Found a hidden gem on half Moon Bay. If you're around this area, please do not forget to visit this place. The owners name is Hasan and he's an amazing man. We had one of the best fresh caught Bronzino and Seabass here subtle flavors, great cooking, and one of the best hospitalities that we have seen here in the area it's pretty much a busy place with the touristy stuff, but these people are family run business and I love it. Once you enter this place is a small seating but they have a big heart with amazing people. I want you guys to enjoy this experience. Parking is always full, so come with patience read more

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My husband found Ciya on Google because we were craving something that reminded him of home. Food and hospitality like this can be hard to come by out here, so we decided to give it a try. We walked in tired, cold, hungry, and facing a long drive home. And then everything just... felt right. The music immediately set the tone. The way they said hello. The way they took our order. The way they talked with us. There was a warmth in the room that you could feel right away. At one point, they all stopped to sing happy birthday to one of their staff members. Instead of feeling like we were watching someone else's moment, we somehow felt included in it. They even shared a slice of cake with us. My husband started speaking Kurdish with them. He speaks Sorani and they spoke Kurmanji, so they communicated however they could, in Kurdish, in English, and with lots of smiles and laughter in between. Watching him connect with people who made him feel at home was really special. Then came the tea and kunafa, which were absolutely incredible. We hugged them, took a photo together, and by the end of the night, it felt like we'd known them for years when we'd only just met. I left feeling warm and loved. My husband left feeling nostalgic. We both left feeling restored. There's something really beautiful about sharing cultural food and hospitality. Sometimes you walk into a restaurant looking for dinner and end up finding something you didn't even realize you needed. For me, it felt like I got to witness a little piece of my husband's family and culture right here in California. And somehow, by the end of the night, it felt like a little bit of ours too. We still talk about Ciya often, and honestly, we're already talking about having them cater a future family gathering read more

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The appetizers were the highlight of our meal! We tried the feta roll, falafel with pita, and the spicy Ezme. Everything was delicious, but the spicy Ezme was my favorite, the crunch from the walnuts added such a wonderful texture and flavor. The falafel was perfectly paired with the pita, and the feta roll was equally enjoyable. We also had the chicken gyro wrap, which was fine, but the appetizers truly stole the show. The service was amazing, making the overall experience even better. Definitely worth visiting read more

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If you haven't tried the food here you have to. We ordered the appetizer sampler platter and it was phenomenal. I wished I lived here because I would be a regular. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Appetizer menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Impressed by the almost perfect rating on Yelp. Server is friendly and accommodating of our dog. Thank you! read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Dog-friendly outdoor patio - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

A cozy ambience with a warm and welcoming host, when we surprised into Ciya for an evening snack, we were greeted like we were friends! As we sat down, we noticed many of the patrons we engaged in light chats with the host who seemed to know everyone! We got the appetizer sampler with tzaziki, muhammhra, dolma, babaganoush, shakshuka, falafel and spanakopita, which was served with a basket of pita bread. While the falafel was my absolute favorite, perfectly crunchy on the outside and well cooked within, all the other dishes were good too! We also got the chicken gyro salad which was flavorful and delicious. They have a variety of lamb and beef combination dishes which I'll look forward to trying another time! read more

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Dined at this Mediterranean brunch place in Half Moon Bay located conveniently in downtown. It's easy to find street parking or park in the nearby strip malls and walk one block to this place. The downtown has a old coastal town vibe with several small eateries and a very bustling local population. The interiors were modern yet had some Mediterranean elements to it. We went in at about 2.15 pm and were seated almost immediately. The place was super busy but the have seating both in the front of the restaurant and back so tables keep opening up. The owner/host who greeted us was super warm and welcoming. We ordered once seated and the appetizer (fries) came out pretty quickly. They were freshly prepared and served piping hot with ketchup! Next came our mains, and both me and my husband loved them. We got the chicken shish plate and a salmon wrap. We also got hot tea which the owner was sweet enough to refill even though it is not their usual policy. However, he accommodated my request. The portion sizes were large. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a nice meal in the area! read more

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Came on a busy night (MLK weekend) so we weren't expecting service to be amazing, and it wasn't. They were all really nice & welcoming, but it took a while to get served and get our bill and there were no check-ins. Don't sit next to the entrance; that door slams shut whenever people leave and it's so distracting. Food was just ok; nothing really stood out that would make me want to come back. The beef/lamb was a little dry and not very flavorful. The falafel wrap was much better. I'm usually hesitant to order falafel because it's oftentimes dry, but theirs was wonderfully moist. Dolmas was good. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Love coming here for lunch. Today, Hassan, the owner, was here and greeted us so warmly -like family! We got our usual order here of chicken shish plate, gyro wrap, spicy ezme and spanakopita. Love the ezme. The spanakopita was hot and filling was proportionate to phyllo. I subbed out the salad for the rice pilaf. Love the rice- so flavorful. The ezme cane with warm pita bread. The staff are friendly. Hassan makes this place feel like home. Definitely a local neighborhood restaurant. read more

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Some restaurants feed you dinner. Some feed your sense of belonging." Ciya is firmly in the second category. Pallavi and I wandered in for what we thought would be a quick snack, but the evening ended up feeling more like visiting someone's home than eating at a restaurant. The moment we walked in, Hasan greeted us with the kind of warmth that you usually only experience with old friends. By the time we left, he had given me a hug and called me family. That small moment captures what makes this place special. Yes, the food is excellent. We ordered the appetizer sampler with tzatziki, muhammara, dolma, babaganoush, shakshuka, falafel and spanakopita. Every dish was fresh and deeply satisfying, but two stood out for me. The tzatziki was cool, creamy, and perfectly balanced, and the muhammara had that rich, slightly smoky depth that makes you slow down and savor each bite. Paired with warm pita, it was one of those simple combinations that you keep going back to. The salad was fresh and the chicken well cooked. But what really lingered after the meal wasn't just the food. It was the atmosphere Hasan creates. You could see it happening all around the room. People greeting him like an old friend, little conversations between tables, a sense that this place has become part of the neighborhood's rhythm. Places like Ciya remind you that hospitality is an art. Food brings you in, but people make you stay. We walked in as customers and left feeling like family. read more

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Service is great, please is small but clean and inviting. Food is spot on reminds me of being in Greece! come give this a try and support your small family owned business! read more

Just tasted the best falafel and hummus I have ever had in my life! The spanakopita and kofta were just as fantastic! Will definitely eat here again when I'm in the area! read more

Delicious appetizer sampler! Tons of pita for all the dips. The Alexander kabob was demolished. Loved the rice's flavor. Service was quick. The place was busy so you know it is good. The restaurant space is small, simple and clean. We'd go back. read more

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Great dinner for the whole family. Quick, friendly service and excellent food all around. We'll be back!

Found myself in Half Moon Bay for a day with an open schedule. Wandered around "main street" around lunch-time with no real plan and stumbled on this place. Greeted with smiles and friendly conversation, seated quickly despite being a busy hour, and had my order in promptly. Place is small, but noise level is manageable and tables spaced decently relative to the size of the venue. Staff is super friendly and chatty without being "in your face", great service throughout. Food arrived promptly and was really tasty. I've had my fair share of gyros in my life and this place is good. Not the best I've ever had, but definitely well above average. The hummus was velvety, clearly the highlight of the plate! Flavors were on point and the portion size good - European sized, not America Mega Plate which is otherwise pretty common. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Chicken gyros - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

After a rainy and muddy day at the sunflower field and pumpkin patch, we were ready to eat! My companion found Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine and suggested we go, as they're highly rated. I called about a week ago to make reservations. Unfortunately, they didn't recall them, but we were still able to be seated and accommodated. The restaurant is super casual and lowkey. You can either order and pay at the counter for takeout or be served in their indoor or outdoor dining areas. Service was great! The owner was so friendly, chatty, and kind. His thoughtfulness definitely added to the experience. For lunch, we all had our own gyros. I got the Chicken Gyro Wrap. It was good! The wrap was flaky, it was a substantial size for the price point, the chicken was tasty, and all the flavors were there. Everyone else enjoyed their gyros as well. If I were to come back, I'd be open to trying their other items. Wanting Mediterranean food in Half Moon Bay? Ciya is a great spot, with a friendly atmosphere, good food, and great prices. Find them off Main Street with street parking all around. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Chicken Gyro Wrap, Lamb and Beef Gyro Wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Casual Mediterranean spot with a super friendly owner; it honestly feels like they're welcoming you into their home. The dips were really good, full of flavor. We got the wraps, which were decent, but wished they held together better instead of breaking apart. Cozy, tasty, and a nice spot for a casual meal. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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We decided to have dinner here on a busy evening during MLK weekend. We were seated in the heated outdoor "garden" section. we started with Tzatziki with pita points, definitely the best we had ever tasted. Then came spanakopita, which was different than any of us had experienced before. The filling was wrapped into little phyllo dough triangles, we were all expecting a fat square. They were good, but I think I prefer it the way I'm used to. Then we shared a beef and lamb gyro salad. It was exactly what we wanted and expected, refreshing and delicious. The staff are quick, friendly and helpful. I will definitely come back! read more

delicious Turkish restaurant in half moon bay is very nice. The staff is super friendly order at counter they serve at the table. I found the counter person wanted to upsell me which was irritating. I love the hummus and specifically in love with the Kunefe Turkish desert, bypass the baklava and indulge in the Kunefe. read more

Delicious casual Turkish Mediterranean food located on Half Moon Bay's Main Street with excellent service. Seating: indoor seating or outdoor patio, though I had takeout today Food: the Kofte plate was delicious with a salad, hummus, and pita. The baba ghanoush (eggplant dip) was delicious with the pita. Total was around $40. I would come back. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Kofte plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

I ended up at this restaurant because of a company team-building event--a day trip to Half Moon Bay--and our bus happened to park right on this street. My colleagues asked me to figure out where we should eat, so I opened Yelp to search for nearby restaurants. That's how I discover this place, which has over 600 reviews and an impressive 4.8-star rating. I ordered the Seabass Fillet, served alongside roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, and a salad. The food was truly delicious, and my colleagues all complimented me on making such a great choice! If I ever pass through this area again, I'll definitely stop by to try more of their dishes. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Seabass Fillet - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Arrived at the restaurant a little after 1PM, luckily they had seating inside for a party of 5 and we were seated quite fast. The waiters were very kind, allowing us to wait for the rest of our party before ordering. It did take a while for the food to get to our table, but it was fine. When the food got to our table, we started to dig in because we were hungry and it was so good! The rice was delicious and so was the salad. The beef was so tender and the chicken had so much flavor in it. My brother go the Sea Bass Fillet and he enjoyed it a lot, especially the sauce it was cooked in. Overall great food option and service! Would come again! read more

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We had dinner at Ciya on New Year's Eve. The food was outstanding and the staff were so friendly! The environment was fun and lively! We will definitely be back! read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Lentil Soup - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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I stopped in for lunch last week for the first time and was greeted very warmly by the family that runs the business. I ordered the CIYA wrap, which is loaded with roasted chicken and lots of other fillings and served with a side of tzatziki. It was absolutely delicious! The chicken was not dry at all, and the wrap was full of flavor. It didn't look that large on the plate, but by the time I was done eating, I was stuffed! I would've liked to have tried dessert, but that'll have to wait for another visit. I was way too full. I would highly recommend this place on Main Street and will be back myself. for a midweek lunch parking was not an issue. I would guess weekends are a different story. read more

good food, good service Hassan was very helpful and nice was tasty and nicely Very calm and peaceful place read more

Please come here, if not for the fabulous food, for the welcoming atmosphere and the staff at Ciya. My husband and I came in tonight after reading all of the excellent reviews. They are spot on! After my first bite of the Mousakka- I was hooked. We will be back- if not again on this trip to Half Moon Bay, but definitely the next. OXO read more

At first glance, Ciya gives casual takeout vibes like a place you order at the counter for takeout or seat yourself at any open table after. But despite the small, unassuming space, it actually is a full-service sit down restaurant with very friendly staff AND a hidden back patio with more seating. We ordered the chicken kabob plate, the shrimp plate, and the chicken gyro plate. The 2 chicken plates came with house salad, rice pilaf, hummus, and tzatziki. The shrimp plate came with the salad, rice pilaf, and veggies. All 3 also came with a side of pita bread. The chicken kebab was tender and juicy, and my husband proclaimed the shrimp was "the best I've ever had"--it WAS quite flavorful. The chicken gyro, unfortunately, was dry. Tzatziki and even the house salad dressing were also delicious. Portion sizes were kinda small though--if we hadn't been sharing the third plate with our toddler, we would've still been hungry. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

We stopped here on the way home for a quick bite and ended up staying for the hospitality of the staff. As soon as we stepped foot into the restaurant, we were greeted by kind and welcoming staff. After taking our orders, we were approached by who I believed was the owner, Hasan. He was super attentive to our needs and immediately made us feel at home. And I noticed him walking around to all the tables to greet and welcome all the other guests. Everyone was audibly praising the food and Hasan's kindness. At first glance, I assumed the food portions were pretty small but soon found everything to be very filling and perfectly portioned. I got the beef and lamb gyro. The meat was tender and super juicy, the tazatiki with the fresh veggies balanced the sliced meat wonderfully. They use a nice, thick pita for the wrap that's quite different than other pitas I've had for gyros before. The whole thing was a melt-in-the-mouth experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor combinations. The overall seating and ambiance was moody, warm, and inviting. I would highly recommend if you're in the area and looking for delicious Mediterranean food. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Lamb & Beef Gyro Wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

We got takeout here Saturday night and liked it so much we did it again Sunday. That pretty much covers it. The food is fresh and actually healthy, which is a rare combo when you're ordering out. But honestly the thing that gets me is how they treat you when you eat in. The owners come around to every single table just to say hi and check in. It genuinely feels like eating at someone's home. We'll be back. Probably this weekend. read more

We were walking on Main Street, and felt pressured to eat at this restaurant. I am confused at the high ratings for this restaurant. We sat down, and were in high hopes the food would taste good. However, the food was disappointing and overpriced. It lacked what a good Mediterranean meal should have. Neither of us enjoyed the food. I appreciate supporting family businesses, but not if it missed the mark this far. We will not be patronizing this establishment moving forward. read more

We spent the day in Half Moon Bay and decided to try this Mediterranean restaurant because it was rated 4.8! We were greeted warmly by the friendly staff. The front dining area is small but cozy. They also have patio dining in the back. We ordered Lentil Soup, Shishuka and Chicken Shish. The soup was delicious but I wish it was a little thicker. The Shakshuka and pita was delicious with a mild flavor. The Chicken Shish was so good. The chicken was tender and juicy. The rice sticky and delicious! We left to do a little shopping and came back to a Turkish coffee before we went back on the road. read more

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Great food and service! We had the appetizer sampler (delicious) and the beef gyro wrap (excellent). Great place for a casual dinner! read more

5 stars well deserved. Warm middle eastern family owned restaurant. We ordered the chicken shish plate and salmon salad. My husband is gluten free so he could not eat the standard orzo rice, but they were happy to accommodate with a side of fries instead. The food was fresh and good quality. Small restaurant but they do have a patio in the back. Highly recommend in HMB read more

Great food, every time! My favorite is the ciya wrap, and I always get the rice pudding as well. The owners are super nice and attentive. Highly recommend. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Ciya Wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

We had lunch at Ciya Mediterranean Restaurant in Half Moon Bay and it was absolutely delicious. The highlight for me was the falafel wrap , honestly the best I've ever had. The falafel was perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and everything in the wrap tasted fresh and well balanced. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed, making it a great spot for a casual lunch. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

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We stopped here for lunch in early November after noticing the high ratings, and I concur - this place is fantastic! We had the grape leaves (very good), the Greek salad (incredibly fresh and crisp), and the Chicken Gyro (tasty). Everything was delicious! The table next to us had the whole fish (branzino) and it looked great! There was an odd interaction at the table next to us where someone ordered a dish w/out the cheese but it came w/ the cheese and the staff member proceeded to take her fork from her and scrape it off the top... not sure that was the best solution to the issue... but certainly we would be back! read more

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We ate dinner from Ciya twice in the past months and both times it was very satisfying. First time we ordered food for pick up. Whilst convenient, I'd recommend going to eat there instead. Certain items, the pita bread for instance, traveled less well. As for the food itself, definitely crave-worthy: - Pita bread and tzatziki are the Mediterranean restaurants' version of chips and salsa. Can't go wrong, will eat way too much. Comfort food for sure. - Speaking of comfort food, their moussaka, which is vegetarian by the way, was delicious. - The falafels were a tad dry but maybe that's just how these things are supposed to be because I often think that with falafel. All food came out fresh. Service was friendly and personable. Cute place. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Moussaka - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

A great bang for your buck! The tzatziki and hummus were delightful and I loved that the hummus was whipped. The beef shish was also tender and flavorful and the seasoned rice was also very yummy. Ciya is a great goto Mediterranean restaurant in the lower and mid price range. read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Tzatziki, Lentil Soup, pita - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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The waitress was quite rude. We ended up just asking to pack the food & left the restaurant. Decided it was really not worth ruining day spending time there. read more

Our second time here for lunch proved the first time wasn't just lucky. Welcoming, attentive service and splendid food, attractively presented. Though I *love* lamb/beef gyros, at Ciya I prefer the chicken gyros - the grilled edges are perfection. Smooth hummus and a mound of hot rice pilaf rounded out our meals. Will definitely return! read more

Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine - Gyros plate, with hummus, rice pilaf, and a chilled dressed salad. Very good. - Mediterranean Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California