5 star experience. Our new fav go-to spot in SD! First of the, the ambiance is givingggg. The thoughtful interior really whisks you away. Highly recommend the Salatim Platter and the Soltani Platter. Fresh and delicious variety, our table was quiet! That's when you know the food is good LOL. We had a table of four and it was plenty of food for us to share. Also came here for a bday and gave a cute dessert that had my name on it. Great service. Looking forward to our next visit. Bravo! read more

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The atmosphere and design are definitely the highlight of this place. The interior is beautiful, unique, and creates a really interesting experience, especially in the evening. The food, however, was pretty average in my opinion. The kebab portion was quite small and nothing particularly memorable, and the rest of the dishes were okay but didn't really stand out. Considering how difficult it can be to get a reservation and how much hype there is around this restaurant, I expected a little more from the food. Overall, I'd give the atmosphere and experience 4 stars, but the food itself closer to 3. read more

Leila - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

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Okay so this one is a little complicated but I will still keep it simple. To wow someone and spend a night in the Middle East...no place better. You know the rules...one quick review, let's go: Food: good not great. Not bad by any means, apps good, mains were a little bland Cocktails: NEXT LEVEL flavors and spirits I haven't seen outside of the Middle East Ambiance: this is why you go...worth it just for this Service: we nice, attentive and great. read more

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From the minute you walk in the door you are transformed to a Persian holiday! Greeted by hostess and escorted over the bridge to sheer delight! Drinks were fun, food was phenomenal and the service was exceptional! Very romantic and fun spot! read more

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Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 If you're a table of four like we were, I highly recommend ordering the Salatim and Soltani platters. Each platter had such a great variety of bites that it made the entire dinner feel like a tasty adventure. From the roasted peppers and beef koobideh skewers to the hummus and pickled vegetables, we happily devoured everything. We also added a side of falafel, which was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The ambiance and service were also exceptional. The moodiness of the interior, coupled with the warm service of the staff made the evening a memorable one. read more

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This was the most beautiful restaurant I have ever visited. It felt like walking into a piece of art. Although the restaurant is small, it has incredible artistic charm and character that makes it truly stand out. The more you look around, the more you discover. As for the food, I enjoyed some of it! Especially the Tuna Tabbouleh! SO YUM! I highly reccomend the Salmon Skewer if you're into salmon. I would ditch the Koobideh since it was utterly salty and dry. Knafeh Sundae had a piece of plastic I found in the gelato. I don't know what it was, but it was not a nice surprise LOL.... (I should of told management but service was lacking) Service was alright here. Could be better if the employees cared for guest satisfaction. read more

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What a wonderful experience! A group of 4 had a special dinner at Leila on July 5 to celebrate my birthday. We all were very impressed by the restaurant, food, service and helpful attitude of the staff. Since the restaurant is relatively new, none of us had experienced it before, and we all highly recommend it! First, the ambience - you come in off the street into a different world, a desert oasis under a skylit roof where the stars dance above. The floor is set up like an oasis with a stream incorporated into the decor, where you can have a tasty cocktail while your table is set up for your group. The dining areas are under a nomadic tent so you have the appearance of Bedouin enclosure that is beautiful! Then there's the service - outstanding! A careful introduction to the menu and foods available, led by a knowledgeable server who is attentive to your food desires. We ordered the appetizer sampler with several humus dishes and naan bread plus pita bread. It was AMAZING! We asked for a second round of the tasty breads! The flavors of the sampler items were delicious and everyone loved them. Our dinner was the kabob sampler - beef, lamb, salmon and chicken. FABULOUS! We all left satisfied and sated with deliciousness. I must say the lamb was particularly good - well but lightly seasoned, tender and juicy. Desserts were ice cream dishes plus a birthday macaroon with Happy Birthday on it, along with my name.. it was a wonderful end to a beautiful event! read more

This place is all over social media for a reason! The minute you step in you feel like you're transported out of San Diego. It's so nicely themed and the ambiance was amazing. The server we had was 10/10, he helped us review the menu and choose the best items for our party! We got both of the platters and got to try a lot of the things they offered. The food is good, but people definitely go for the vibe! read more

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We celebrated an early Father's Day with dinner at Leila and it was a fantastic. Despite seeing pictures online, experiencing it in person was still breathtaking. The food was reasonably priced and the staff went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. There's an incredible amount of attention to detail to make you feel like you've been transported to the Middle East. Everything from the silverware to the music was in theme. We especially loved how the dark atmosphere was complimented by beautiful accent lighting. For appetizers, we ordered the House Torshi, the Zeytoon Parvardeh, and Shirazi Salad. The standout being the Shirazi salad. It was flavorful and refreshing. A must order. The four of us shared the Soltani Platter. It was plenty of food and tasted good. Surprisingly, the chicken was our favorite. It was juicy and had great flavor, but a tad undercooked. We told our server and they brought out another skewer at no charge. Truly excellent service from the staff. Our experience at Leila was remarkable. It felt new and exciting without ever veering towards feeling corny. The mood was intimate and the food was good. Not the best middle eastern food you'll ever have, but respectable. Next time I want my Habibti to feel like the Arab Princess that she is, I know where to take her! read more

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Stepping into this restaurant is a vibe for sure. It is absolutely the most beautiful restaurant I have ever seen. From the moment you walk in, you are in awe of all the lit up lanterns, the trees and starry sky. Our waiter, Brian, was wonderful. He offered us some great recommendations and was very attentive. The filet mignon and chicken were the tenderest we've ever had and tasted wonderfuly. Overall a great experience and will definitely plan to come back. read more

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I had been hearing so many great things about Leila and seeing their beautiful posts on Instagram, so I was excited to finally visit for my birthday. The reservation time I originally wanted wasn't available, but their team was incredibly helpful and accommodated my request. They even gave us one of the best tables with a beautiful view. We started with the appetizer platter, which was absolutely delicious. The cucumber yogurt and hummus served with warm bread were my favorites. For the main course, I ordered the Chenjeh and Chicken Kabob with saffron lemon rice, and honestly, it was some of the best Persian food I've had in a long time. For dessert, I tried the kanafa with ice cream, and it was the perfect ending to the meal. I also enjoyed a specialty cocktail that was excellent. The service was wonderful, the ambiance was beautiful, and everything from start to finish exceeded my expectations. A perfect birthday dinner, and I will definitely be back! read more

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Came here to celebrate my birthday and they did not disappoint. Made reservations the day of and got seated right as we got there. Service was great. Masato knew the menu very well. He was very charismatic and polite. His recommendations were on point for our table. Salatim platter and soltani platter. Good for 4 we did a mix of each protein. My husband would have liked more protein tbh as 1 skewer per person. The flavors were there for the meat nice and smoky. The surprise birthday treat was so yummy and I love the personal touch with my name Drinks were good. We all know why we are here the decor and vibe of the place is great. read more

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I have been 2 times (I live out of state). After my first visit I came back home raving about it & dreaming about it :) So when we just came to SD again I knew I had to take my daughters. Both times I have made reservations 30 days before. My first visit was a lot better than my last visit. My last visit I went on a Tuesday night at 7pm with my 2 daughters. We were seated right away. We were seated to the left of the bridge at a booth- the music was sooooo loud (they are 19 & 21 & they were the ones that commented on the loudness ) Last time we sat in the back of the restaurant in a bit of a separate closed off feeling of a room & it was not loud at all. First time I went our waiter was super friendly & gave lots of information & just a great waiter. This last time the girl we had was fine but nothing like the guy from first time & just not great. The dip platter thing is amazing & I've ordered it both visits- highly recommend- several dips and bread and all really delicious. We also ordered the cucumber and tomato dish & rice and chicken kabobs. The chicken kabobs are amazing! So juicy and flavorful. The inside ambiance & vibe is just so cool and really makes the restaurant have that 5 quality each time even if the service wasn't as good. It's just very cool that behind this unassuming door on the street is this other world you feel like you have been transported to. You def should check it out even just once! read more

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Leila is a beautiful restaurant with a wonderful ambiance that makes you feel like you've stepped into another world. The decor and overall atmosphere create a unique dining experience, and being able to see the open kitchen adds a nice touch. It was especially neat watching the pita being made the traditional way. The service was very good--our waitress was attentive, helpful, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. As someone who has lived in the Middle East and enjoyed authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, I found some of the flavors a bit different from what I'm accustomed to. That said, the food was still enjoyable, and the meats were cooked very well--tender, flavorful, and not dry. Overall, I would definitely recommend Leila, especially for the experience. The restaurant is stunning, the service is excellent, and it's worth a visit for the atmosphere alone. read more

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This restaurant is the embodiment of sexy. The staff and interior work very hard to give you a specific curated cultural experience. They have a bar upstairs, as well as downstairs. Upstairs is more of a tent experience, while downstairs you sit under the stars. The music choice is very very good, it also contributes to a great experience. The food itself was so delicious. You can quite literally, taste the freshness of the bread and each pairing sauce that came with. The beef kabobs were a little overcooked, but the chicken kabobs were absolutely PERFECT. They were juicy and seasoned so well. We left so full and pleased with our experience on that end. What I didn't appreciate so much was the service. Throughout the hour and a half we were there, we were only checked up on once. The table behind us had the same server and he was constantly going up to them to ask if they needed anything, or if they would like any additional cocktails. Meanwhile, it was my sister's birthday and her drink sat empty for the remainder of our dinner. Despite it all, I would come again. I can't miss out on the sexy experience and yummy food. But, I would definitely need better service. read more

Leila - Salatim Platter - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

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Very exclusive theme restaurant- reservations are very hard to get and I had to sign up at midnight over a month ahead. It is gorgeously decorated and designed. It had an Arabian ambience, music, and decor with starry ceilings. The lighting was dim and intimate. Unmatched in terms of ambiance. The food was decent. Some flavor from their lamb shank which was highly recommended. Their bread has some nice dips. They do cook in an open kitchen and you can watch the chefs. Overpriced food in terms of flavor and taste. Our bill was almost a hundred for their shank, and bread with dips. Know that you are mostly paying for the ambiance and experience, not the food. Nevertheless, beautiful experience and worth it for unique dining, especially for an anniversary/ date night! read more

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Leila's was great from the very start. I had made a reservation asking to sit downstairs if possible, but I also had an issue where I booked twice. While trying to correct the double booking I think my request to sit downstairs was lost. That being said, the person at the front worked with me and found me a spot downstairs and I couldn't have been happier! This was a special birthday surprise for my boyfriend and of course I just wanted it to be perfect. At first I was so disappointed we might not get the experience we wanted but they didn't skip a beat and found us a spot! The place is absolutely beautiful. You really feel like you're in another country and every little detail was thought of. I've honestly never seen a prettier restaurant, including other Consortium locations! The food was incredible and we had so many leftovers to take home. The chicken shawarma hummus and salmon kabobs were my favorites but everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. My boyfriend said the steak kabob was one of the best he's ever had! We also got two drinks, the Rug Dealer and Camel Clutch, that were really unique but so yummy! The server was incredibly knowledgeable about gluten and helped me order items in a way that would be safe for me. Lastly, since it was my boyfriend's birthday they brought out a special desert and printed his NAME on a macaron! Such a special extra touch that really delighted him and made him feel like star of the night. I can't wait to go back to Lelia's again, I have no idea how they have anything less than 5 star reviews across the board. Take it from me and ignore the negative Nancies, you won't be disappointed! read more

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Came here with my partner , sister and her bf. The ambiance really is the star of the restaurant. It feels like you're completely somewhere else. We all shared the salatim platter, falafels, tah dig, and the soltani platter. All the food was delicious, very flavorful. I loved the Tah Dig and steak kabob. I also drank the Azizam cocktail and we shared a shaved ice cream dessert that was addicting. I will say for these traditional dishes , the plates were on the pricier side compared to going to local restaurants in El Cajon so the service and ambiance is priced into the menu. All the staff were great. read more

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This is such a great place for groups. The vibe is cool for people five people at round table. The servers are so friendly. Excited to tell you about the concept. You can see the food being prepared in front of you. Just a great addition to the community, let's start off with why everybody goes. The ambience is next level from pho stars on the ceiling to water running around the restaurant to a bridge. You have to walk over to cobblestone Street to Lyons head facing the staircase. Everything is on Point, the dishes are copper or some kind of metals they're very rustic Make sure your whole party is there to be seated and you do have a time limit on your seating There were five of us so we split the platter the appetizer platter as well as the kebab platter. I highly suggest adding on the cauliflower. It was probably our favorite of all the dishes of the evening. We added a steak skewer as well. It was phenomenal. No room for dessert read more

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It makes sense why it's so hard to get a reservation here. From the stunning, detail oriented ambiance to the wonderful service and fantastic food it earns 5 stars easily. Each dip is unique and flavorful!! For four people the dip platter plus the kebab platter and a side of falafel was perfect. We all left full and happy. I'd eat here once a week if I could. read more

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Leila you did not disappoint! You lived up to all the hype and our anticipation. So happy to be able to celebrate my Moms birthday here last night! It's like we stepped right back into the souks of Marrakesh we visited a few years ago!! What an immersive dining experience! From the service, the decor, creative cocktails and food...everything was exceptional! It took us 2 years to get a reservation and we had the best night ever. The Saladin Platter and Soltani Platter fed all 3 of us with food leftover for another 2 people. We had the following cocktails: Red Sea Ritual which was great. The Riad which was our vote for best drink! And the Joon which sadly was too salty (brine) for our liking. Also shared the Date Night cocktail which we didn't realize was a dessert cocktail but awesome if you love dates (the fruit). Haha We are already planning our return. We sat upstairs which felt like we were in an Arab Bedouin tent with a spectacular view of the "village" below and the upstairs bar looked spectacular! Next time we'd like to sit downstairs in the "souk" atmosphere! Shukran Leila Team! read more

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So happy to get a reservation when we visited SD. Leila literally took us away to another world! Stunning ambiance and starry nights! Everything we ordered was delicious. The Soltani platter and dip platter was a foodie adventure with depths of flavor. Muhammara was my favorite dip. Masato is easily one of best servers we've had. He was very personable and gave us some great recommendations. You need to visit for yourself to immerse in this Middle Eastern fairytale! read more

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This place definitely lives up to the hype. The ambiance is amazing - it's so fun and lively. Every attention to detail. The service is great too and I like the fact that you can see the open kitchen. The food was solid. I definitely recommend getting the Salatim platter so you can try all of the different appetizers - worth it! Plus you get to try all of the breads. The chicken tahchin was crispy rice and well cooked but I do think it la led some flavor. The dessert knafeh sundae was absolute perfection - so different and tasty. Try it! The drinks are super fun and unique. read more

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Came here for dinner on a Sunday with my husband and friends and had a great time, we really enjoyed ourselves. This place books out 30 days in advanced so make sure to set your alarm and go online asap as they fill quickly. Sometimes you can get lucky and wait for a table or bar seat but with a bigger group, we made sure to make a reservation. The food was amazing. Incredibly flavorful and filling. Love that everything is family style, makes for such a great dinner. Obviously the vibe and decor are amazing! Make sure to get some cute photos while you're there. read more

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Such an absolutely beautiful restaurant filled with great decor and ambiance. The service was friendly and genuine. The food was delicious and delightful. It's a fabulous escape from the mundane and an opportunity to be transported to another realm. Loved it. We came for my wife's birthday and it was just lovely. read more

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Food & Drink: 4/5 food was great! We ordered the manakish za'atar (flatbread served with yogurt) and the soltani platter (2 beef koobideh & 2 chicken joojeh and some side dips/sauces). There was two of us so there was plenty Service: 5/5 service was good! The only thing that could have been improved was more frequent water refills as there was a few times we went without water. Other than that, food was quick and we were in and out in less than 1.5 hours. They gave me a rose & a cute dessert with a candle for my birthday. The rose is such a sweet touch. Ambiance: 1000/5 the theming is really what you're paying for, floor to ceiling decor, feels like you're transported. Really great date spot! Would highly recommend reservations. Prices are on the higher end but you're paying for the ambiance. Parking can be tough on the street but there are some paid lots nearby. read more

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a little bit overrated in my option but i love mediterranean food so it was yummy regardless. the salatim platter is just diff types of bread w spreads but THE SPREADS ARE SO DELICIOUS. i liked the green one, hummus, and red one the best. the soltani platter was also solid although i wish it had more meat and less naan especially since we got the salatim platter already. the meats were nicely flavored but a little overcooked and dry. i LOVED the cardamom black tea the lassi was pretty solid i appreciated how it wasn't too thick, but it was definitely too sweet for me. i loved the mango and pineapple flavors tho. the rose lime saffron ice cream just tasted like rose and they had shaved ice vermicelli noodles on top but it kinda threw me off lol ambiance is AMAZING though, quite possibly one of the most beautiful restaurants i've stepped foot into read more

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Leila is a hidden gem in San Diego and damn let me tell you it did not disappoint!! Parking is kind of difficult so your best bet will be either valet or uber . As soon as you enter it's as if you're entering a different world. The lighting is very dim and the decor is impeccable! Great opportunities for amazing photos! The service is on point super friendly and helpful they made some great recommendations! The food pricing is high but it's so worth it ! Check the out if your around the area read more

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The ambiance of this Mediterranean restaurant is worthy of all the hype. It's a magical place with starry ceilings and a mystic setting where you feel like you're eating in Aladdin's world. The drinks and food, however, wasn't worthy of all the rave reviews, especially since it took a month to reserve our table. We ordered the Salatini and Soltani Platter for our group of 4, based on our server's recommendation. The portions were plenty for us. Although the dips and bread were tasty, the meat skewers were mediocre, and the veggies that came on the Soltani platter were bland. The salmon was the best part, though there weren't as much of it as the other meats. Drinks were on par and a good size. A tiny birthday cake ended our evening, which also lacked much flavor (but I guess no expectations should be had for a free cake!) Overall, a unique dinner experience for a group, but not a repeater for me. read more

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I came to Leila's for my birthday and left feeling mixed. The space is beautiful. The decor and ambiance are easily the standout. It feels special, stylish, and thoughtfully designed. If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere, Leila's does that well. As for the food, it was fine, but nothing memorable. The kabobs were the highlight of the meal, and the pistachio ice cream was delicious. Everything else was pretty underwhelming and not something I'd come back for. Overall, the experience felt more about the setting than the food. Great ambiance, a few bright spots on the menu, but not a place I'd return to for the meal itself. read more

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Felt very lucky to have a reservation here - not the BEST middle eastern food I've ever had but for sure you go for the vibes. I woke up at midnight 30 days in advance (lol) to get a dinner reservation here on a Saturday. We had the kebabs, hummus, and pickled veggies. Service was friendly and ambiance is gorgeous. You have to see it for yourself. It almost reminds you have a Disneyland ride. We had a nice dinner although we were sat right next to the kitchen which was a little distracting. Prices weren't too exorbitant, and it was a lot of food for a plate. It's a great place to take a guest who's visiting because it truly shows how special San Diego with what it has to offer restaurant wise. read more

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(This review is only for my experience during a weekday night at the bar, ordering 2 appetizers. I did not try any of the entrees.) Wow! This is the most beautiful restaurant I have ever had the privilege of dining in. The outside was pretty but unassuming. I've definitely walked past the outside a few times without a second glance. However, I was starstruck when I walked inside. It is a gorgeous space that's worth a walk through if you're in the area. My friend and I arrived late on a weekday night and managed to get 2 bar seats on the second floor. Based on the recommendation of some people I met, I ordered the fire-roasted cauliflower and the muhammara (comes with crispy, warm bread). Not too salty. Good balance of flavors. Maybe not the best food I've ever had but solid food nonetheless. Both were delicious and filling enough for 2 people. We also ordered the tea, but the bartender forgot and was kind enough to give it to us on the house when we inquired. Parking sucks, but it's North Park so not unexpected. If you don't mind bar seating, I recommend coming on a weekday night because you won't need reservations to eat at the bar, and there likely will not be a wait. (If you would like to dine at a table, reservations book out 1 month in advance.) Overall, great experience. The decor is amazing. Recommend trying the appetizers if you're on a budget. (Can't give any recommendations about the entrees.) read more

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I get the hype. East to miss entrance since there isn't an obvious sign but just look for the random pretty door. Beautiful interior and design, worth seeing for sure! As long as you don't mind seeing people take photos left and right when you're eating, it's a fun restaurant. I love that you can see the food being grilled right in front of you. The open kitchen concept is fantastic and makes you feel transported! read more

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There is a lot of difficulty with finding an open reservation, but I found a seat at the bar. This restaurant was very beautiful. Service was prompt and pleasant, and the food was delicious. Would return just for how pretty the place is! read more

Wow wow wow - I can't wait to come here again! The food - amazing, the vibe - incredible, the drinks - delicious, the service - great, the restaurant- 100/10! Came on a double date, was such an incredible time. Drinks were flowing food was devoured. Pro tip if you're not able to get a reservation... Which seems to be impossible, they have two different bars that you can eat and drink read more

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Got the chance to go here for my birthday with my family and this place did not disappoint! The ambiance was so beautiful! The dishes we ordered were shareable and easy for us to try different things! The food was so delicious! My favorite dessert was the saffron ice cream, so good!! Parking is a little difficult if you're looking for just street parking but there is a parking garage the next street over which doesn't charge that much read more

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All hype and no substance! Food - all dishes were cold. They make the kabobs ahead of time to save time which results in lukewarm dishes. The bread and the dessert, faloodeh, were good. Also, there was hair in one of the dishes. Service - you have to order everything in one shot. If you eat your food and decide that you're still hungry you can't order additional food. Ambiance - over the top "middle eastern" theme that resembles Vegas rather than the real thing. This was one of the most disappointing restaurant experiences I've had in a long while. All hype and no substance! read more

We don't remember our waitresses' names, but they were two wonderful girls and made the experience even better. Great food, beautiful atmosphere, and they went out of their way to make it feel special for us. read more

Leila - Love it - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

Ambience 10/10 Food was actually solid & pretty delicious. Portions were small so we had to order the SOLTANI platter which comes with 4 kebabs plus rice. Also got the SALATIM platter which came with a variety of dips and bread. If you're looking for authentic food you may not find it but it's good food in general. read more

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Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this is one of those places I genuinely can't stand. I'm usually pretty good at spotting an Instagram trap from a mile away, so I tend to avoid those "Instagrammable" restaurants since they're almost always tacky with mediocre food. This place, however, kept popping up on my radar for an entire year. Between ads, friends mentioning it, and the photos of the Persian decor and fiber optic lights, it was everywhere. Eventually, after seeing it enough times, I caved and went with my mom against my better judgment. Not shockingly, it turned out exactly how I expected. Overpriced Persian food that's just fine at best. If you've never had Persian food before, you will probably think it's good. If you actually know what Persian food is supposed to taste like, you'll probably leave disappointed. To be fair, the decor is beautiful. It's very detailed and culturally themed. I will give credit where it's due. But, I personally don't go to restaurants to stare at the walls. I go to eat, and I like to feel like my money was well spent. That definitely wasn't the case here. What really annoyed me was the crowd. Everyone taking 50,000 photos trying to get their perfect Instagram shot. It was theater in itself. If your main priority is posting photos and you don't mind mediocre food, you'll probably love it. For me, I won't be back. Just a heads up, you'll definitely need a reservation thanks to the constant stream of influencer type crowds. read more

Leila - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California