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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Yummy! Alladin is the best Mediterranean food in San Diego! Tender chicken kakob delicious hummus great salad and don't forget the garlic sauce! Must try. Ivis provided the best service, friendly and conscientious. We have been coming here for over 26 years! Mike is always a joy to see and provides great service. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Chicken kabob - 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is by far my favorite Greek restaurant anywhere. The food is always spot-on--fresh ingredients, generous portions, and flavors that instantly transport you to Greece. Everything on the menu is consistently excellent, from the classics to the daily specials. What really sets this place apart is the service. Mike, one of the waiters, deserves a special shoutout. He's attentive without being pushy, knows the menu inside and out, and always makes you feel like a valued guest. He has that rare gift of turning a good meal into a memorable dining experience. If you love authentic Greek food and top-notch service, you won't find a better spot. This restaurant is a true gem, and Mike makes every visit even better. read more

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

I've heard amazing things about Aladdin from my brother. This review is solely for takeout. I ordered a beef shawarma in person for takeout. Staff was extremely friendly, and asked if I needed anything to drink while I waited. Flavors were good...but nothing out of the ordinary. Excited to try large platters in person! They have two takeout parking spaces out front...otherwise, parking for Aladdin is definitely a bit chaotic. Excited to be back in the near future! read more

Definitely coming back! My doctor's office transferred this way from the Mission Gorge area. So, to let traffic run its course during the work week- I take advantage of shopping and grabbing dinner nearby. The usual go to spots are in the Asian District in/ near Convoy area. When I finally let hubby choose the dinner spot- I was excited. Always past by and recalled many years ago, Aladdin Cafe had commercials. We found parking and could smell the grilled meats wafting in the air. Quickly greeted with/ smiles and warmth. When I was at work earlier that day, there was a quick glance at the menu and I wanted to try their Tajine menu. Until we were seated is when I realized the small print underneath. *Cooking time 45 minutes. Or call ahead.* I wanted to shrivel inside. So, ordering from the taking menu- will DEFINITELY be on our next menu! On brisk fall evenings- I love hot teas. And what a beautiful display to have your hot tea delivered in a very ornate pot. I love savory appetizers and there's no shortage when it comes to Mediterranean food. The Kebeh is a deep fried seasoned mixture of lean veal & crushed wheat- stuffed with/ ground black angus beef/ onions/ & almonds. 2 pieces/ $12 #2 Beef Shawerma $27.50 Marinated grass fed premium black angus strips grilled & served with onions & basmati rice. Hummus & pita; tahini sauce on side; & Arabic salad. I couldn't finish my Shawerma entree, and took the rest home. The marinade on the Shawerma is to die for and wish they sold it in bottles!! read more

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My girlfriend and I came in for her birthday and it was such a great dinner! One of the best middle eastern cafe's in San Diego. The service here was friendly and quick with food coming out of the kitchen fresh and hot. Pink Hummus - 9/10 The hummus was so addicting and the pink color from the beets added a new element to this classic dip. The flavor of the beet was light but could definitely still be tasted and the hummus texture was solid. The pita they included was warm and paired nicely with this dip! Borak Combo (Spinach, Cheese, Lamb) - 8.6/10 The lamb one was definitely the favorite by far with an extremely flavorful filling and juicy tender meat, the spinach came second and was super solid, the cheese was just as expected carb and cheese, solid but didn't blow our socks off. Mixed Grill Combo - 9.3/10 The lamb chops were the most flavorful and tender chops we've ever had super good! The two chicken kebabs were also seasoned very well and tasted very clean (if that makes sense) , the steam kebab was seasoned well and was a good break from all of the chicken, the beef kebab was average but couldn't complain. It was definitely a great portion of super tasty meat and the pita that was under the meats soaked up the juices and was a great treat at the end! Baklava with Turkish Ice cream - 10/10 THE PERFECT SWEET PISTACHIO TREAT TO END YOUR MEAL!!!! WE LOVED THIS read more

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Currently having the best experience here. Angie is our server and she is PHENOMENAL. The atmosphere, the music, the service, and the food are all immaculate. This is my new favorite spot, will definitely be coming more. Is it possible to give 6 stars? If I could I would. We ordered a tasty beef shawarma wrap, savory lamb shank, and some delicious Turkish ice cream. Angie if you're seeing this- thank you for everything read more

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Ambience especially outdoors 2/5 Service 2/5, the gentleman who was serving us, didn't give a d... and was rushing us the whole time. The food was v good for the most part , kofta, lamb tajin, hawawshi all were great The beef sharwrma we ordered a sandwich. It was great a plate was dry and underwhelming, which tells me it was probably cooked and left for a long time before being served . The konofa was ok read more

Got here at 6:30 PM on a Sunday and we were able to be seated immediately. Service was fast and friendly. The baba ghanouj was tasty and fresh, and the chicken plate with hummus and salad was delicious as well. Portion sizes were great for the price. Aladdin will definitely satisfy a craving for Mediterranean food! Parking is in a private lot. read more

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

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Just outstanding. We were a large group w/ children and had excellent, friendly service. The dishes were all home runs and authentic to their respective regions. Inviting atmosphere. Eager to return! read more

I'm not sure what took me so long to make it here but YUM! I cannot believe how fast our server was! The place was busy and he had multiple tables but he had out drinks out lickety split and made sure we got our order in before a large party that was seated about the same time we were. My friend had the chicken kabob dish and went for the lentil soup to start. The chicken was super flavorful and a little tangy, nice and juicy too. That lentil soup was completely unexpectedly delicious!! I started with the side salad but after trying her soup I'll be sure to order that next time. The salad was good too though, fresh crispy veggies. The lamb chops were straight up OUTSTANDING! I tried the beet hummus instead of the regular hummus which I also enjoyed. You will for sure have leftovers and the menu is reasonably priced. I will be adding this cafe to my regular rotation. read more

Aladdin Cafe - I don't remember what this chicken plate was called but it was FIRE - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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This in an incredible restaurant to get exceptionally cooked meat. One of my favorite places for the holidays and honestly I would eat here more often if I could. We (easily enough for two) often picked the mix grilled plate and I devour the lamb. It is worth paying for the Basmati rice and Mediterranean salad. A friend joined us and had a bit of our meats since we had plenty. She ordered lamb tajine but wasn't pleased with how many tomatoes it was stuffed with and how little meat. She did say the flavor was good. We opted for a Turkish pineapple soda and I was good but pricey at $4 per bottle. Still a good choice. Aladdin Cafe was lively. Employees were friendly and helpful. And Santa visited the guests to spread holiday cheer on Monday, December 23rd. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

When it comes to Mediterranean food, Aladdin Cafe is our first pick to dine in. The meats here are very flavorful and tender. We like ordering their Mixed Grill and the Lamb Shank. Their Mix grill consists of a combination of Chicken kabob, Koufta kabob, lamb tika kabab, chicken koufta kabob, and lamb chops, all tender and delicious. Their Lamb Shank is served with Basmati Rice and Salad, a very good one. We've been here many times and every food we order here is always delicious. Service is always on point. We usually have Angie or Mike who both are super friendly and attentive to all that we might need . But this time we had Andrea, also a very friendly one and most of all very attentive to whatever we might need. They have good food here, give them a try. Parking is not of a big space but we always find it easy to park here. read more

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4 stars... My first time to this place, but judging from the crowds moving in and out this joint was a local favorite! Chose the gyro plate... a massive amount of food with rice and tzatziki..very tasty! Finished with the baklava.. a bit dry, tough, and overpowered by the pistachio butter. Ambiance is cramped cafeteria, service was prompt and friendly, and prices are in line with the area(and portions) Great food, this joint makes the list! read more

Aladdin Cafe - #13. Gyros Plate... huge portion! - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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I absolutely love dining here. The food is always so consistently delicious, very flavorful and seasoned. I always get the chicken shawerma. The dish is pretty big and comes with a salad. You def get your money's worth. Everyone here is so friendly. Especially Mike, who is an excellent server that we see often. He is very welcoming, attentive, and pleasant every time. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Chicken shawerma and Chicken Biryani - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Great restaurant within the strip mall, having excellent food, and a lot of different varieties. Good blend between American, Mediterranean, yummy Salads, and seafood and meats! Dekker is comfortable and Lighting is accommodating, and plenty of seating They even have a chicken Shawarma pizza which was excellent. The wait staff has always been friendly and accommodating, and I come here for lunch quite often. Good variety and decent prices. read more

Food was decent. The boraks were okay. Good salad. The chicken dish was decent. Not the best but better than other places. Overpriced though. I also didn't like their practices. Server only recommending the most expensive items and pushing dessert so hard. Awkward moments. Then there was a 4% rising cost charge I didn't see. read more

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Yum yum yum!! The food is so so good with very generous portions. The service was so friendly and accommodating. I will definitely be back! read more

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This is the best Mediterranean restaurant by far in SoCal. Been coming here for years and Mike has been taking care of us for years as he has been the best. The food and drink is exceptional as well at times just hang out after dinner for drinks. The atmosphere is fun and chill and the restaurant is exceptionally clean. Parking is ok but the lot can get full especially on Friday and Saturday nights. read more

Stephania and Salma are the perfect servers I could ask for. I was seating right away with no wait around 5:30 right before dinner rush hour. Ordered delicious combo meal with meat and chicken mixed . Appetizers with cheese and meat was a perfect starter. Highly recommend this place and will keep coming back awesome work. Finished our night with tea perfect with a conversation. read more

I really enjoyed eating here! It was a great restaurant with great portion sizes We went on a Saturday night which was really busy. Even though it was really busy, the wait for a table for 4 wasn't too long, it was around 25 minutes to get a table. Parking was a bit more difficult to find than other restaurants but it wasn't extremely difficult. It took only a couple of minutes to search this. We got the Beef shawarma wrap, the chicken shawarma wrap and the Aladdin Meza Platter. We also got a side of garlic sauce. The two shawarma wraps were great, we all preferred the chicken over the beef but the beef was still pretty good. The Meza platter was great, they had a little bit of everything and it was nice to try. Everything was really great. The restaurant was really busy and in the beginning it was difficult to ask for certain things such as plates or forks for our food but after that everything went quickly. The ambiance of the restaruant was really nice as well. There is indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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Been trying to get to Aladdin for awhile and it did not disappoint. We shared a gyro wrap, shawarma bites and the borak combo. The gyro wrap is almost shareable between just two people and delicious. The lamb was seasoned wonderfully. The borak combo was delicious. The lamb borak is a must. I will get it every time I return. Can't wait to come back and try some entrees. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Shawarma Beef Shawerma Bites - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Every dish from here is amazing. My favorite place to eat in San Diego!! My favorites are the lamb and desserts. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Baklava and Turkish ice cream. The best dessert I've ever had - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

It's been over a year since I've visited Alladin and the food did not disappoint. It was nice to see the place busy as I wasn't sure what to expect. But, I gave 3 stars because they seemed to be understaffed. We sat outside and were forgotten - took 10 minutes for the server to greet us, food came out quick, wanted a coke refill and it took 15 mins to flag someone down and also waited a bit for the bill. Also, the prices on the menu do not match my receipt. $1-2 more for a few items. I didn't realize this until I reviewed my text receipt. There's a 4% raising cost surcharge. This shouldn't be a cost to the customer. This defers customers from coming. I rather give a larger tip than pay the surcharge in my opinion. read more

If you're looking for more than just Mediterranean food--I'm talking about a full-on Mediterranean experience--Alladin Cafe is the place. From the moment you walk in, the aromas will have your mouth watering in anticipation. Let's start with the falafel...seriously, OMG. Our server Mike said it best, and trust me, you'll be repeating it after your first bite. The lamb chop dinner? Forget about it--one of the best dishes I've ever had. Anything that comes with their hummus is a delicate masterpiece, the kind of thing you just can't stop eating. For my wife's birthday dessert, we went with the baklava and Turkish ice cream combo, and let me tell you, it was the cherry on top of a perfect meal. The ambiance is slightly romantic, perfect for a cozy dinner date, but it also has that laid-back vibe where you could easily catch a sports game with friends. It's got the best of both worlds. And Mike, our server, was an absolute gem. Not only did he nail every recommendation, but he kept us laughing the entire time. He turned what was already a great meal into an unforgettable experience. If you're craving not just Mediterranean flavors but an all-around memorable dinner, Alladin Cafe is a must-go! read more

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I met a friend here for lunch and we ordered hummus for an appetizer and my friend ordered the gyro wrap while l ordered the beef wrap. They were good but the star was the hummus. It's probably the best hummus l have had in 20 years. I cant put my finger on the flavor that some other hummus' have but it's just a weird flavor (rancid olive oil, maybe?) and this doesnt have that at all. It was so good l took our small leftover amount of it home. What l really liked is that you can order fresh cucumber slices to go with it so we did after we saw another order being delivered to another table. Upon looking at their menu while writing this review l see there is also some garlic dip on the menu which we didnt see. So we will need to try that for next time. This restaurant really has a ton of options. I had an iced tea to drink and they have many flavor options available, which is really fun. I was looking through old Yelp! pictures and saw pictures of a kid's menu. That is no longer a thing here. Which is tough then when ordering for littles. Mine are picky and they love pizza so we actually came here just for the pizza (hey us adults have decent taste buds so we came for the Med food!) because then we could all enjoy food together. But a single serve pizza is $15 which is a bit steep for having 2 kids to feed. They did like their pizza. Unfortunately my friend was very pregnant upon our meeting and Aladdin's ac was out. It was quite warm inside and we probably shouldve eaten elsewhere that day but we didnt. And l'm glad we got to try it. I would definitely come back in the future. read more

Aladdin Cafe - My son's plate of pizza and some fries. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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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

Great food and good service. We ordered the mixed grill platter with salad and biryani. It did not disappoint! Every meat was tender and juicy! The bread was very good, and the platter actually has a bread on the bottom soaking up all the juicy goodness as well. Plenty of seating inside and outside. Dog friendly patio. Parking can be limited. read more

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Absolutely loved Travis' recommendations. We had the meza platter and a salad. It was more than enough for 4 people. It was delicious. read more

Aladdin Cafe - Baklava Ice cream - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

We always enjoy the delicious Mediterranean menu at Aladdin! The portions are generous, the flavors are on point, and the service is good. Perfect for large groups, family meal, or a date night. Sarah was our server - she was very kind and friendly! This is our new go to! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

This is our go-to Mediterranean restaurant in San Diego. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, the dishes are consistently fresh, and the customer service is excellent. Be sure to ask for Mike--he provides outstanding hospitality and always gives the best recommendations for dishes. read more

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Visited this spot with my uncle during his visit to the U.S., and it turned out to be his favorite meal! It was my first time here too, after hearing so many rave reviews on social media. We ordered the Aladdin Meza Platter, Lamb Shank, Lamb Borak, and two desserts--ice cream and baklava. Everything was delicious with no misses. The lamb shank was tender and flavorful, served with spiced Middle Eastern rice--an instant hit with my uncle, husband, sister, and me. The Lamb Borak was crispy and fragrant, though the lamb flavor was subtle. The meza platter was a fun way to try different dips, though the shawarma was a tad dry. Desserts were great--the ice cream was creamy and not too sweet, while the baklava was crispy with plenty of pistachios, though a bit too sweet for my taste. This halal restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, but the mint tea we ordered was refreshing. Definitely a place worth checking out, and we'll be back to try the dishes that require a 45-minute advance order! read more

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