Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Darband Restaurant

    4.1 (706 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    Darband Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    DARBAND RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Darband Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Inside the restaurant
    Steven K.

    Darband Restaurant is a slice of community in downtown San Diego where the staff and the frequent customers greet one another like family. Head over for a good plate of Persian food and steaming cups of tea. I walked in on an evening where several groups of people had come together to socialize over heaping plates of food and many cups of tea. The restaurant was polished and refined, the people were amicable, and I felt like I was taking a seat in someone's home. The staff was great in helping me figure out what I was in the mood for, and I ordered a koobideh kabob. While I waited for my food to arrive, I watched other patrons get up and help themselves to cups to tea at the tea station. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, they say. I got myself a cup of tea while I waited. It felt like hospitality! My koobideh kabob arrived, served with a generous helping of basmati rice. The koobideh kabob was delicious. The ground beef skewers were seasoned, well-done, and juicy. The charbroiled tomato and pepper were delicious and tender. I enjoyed the fluffy basmati rice which was accented by the delicate, floral notes of the saffron spice. On the side, I dipped the bread in the maust o khiar, the cool cucumber mint yogurt. And the tea was strong and bold. This dinner was very filling, and I was happy to stay awhile and enjoy my meal. I'll certainly stop by Darband when I'm in town again.

    30. Chicken And Shish Kabob Platter
    Steve S.

    Super generous portions. Everything is well seasoned and authentically Persian. Beautifully appointed restaurant. Attentive staff. Broad and inspired menu. Extended hours of operation. Definitely worth checking out.

    Todd T.

    Stumbled upon this Persian restaurant in San Diego . Service and food were quite good. Chicken and beef were especially tender and great flavor . Highly recommend

    Scouted out this spot from yelp, it's an absolute gem. Not only was the service beyond hospitable, but the food was amazing. The ghormeh sabzi pizza was a must-try as well as the chenjeh kabob plate, all the food was very fresh and flavorful. Overall very tasty dinner and new staple for when I visit San Diego!!

    Lots of rice after eating half.

    I came in for a take-out lunch while walking to the train station. I was the only customer in the restaurant as it was 11:00. I ordered ground beef kabob that comes with rice and a salad. I was also given an option of a side of yogurt with garlic or cucumber, or hummus, and I requested hummus. The order was repeated back to me. It came prepped in a take-out container tied in a plastic bag. I assumed all was good, and I left. When I opened the box, it was chicken, no salad, no hummus but yogurt with cucumber, and LOTS of rice! I was offered hot tea while waiting about 10 minutes, which was a nice gesture. The taste of everything was average, I dislike cucumber, and the chicken portion was one kabob. For $19.40 I am not impressed. There was a clean bathroom and the restaurant was nicely decorated. The photo shows the container after I ate the chicken and half the rice, as I was hungry on the train. I gave a one star for the ambiance and quick service. Too bad I didn't receive what I ordered!

    Jay O.

    Visited Darband with a group of 5 friends. It wasn't crowded, so getting a table was pretty smooth. We ordered a few appetizers which were very yummy. I ordered the boneless chicken kebab and it was pretty good. Not dry and seasoned well. They do give you alot of rice with each dish. They do not sell alcohol but have options of canned/bottled soda and carbonated waters. The only complaint I have was it did take time to track down our server, even though it wasn't crowded. It took a while to have someone check on us and take away dirty dishes which was kinda annoying.

    Athena A.

    Food is 10/10 Tea is 7/10 The restaurant food is very god but surprisingly it's very empty. The ambience is not so lively and they can add some more music and make it warmer. Overall, because their food is good I recommend it. It's good for meetings with groups and friends.

    Darband Special

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D G.
    0
    43
    2

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Ava S.
    0
    48
    37

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex H.
    303
    16
    10

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Glenn V.
    27
    42
    17

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Below average food, very poor service. Afghan, not Persian. Kitchen staff argued with servers in Dari (Afghani) constantly.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Todd T.
    0
    29
    33

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ava M.
    0
    11
    14

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Al D.
    0
    10
    2

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2
    Photo of MA. T.
    39
    58
    89

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Food was absolutely delicious! Service was great too. We were in San Diego and needed a halal place to eat. Highly recommend a visit.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M N.
    1
    53
    4

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 18

    Darband Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Darband Restaurant

    Do they allow dogs in the new location?

    Does anyone know why they are temporarily closed? So sad about it!

    They moved to a new modern and amazing looking location. 1450 Kettering Blvd… Read more

    Are there meat and chicken halal?

    I believe it is. They even have prayer room. I would assume so

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    The Girls Deli

    The Girls Deli

    4.7
    (469 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    I wanted something quick for lunch and saw that this had good reviews so decided to check it out…read more It's located in the back of the liquor store and once you place your order you can pay up front. I went with a godfather sandwich and the first thing I noticed is that the sandwich is absolutely stuffed. They are not shy about putting meat in here which I appreciate as sometimes sandwich spots give a less than desirable amount. I was also surprised at how good the Dutch crunch I chose tasted (it had a slight chew but was also fluffy at the same time). It definitely wasn't the cheapest sandwich (after tax it was around 19 bucks) but based on the ingredients and amount of meat I'd say it's fair value!

    Street parking only. Some metered and others 2 hour parking. Located in the back of a liquor store…read more Order at the back and walk to the front to pay at the register. Prices do not include tax or credit card surcharge which was 75 cents. Staff at the deli were friendly. Some seating outside. Very long wait due to massive amount of mobile orders. I wish staff would have mentioned the long wait. Sandwiches are advertised as $16.99 but after tax and credit card fee they are $19. Tried: Godfather - Dutch crunch bread tasted raw/undercooked. I wish I would have picked a different bread as it ruined the sandwich. There was very little meat compared to pictures posted on their instagram and by influencers (must have gotten double meat). Overall flavor was just okay but I would avoid the Dutch crunch bread or maybe ask for it toasted?

    Photos
    Owner making our sandwiches and chatting with us
    Owner making our sandwiches and chatting with us
    Godfather Sandwich
    Godfather Sandwich
    San Diegan Psycho

    See all

    San Diegan Psycho
    Simply Fresh

    Simply Fresh

    4.7
    (180 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $

    Got to try this food truck at Helix brewing. OMG! so good!!!! I love a good Cubano and coleslaw is…read morealways hit and miss. The Cubano was amazing! Flavorful, perfectly done. Like I said coleslaw is hit and miss. This was definitely a hit!! So good, very different, love the flavor!! The 2 guys running the truck were super fun, and made the truck even better! If you see the truck somewhere you have to try them!!

    Went to Helix Brewery for a friends birthday and was pleasantly surprised that this food truck was…read morethere. You order at the truck and they bring it right to you at your table. I sat and sipped on my drink while observing orders coming to my friends and the people around me. One of the most prominent things I noticed was how fresh and vibrantly colored everything looked as well as the portion sizes. I knew I had to try it. So I walked up and was greeted by a really nice lady who was ready to answer any questions I had and take my order. The menu is easy to read and has some great choices from salads, to panini's, to wraps and soup. I opted for the chicken Caesar wrap, and let me tell you, it was so fresh, crisp, and flavorful! Packed with chicken, onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and croutons. The portion size was HUGE! The wrap had the most wonderful amount of crunch from the lettuce, onions, and croutons, and the dressing was generous but not too powerful. I definitely want to come back to helix brewing almost more for the food truck than the drinks! Bravo!

    Photos
    Simply Fresh
    I gotta have it!
    I gotta have it!
    Simply Fresh

    See all

    Beyer Deli

    Beyer Deli

    4.8
    (890 reviews)
    11.9 mi
    $$

    Visit July 2026…read more Ironically I was in NYC last week and ate at a deli there. That visit was a so-so experience and made me miss Beyer Deli so ta-dah! Still incredibly huge sandwiches. Hefty enough that half will fill me and I'm fat. The torta bread is the way to go for your sandwiches and yeah I know it's not a NYC thing but ewwww I had stale white bread with my NYC meal. I don't get here often but it looks like the menu has expanded with smoothies, pasta, and iced coffees. Still incredibly amazing prices (seriously the price for a pastrami sandwich at the NYC deli was twice the price here). Still the MOST INCREDIBLE AMAZING WELCOMING service you will ever experience. Dina, the owner who runs the front, makes you feel like you've pulled up a chair at her own kitchen. Loves to talk and gets to know you. I'm always a fan of seeing a restaurant acknowledge their regulars it just makes such a positive vibe and Dina welcomes them by name so tells you how often they frequent. Still located in a tiny business mall and if it weren't for the red on the sign you might miss it. Still cash only. Still the safest place on the planet as it is frequented by every form of law enforcement possible from BP, SDPD, CVPD, to the MIB (seeing if you're still with me). Its great that they support and receive support from first responders. If you want a satisfying deli experience stop by. I suggest....well everything.

    Delicious sandwiches and great price! Very generous portions and everything tastes fresh…read more You gotta try their New Yorker- one of the best pastrami sandwiches in San Diego. Hot and delicious is one of the best turkey sandwiches we've had. Definitely recommend! Lots of parking in the plaza. Cash only! Family owned and very kind people.

    Photos
    Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
    Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
    Fernando Special Quesadilla
    Fernando Special Quesadilla
    Indoor seating

    See all

    Indoor seating
    Grater Greens

    Grater Greens

    4.3
    (283 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    This place is right nextdoor to Flame Broiler, so I've seen it many times. From the looks of it, it…read moreis a customizable salad place. Think Subway Sandwiches or Pieology, but for salads. It is a cool concept. I finally got the chance to try it out. I walked in and there was a solo customer and a group of three people ahead of me. The solo customer had just finished her order and I was focused on the menu so not really paying attention. Basically, you choose your base, additional add-ins, a protein, and dressing. The party of three in front of me were kind of talking amongst themselves and told me that I could go ahead. As I was ordering, I noticed they changed their mind and abruptly headed out. I was unsure why. The place is clean and ingredients look super fresh. As I was finishing up my order, I saw why they changed their mind and left. The woman serving me was helping me cut up my protein (chicken) and scooped it up with the knife and her gloves hand. She proceeded to pick up the remaining pieces with her gloved hand and place it in my salad. She immediately grabbed a towel and wiped her gloved hands with said towel. I was shocked and grossed out at the same time! She then rang me up (with same gloves on) and packed my order ina bag. I did not see her change her gloves at all. I understood why the party of three in front of me left. I was hopeful that the gloves were relatively new. I thought if I air fried the chicken well enough before the eating it with the salad, I might be safe. I was wrong. I had food poisoning. The salad was likely compromised by the chicken, but it could easily have been the chicken too (although I heated it up really well). I know it was from the salad because this was the only thing I ate that day and within the last 24 hours. When I work my shifts, I fast and when I get off, I sleep and get food a few hours after I wake up. It is sad because this place is clean and ingredients look fresh. The woman who handled my food was relatively friendly. I think she just needs retraining. This is why food servers get food handlers cards. I did scope out the place the next time I was eating at Flame Broiler. It was a different server and he changed his gloves and appeared to handle everything properly. That's why I can't give this place just a one star. Just be aware of how your food is being handled when you go in. Gloves are good if you change them and know how to handle food properly... otherwise, they are pointless! 0 / 5 - Food (poor handling) 3 / 5 - Cleanliness 3 / 5 - Service 2 / 5: Overall

    Grater Greens is a make your own salad, fast casual eatery in Mission Valley. It's located in the…read moreFriars Mission Center just off Friars Rd where the Ralphs is. They have a variety of preset menu options or you can go down the line and have them craft a salad to your liking. They're also available via delivery apps. For the price, I do think the portions are large. They don't skimp and fill the bowl to the brim with ingredients of your choosing. I also like that the free bread they include is pita. I find that while the portions are huge, it's never truly satisfying. Some of the greens can look a little limp, so I often choose my base based on what looks the most fresh. Some of the ingredient toppings are raw, while others have a marinade or seasoning. I like the seasoned cauliflower, but find the brussell sprouts to be dry and not quite right (in between raw and cooked). I've gotten a few different salads from here, but there's just something missing. I love a make your own salad concept and I appreciate the accessibility of a healthy food option, but would love to see more consistency with freshness.

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Bowls
    Bowls
    Inside

    See all

    Inside
    Big Front Door

    Big Front Door

    4.4
    (903 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    This place is one of the top 5 best sandwich shops in San Diego hands down. They also serve salads,…read moresoups, and some awesome sides. I heard they're going to start serving beer and wine soon as well! *Best 1st-timer options*: The Keeper (if you like it spicy) or the L.G.B.T. My favorite hot sandwiches are the Cali Cubano, B3, and The Keeper, while my favorite cold sandwiches are the Avocado Highway, L.G.B.T. (lettuce, gouda, bacon, tomato), and Caprese. My favorite salads are the Grapevine and Duck Cranberry. For sides I recommend the potato salad and tomato basil bisque. The aioli they use is to die for -- can't hurt to get a side of it with any sandwich! The restaurant is situated on the corner of Park Blvd. and Polk Ave. (more generally, it's on the strip of Park Blvd. between University Ave. and El Cajon Blvd.). There is usually a good amount of parking on Park Blvd. and Polk Ave., which is nice. The space has a simple-yet-tasteful modern design and interior, is always clean, with friendly and helpful staff. Great for lunch hour or a weekend date. Update: Came back today with my friend and we ordered the B3 and the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwiches, plus sides of potato salad and cucumber salad, and a double chocolate cookie with pistachio and sea salt. Everything was really good, but the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwich was the star of the show. The cookie was great too. We both agreed the potato salad could use some salt, but besides that it was a solid meal all around.

    Big Front Door has quickly become a new favorite for sandwiches, and visiting two days in a row…read moremade that very clear. On the first visit, Zack provided exceptional care and attention while helping navigate food allergies. Zack took the time to carefully check ingredients, double-check preparations, and personally come back out to verify everything to ensure safety. That level of care made the experience feel genuinely welcoming and stress-free. The chicken sandwich was fresh, satisfying, and thoughtfully balanced. Juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a bright splash of oil and vinegar came together beautifully on Big Front Door's roll, which had a great texture and held everything together well. The flavors were clean and vibrant. A little extra salt would have pushed it over the top for a salt-lover, but that came down to personal preference rather than any shortcoming. A dining companion ordered the avocado sandwich and could not stop raving about it, praising both the flavor and the freshness. The outdoor seating area deserves special mention. The shaded space was perfect as I do have sun allergies, especially for anyone who prefers relief from direct sun. The care taken in food preparation added an extra layer of comfort and trust. The second visit somehow raised the bar even higher. Micah went above and beyond to accommodate physical ability needs with patience, attentiveness, and genuine kindness. That effort did not go unnoticed and made the experience feel deeply respectful and inclusive. The roasted chicken sandwich ordered on the second visit was phenomenal. The roasted chicken was tender, savory, and full of depth, elevating the sandwich even further. Adding a bit of extra salt brought all the ingredients into perfect harmony, making every bite more satisfying than the last. This sandwich has officially earned a spot as a new favorite sandwich. Big Front Door was amazing not just for delicious, thoughtfully prepared food, but for the people who work there. Zack and Micah created an environment where care, kindness, and respect were clearly prioritized. No moment felt rushed, dismissive, or uncomfortable. At no point did anyone make the experience feel like a burden or inconvenience. A sincere thank-you also goes to the team members who prepared the food. Even without knowing names, the care taken to keep guests safer while serving delicious nourishment was evident and deeply appreciated. Big Front Door comes highly recommended for the flavorful sandwiches, the shaded outdoor space, the welcoming atmosphere, outstanding customer service, and the genuine kindness shown at every action.

    Photos
    Ordering area
    Ordering area
    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
    Checkout area

    See all

    Checkout area

    Darband Restaurant - persian - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...