that was cold . No salad, no rice O won't be coming here again read more

This place is always amazing. I always get the chicken Shawarma pita wrap with fries today we tried the pink hummus with beats and it was fantastic. Love the size of the food. The flavor and quality. The service is amazing. Robin sat us down very promptly. Got us a great table and Michael was awesome as usual very friendly and will be back for sure. Loved everything here. read more

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A friend brought me here for my birthday and I WISH I had come sooner. So delicious and the staff was so helpful and kind. Such a relaxing and enjoyable lunch! read more

Aladdin Cafe always delivers delicious Mediterranean food with kind service at reasonable prices. Most recently a friend joined me for dinner on a Wednesday night and we shared the Meza Platter. Everything was fantastic - garden-fresh tabbouleh, smoky baba ghanouj, chicken and beef schwarma, dolmas, crispy falafel, beef kebab, mixed homemade pickles, hummus, warm pita breads. It was a cool night, so we had their homemade mint hot tea and it really hit the spot! Ambiance is casual, an easygoing cafe where you can bring a friend or date, or just stop by with the family. The only challenge with this location is that the parking lot can fill up quickly on Friday/Saturday nights - so plan accordingly! read more

Aladdin Cafe - ##7. Aladdin Meza Platter - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Got introduced to this locals favorites! Many people go there for lunch time. Had the mixed grilled meats platter and enjoyed the variety of protein provided. The lamb was just right. Love the garlic sauce. Many flavors. Nice staff. Plenty of parking and very roomy restaurant. Tried the 2 different types of desserts and found them to be very sweet and nutty. Plenty of food to share for larger groups of people. Enjoyed the mix of dishes and the environment. Great place to enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal! Dessert is a must try! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing fresh Mediterranean restaurant! Such a nice finding! Generous portions! You absolutely must get the appetizers, open face baked pita with filling! And get the pistachio baklava with Turkish ice cream! So delicious!! Share a plate because the portions are huge!! Service is great! Dog friendly as well as you can sit outside. The waitress brought a water for my dog! Overall we enjoyed it and hope to come back some day! read more

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For my grandma's 85th birthday we enjoyed a delicious lunch here. Sarah was kind and took very good care of us. We had the Borak combo appetizer, lots of shrimp, meat and schwarma Was ordered followed by a delicious. Thanks you Aladdin and thank you Sarah! And in addition my kid loved the falafel and fries! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Aladdin is our go to place for Lebanese/Mediterranean food. This last visit was a bit of a mixed experience. The Greek salad with gyros meat is a hearty and tasty salad with all sorts of delicious vegetables (cucumbers, Kalamata olives, onions, pickled peppers, tomatoes), feta cheese and a delicious dressing. The chicken tikka wrap is usually delicious. This time it came with just the chicken and pita with a side of garlic sauce. I had to ask for the usual tomatoes they used to put on the sandwich. Not sure when they decided to just serve the chicken in a pita without any thing else on it. My suggestion is to ask for tomatoes and spread the garlic sauce on the pita bread before you take a bite. The chicken itself is moist and delicious. Our server Jordyn was very accommodating and immediately brought over some tomatoes. The place is showing age and there are a lot of supplies piled up which makes the restaurant look messy. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Greek Salad with gyros meat - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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The food here is incredible, I think the ambiance and theme of the restaurant fits the food, very Mediterranean experience, the service here is great, thank you to our waiter Travis, absolutely goated. Absolutely would eat here again 5/5 read more

Aladdin Cafe - Turkish Ice Cream (Dessert) - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Food is flavorful and delicious, and comes in big servings, perfect for sharing. Our server, Ahmet, was very attentive and friendly. The location is also great, in central are of San Diego, near the Convoy area -- the food mecca. read more

Aladdin Cafe - #5 Shish Kebab Mix (comes with salad, rice, hummus, pita bread), Lamb Borak, Baba Ghanouj, Mango & Passion Fruit Iced Tea - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

A bit on the pricer side, but well worth it. The food is so delicious and the portions are big! Would come back again, to try something new as they have a big variety of food on the menu. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great place to eat... I just had a chicken shawarma sandwich with salad. Constancy the food is always the same fresh and delicious. I just wish they would use the woodfire oven more! Service is always spot on and place place has a great vib!! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Hmmm - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

A Hidden Gem of Heart, Flavor, and Accessibility - My Unforgettable Experience at Aladdin Restaurant Today I had one of the most exceptional, heartwarming, and deeply nourishing experiences at Aladdin. This isn't just a place to eat -- it's a place to be understood, valued, and genuinely cared for. From the moment I arrived, every accommodation I could have possibly needed was thoughtfully and seamlessly provided. As someone with significant accessibility needs, I often brace for compromise or discomfort when dining out. But at Aladdin, it was the exact opposite. I was not only accommodated, I was embraced with care, dignity, and respect. The staff and the owner, Hamdi, went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable. They created a table setup specifically for me, placing it in a more accessible and safer area for my accessibility needs without sacrificing ambiance or beauty. In fact, the table was nestled in a spot that felt like a secret garden, surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant blooms, what felt like a tranquil oasis that enhanced every bite of the meal. The aroma of sweetness from the nearby landscape added a sensory richness that elevated the entire experience. What truly sets Aladdin apart is their phenomenal food, is the humanity and heart behind every plate. Hamdi is a rare soul -- a deeply kind and compassionate person who doesn't just serve food, he serves joy. His mission is clear: to create experiences that heal, inspire, and connect through the power of thoughtfully prepared meals. He and the ever-attentive Mike spent time with me, combing through every ingredient, asking thoughtful questions, and collaborating to create a custom, safer, and absolutely delicious experience that catered to my dietary needs without making me feel limited or left out. Let's talk about the food. I began with tabbouleh, a refreshing salad that was everything and more than I hoped for. This version was bursting with life. The finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers were layered with a citrusy brightness from fresh lemon juice, a slight richness from high-quality olive oil, and just the right touch of seasoning. Every bite was a dance of crisp, tangy, and herbaceous flavor that was crunchy yet tender, bright yet comforting. It was the kind of dish that reawakens your taste buds and makes you feel truly alive. Next came the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves and wow, were they a revelation. Unlike many versions I've had, which can be either too dry or too sour, these were perfectly moist and deeply flavorful, with a tomato-forward richness that wrapped around the tender rice, herbs, and spices in the filling. The grape leaves were soft, not chewy, and had soaked in just enough of the savory tomato broth to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. A gentle warmth of flavor peaked through the tang, adding depth and comfort. These grape leaves didn't just satisfy; they transported. And then... the gluten-free veggie za'atar pizza. Yes, you read that right -- a gluten-free pizza that actually wowed me. This wasn't just good "for gluten-free" it was excellent by any standard and I couldn't believe it was gluten-free. The crust was a triumph: warm, airy, with a delicate pillowy softness on the inside and a satisfyingly crisp exterior that held up to the toppings beautifully. Piled high with mushrooms, onions, green and yellow zucchini, and coated with a thick, flavorful layer of za'atar (the fragrant, nutty, herbal spice blend), this pizza was bursting with earthiness, brightness, and character. Every bite felt like a miniature adventure filled with crunchy, savory, fresh, and hearty, all at once. Mike, who was attentive throughout the meal, checked in frequently not just out of obligation, but out of genuine care. His warmth, creativity, and attention to detail made me feel safer and supported, an experience that is so rare for people navigating dietary restrictions or disabilities in public spaces. Of the true magic of Aladdin is Hamdi. If you're lucky enough to visit when he's there, you'll feel it instantly, that intangible, glowing energy of someone who loves people and who truly believes in the goodness of what he's doing. His generosity of spirit, his love of life, and his passion for food are infused in every corner of the restaurant. You don't just eat here, you feel nourished, body and soul. Aladdin is a rare place where accessibility, kindness, and culinary excellence meet. Whether you're someone with specific dietary needs, someone looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy beautifully prepared food, or someone who simply wants to support a restaurant that operates with heart and purpose, I can't recommend Aladdin enough. This is food that's not just made with ingredients, it's made with intention, love, and care. Don't just take my word for it. Go experience it for yourself. Trust me, you will leave there not just full, but full of joy. read more