We ordered lunch for our dental office, and this place exceeded all expectations! The portions were incredibly generous, the food was absolutely delicious, and everything was fresh and flavorful. What really stood out was the customer service. The staff went above and beyond to help us with our order, making the entire experience easy and enjoyable. They were friendly, accommodating, and truly made us feel appreciated as customers. Our whole office loved the meal, and we were so impressed by both the quality of the food and the outstanding hospitality. Thank you for taking such great care of us and hooking us up with an amazing lunch. We can't wait to come back! read more

Visited here after the mosque memorial - I'd been meaning to try it & it was right nearby. It was mostly empty until more people started to drift in after it was ending. It took a bit for food to be made - but I can imagine they were super short-staffed because most people went to the memorial. So no prob here! No frills inside but lots of tables - and it must be halal because of the crowd. Falafel was DELICIOUS and huge. And so cheap! $8.99 for a sandwich that really was like 2 - and with fries (the fries were more boring). I also got a pistachio pastry - not baklava, but they had 6 different kinds of honey pastry with either walnut or pistachio. I got the one in the bottom right of my pic. VERY yummy. This place is legit! Order ahead if you are planning to do takeout. read more

Mystic Grill - Just look at all the pastry choices! Pistachio & walnut in several forms - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Been coming here for 20 years. Balboa location is top tier. Always welcoming when you step in the door. Never been disappointed with my food. Food is fresh clearly made with love. Shawarma is sooo flavorful and juicy. Hummus is so creamy and tasty - the best I've ever had hands down. Salmon and shrimp plate... I could go on and on. Highly recommend. read more

When we entered the restaurant, it was very clean and the man working the register was kind and helpful. We each ordered different plates (mixed shawarma, falafel, gyros, lamb) and settled down at a table. The food was delivered to us hot and piping, and each plate included two pieces of flatbread. All of us enjoyed our food thoroughly, raving about how everything was perfect, flavorful and well-balanced. I will say that the falafel was the best falafel I've ever had - moist and fresh! However, I found the rice different than what I was used to, and it was a bit bland on its own. The man who helped us originally stopped by to speak to us and explained that he was the new owner and was really candid and honest about the plans for the restaurant! We're excited to see how the place will evolve into a roastery serving a large variety of nuts and middle eastern coffee, while still continuing serving their delicious food upstairs! I look forward to visiting again in the future! read more

This has been my go-to spot since they opened. The stuffed salmon is cooked to perfection. On delivery orders, the salmon is packaged in its own container, which I really appreciate--it keeps the sauce from soaking into the rice until I'm ready to combine them. The portions are generous and easy to share, and when I don't, the leftovers are just as good the next day for lunch. Ordering through DoorDash was simple, and the delivery arrived earlier than expected after the order was placed. read more

See all

We stumbled upon this place while in the area and decided to give it a try -- and what a pleasant surprise! The chicken kabobs were exceptionally tender and juicy, cooked to perfection. The mixed grill salad, featuring salmon, gyro meat, and chicken shawarma over crisp lettuce with onions and feta, was flavorful and fresh. The falafel were a bit on the dry side (as expected), but paired with the toum and tahini, they were still very enjoyable. Service was super friendly, and the staff took the time to answer all our questions. A great find! read more

See all

This place has a new owner and they are now open while still working on additional changes. We tried their food and they were delicious. New recipes so very different from previous one. We hope they will maintain good quality food and upgrade the place. read more

See all

I really like this spot in Clairemont. I enjoy their plates, they are well balanced with rice, delicious hummus, a salad and a good portion of protein. Many restaurants like to short people on protein, so as a registered dietitian I appreciate the nutient quality. It's a great place to stop after work and pick up a meal for my family, even my toddler will share our plates with us! read more

The food was very average. Got a bunch of kebabs a la carte- Chicken kabob - 2/5 Was pretty bland and I feel a little overcooked Chicken and beef kufta kebab - 3/5 they were okay. Nothing I would comeback for. The pita was store bought. read more

Mystic Grill - Chicken kabab, chicken seekh, beef seekh - the seekhs were okay. Would skip the chicken kebab. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Had the kefta kebab plate. Excellent flavor and portion. Rice was very flavorful and I loved the side salad and hummus that comes with it. Pita was soft and very fresh. An excellent experience, I'll be back! read more

I came here on a Wednesday afternoon for a retirement party/lunch I had the Beef Schwma with rice, humass salad and pita. All tasted really good The service was friendly although it took a bit longer than I expected to get my meal. I felt that $17.99 plus tax was a bit expensive for lunch so this will have to go on my splurge list for special occasions. We had the upstairs room to ourselves for the occasion. I liked that there was a soda dispenser upstairs but it's over wasn't working on the day of our party. I'll be back to try other items on another splurge night. I wish it wasn't as costly as it is so I could be a regular there. But then even Burger King and McDonald's are becoming fairly costly too. Gone are my Jr High School Days of 18 cent Cheeseburgers. I would never guessed them that in 2025 I'd pay $2.19 for a cheeseburger.Gone too are the days of the $5.00 gyro combo that included the sandwich,fries and a fountain drink. If only wages kept up with inflation, I wouldn't complain about prices. The dining area and restroom were both clean and there's plenty of parking spaces nearby. read more

The lamb shank is delicious! So tender. The rice is great, as is the salad and humus that comes with the lamb shank.

Fresh Authentic Mediterranean Food. So flavorful. They also serve pizza and pastries. I travel from Vista, Ca to come eat here . Another location in S.D university area. You must come and try . read more

We waited a long time to eat and since we were dining in, it was surprising to see people who came in for to go orders and even DoorDash came and got their food before us. I think there was only one cashier and one cook so I'm not sure how they prioritize it. It was Eid yesterday so the restaurant was very quiet and empty until we left we noticed more people coming in with their families. We ordered fries, chicken shawarma plate (too hard of meat to eat jerky like consistency lacked flavor), and a chicken kabobs plate, the salad was good for all our plates, and the cashier was kind. The chef was attentive whenever we came to the counter to check on us when we were waiting for our food. read more

Awesome Halal food and a really beautifully designed interior. The guy taking our order in the front was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Even with a line he made us feel welcomed when it was our turn to order. Lots of spaced out tables leading to comfortable seating and an environment where you can enjoy socializing at your table and eating without struggling to ignore conversations going on around you. When you walk in it's a nice inviting atmosphere and a super nice clientele. Front area has chilled food and deserts with a clear view to the chef in the back. You can see just how clean this location is and it comes across as a well oiled and efficient process. We tried the Tilapia and Pasta Plate, Gyro Plate, Baklava, Hummus plate and a drink. I will share I was stoked to see they have Pepsi :-) All the food was perfect, tasted so fresh and well prepared, perfect seasoning and incredible portions. Seriously, we got a lot of food for around 45 bucks, where can you get this quality at that price anymore?! There is a large upstairs for reservations and private events as well. A great spot to visit and fuel up for the day! Parking is interesting as it's a shared parking lot but pro tip is to park more toward the back of the strip mall area as it's easy in and easy out. read more

See all

Mystic Grill replaced a longtime Italian eatery, Giovanni's, at this location in Clairemont. The refurbished interior was very clean and brightly lit. I did not go upstairs to check out the environment there so I can't comment on how it appeared. The menu screens displayed all the classic Middle Eastern dishes as one would expect. There were some pasta entrees too which I thought were unique because you normally don't see such items at this type of restaurant. I started with an appetizer of Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves). I also wanted to try the Stuffed Salmon, but it was unavailable so my alternative was the salmon with four jumbo shrimp. The plate was supposed to be served with feta cheese salad, hummus, basmati rice, and pita bread. For some reason, the kitchen made it with penne pasta slathered in alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, black olives, and mushrooms. I guess the cook may have been confused because such a pasta style with salmon and shrimp didn't even exist on the menu. Tastewise, the fish was cooked fine, but the shrimp was dry from being on the grill too long. The creamy pasta was too much for me to finish in one sitting so I took the leftovers home. Other than the faux pas with the preparation, the rest of my dining experience at Mystic Grill was positive. read more

See all

Great place. Clean, hospitable and the food couldn't be more delicious . I go here often

Really friendly guys here and they seem to have a lot of regulars come in. It's almost as if all the customers are family. Big, clean, bright dining area. Got the chicken shawarma bites-essentially a wrap cut into 5 sections. Great flavors and textures and loved the garlic, yogurt, and that yummy spicy sauce especially. Comes with a choice of salad or fries. Also got the chicken kufta that's sort of like koobideh, but ground chicken. Great flavor, lots of buttery rice, and a side salad. Hummus and flatbread were also very good. A nice, solid lunch or dinner. Mystic Grill is sort of tucked away in the back of the IHOP plaza. You can't really see it off Balboa unless you're really looking for it. Lots of parking-just park near the liquor store and walk over. read more

See all

Mystic Grill is a pleasant, order-at-the-counter Middle-Eastern (Halal) restaurant off Balboa, in the two-story building that once housed Giovani's (now in Linda Vista). The food is excellent and reasonably priced, and servings are generous. Although I've only been there a total of maybe a half dozen times, I've always left happy -- and really full. The ambience is simple, the dining area is clean, and service is friendly. If you dine in, as I always have, your food is brought to the table immediately after it's ready, very fresh, and it's served on real plates and with real silverware. I've long-since settled on two menu items that I keep going back for: the beef kufta kabob entree and the chicken kabob entree. I don't think I've had anything else from their fairly extensive menu but these two offerings are reliably satisfying. Entrees come with humus, basmati rice, and pita bread, all of which are very good. It also comes with a small salad, which is the only thing that's gone downhill a bit recently. Maybe this is due to the cost of vegetables, but there is now less tomato, cucumber, and feta cheese than before. Also, I'm pretty sure the salad used to be dressed with oil and vinegar whereas in my most recent visit it came with a simple, somewhat bland cream dressing. There's a sister restaurant in La Mesa, but I haven't been to that one. read more

Friendly, easy, tastes are tops! Prices super! Love it there! International and conveniently in my neighborhood!

They have good food... you may have to wait a little. The have a good selection of different items... house is clean...friendly staff.

They have a lot of menu items that I don't see elsewhere! Everything was made fresh and the portions are huge. Highly recommend the Mixed salad (3 meats: chicken shawarma, salmon and gyro) and chicken kabob plate. This place is also huge, two stories so great for large parties. read more

Mystic Grill - 14. Mixed Grill Salad - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Hands down some of the BEST Mediterranean food in San Diego! I wish this place was closer to Me. I live almost 30 minutes away and I'll take the time to go here. The agyro plate is perfect, they have a delicious salad, gyro a ton of hummus and gyro on a plate, we also got the Schwarma sando today and came with a heeping portion of fries. They gave us a bunch of sauce and the garlic is my fav. read more

See all

This restaurant was a pleasant surprise, since it's mystical name does not do it justice... The savory tastes and richness from the extensive use of traditional Mediterranean & Middle Eastern spices, combined with the hint of Mediterranean-Latin fusion cuisine, make this place a great choice for a delicious meal. It just goes to show you that you don't need an ocean view and culinary school plating techniques to have a successful restaurant. It's about the service and the food! That being said, the Dolmas were of a Turkish recipe, as it included a tomato paste mixed with rice and masterfully blended with authentic Turkish spices. The Lebanese Babaganouj had the perfect roasted flavor in the eggplant, while the Egyptian Hummus was of the perfect consistency w/ olive oil drizzled on top w/ a parsley garnish. Also, the Syrian Tabbouleh had just the right amount of lemon juice. Ultimately, the Vegetarian Platter was a masterpiece of flavors representing several different Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cultures that could easily be plated on a silver platter and served in a King's court. The Chicken & Beef Shawarma was especially savory, as it was cured in a variety of spices including cardamom. The all yellow saffron rice, rather than just a sprinkle on top, was a nice touch to accompany the shawarma. The Hummus and Greek Feta Salad that accompanied the dish makes this an all around superb meal. For dessert, the Baklava was absolutely exquisite! Prepared with fresh green pistachios instead of walnuts, this was a perfect addition to top off an amazing dinner. Mystic Grill could easily serve this fare at the exorbitant prices that other Mediterranean & Middle Eastern restaurants charge, but they are resolute to keep their prices affordable. The same $75 meal that generously feeds a family of 4 adults would easily be over $125 at the other Mediterranean & Middle Eastern restaurants in the area. Bravo, Mystic Grill! read more

Mystic Grill - Chicken & Beef Shawarma w/ Saffron Rice, Hummus, & Feta Greek Salad - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

We will def be back here again... our first time a couple of days ago. Ordered the Chicken Kafta kebab plate and a lentil soup. The meat was about 3/5. I will prolly try something else like the catfish or chicken shawarma... the menu has a variety to try... besides the meat plate, they also have pasta and pizza. read more

Mystic Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

The inside of the restaurant is very dirty, this place is right next to my house so I wanted to love it, but I'm kind of concerned with the cleanliness. And I think for the price of the food I'd rather pay a couple dollars more and go to a place that seems a little more put together . read more

Their falafel here is just ok. Not super flavorful but not near as dry as most falafel so it is one of the better ones. Their spinach pie is pretty good with the garlic sauce. Service was just average. Nothing over the top friendly plans helpful but definetly didn't go out of their way to engage the customers. read more

Mystic Grill - Spinach pie - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Very clean place. We ordered our food and got served quickly as we came for early dinner. Food was delicious. read more

See all

Nice folks, clean and good parking. The meat pie was okay. Pastries were okay, but not fresh. The soup watery and bland. Same with the rice and meat. I'll never return. read more

See all

First time here; we often drive by as we frequent other establishments nearby. We decided to give Mystic Grill a try. We were not disappointed! While I prefer a sit-down restaurant where a waiter takes your order, one has to order & pay before hand. Food was promptly prepared & brought to our table. Flavors were good; we were hungry & ordered more than we could eat--not bad as we'll have leftovers! We'll be sure to return to try more delights! read more

See all

This place was great. We got the kofta kebab plate and it arrived fresh, hot and delicious. I love the rice and they give you a lot of sauces. The salad dressing they serve is also really good. I wish they had a spicy sauce and I would love to try more things. The service was fast and the place seemed generally clean and in good shape. read more

******Somewhere in New York City, May 2012****** TONY S.: "Alright. Hey. Alright. Good job, guys. Let's just not come in tomorrow. Let's just take a day. Have you ever tried shawarma? There's a shawarma joint about two blocks from here. I don't know what it is, but I wanna try it." ********************************************************** SCHWARMA! They got beef schwarma, chicken schwarma, gyros, kabobs, seafood, and all sorts of wonderful Mediterranean dishes at very affordable prices, most plates cost $11-14. These plates come with a side salad, pita, yellow rice, and the creamiest hummus in San Diego. There's also a variety of tasty meat pies available for $2. 12 inch pizzas are only $7 with two toppings, pretty average, but unique and interesting when you add a meat schwarma as a topping. The Harisa cakes are heavenly moist in a sweet rose water...try a piece for $2, once you're hooked you'll want to buy by the pound for $8 which gets you 10-12 pieces...an amazing deal! read more

See all

Really good place to have fusion Mediterranean food. The place is big and the food felt like a hand crafted food. I just tried once and would like to go back again for trying more menu items. read more

OH MY GOD DO NOT SKIP the opportunity to eat here! This food is so good, so fresh, so authentic! The staff is generous and friendly, and they know what they're doing. I got the salmon plate, and my friend got the vegetarian plate. Both were packed full of flavor and variety, and the plates are large: do not worry about leaving hungry ! The only thing I will not re-order are the fries. They're crinkle fries, and they're seasoned, but the cooking method is pretty basic, like from home in an oven. Meh. But we ate so much so fast! I haven't stuffed my face like that since I was little so good! read more

Mystic Grill - My friend loved the fries lol this place is good vibes. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

My family of six tried the Mystic Grill. Everyone ordered something different and everyone loved the food--pizza, beef schwarma, fresh salad, hummus, felafel and pita bread. The atmosphere is not pretty, kind of fast food-like, but the food is so good and prices were reasonable. read more

Talapia pasta, Beef Kabob plate and two meat pies. Excellent flavor! Tastes like home cooked food. read more

Mystic Grill - Wonderfully flavorful food. Ver fairly priced. Great value and tastes like it is home cooked. Super clean atmosphere and friendly service. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is so good! I love the flavor of the chicken, hummus, and rice. They offer a garlic sauce too, which is delicious. There's great seating options and the restaurant is always clean. The service is always good. Definitely one of my favorite Mediterranean food spots! read more

Mystic Grill - Chicken Kabob - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Freaking delicious I'm in love. Staff was super friendly. They have a second story to have events and it is so pretty! The gyro plate was yummy the seasoning on the meat and rice was great. Salad was tossed in idk what dressing but it was bomb as you can tell I couldn't resist until taking a picture. I'll be back thank you! read more

Mystic Grill - Gyro plate - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Fantastic experience at Mystic. Located in the back corner of a strip mall, don't let the unassuming outside deter you from trying it. Upon stepping in, you'll notice the extremely clean and bright decor. I've been eating more plant-based recently and was immediately drawn to the vegetarian plate per the recommendation of the employee. It features a bit of everything: from classics like hummus and falafel to their homemade spinach pastry and vegetarian mousaka. To be candid everything was absolutely delicious with massive portions and reasonable pricing. I find myself frequently thinking of this meal and experience when craving vegetarian food. I haven't tried any of the meat dishes, but they looked fabulous too. Highly recommended! read more

See all

Mystic Grill has now opened with their second Mediterranean Eatery. The neighborhood of Clairemont Mesa and its surrounding area are very fortunate because they sure do provide some terrific eats. I stopped in for lunch and order the "Chicken Shawarma Bites" which was essentially a wrap sliced into nice little pinwheels, so to speak. I had my bites with a side of salad in lieu of fries. The bites were fantastic, not only because of the tender well seasoned chicken inside, but with their signature creamy and flavorful house garlic sauce. The bites also came with fresh tomatoes and dark leaf Romain lettuce which I loved. The wrap was lightly toasted to give that little edgy toasted crunchy. The salad on the side was great. I always love a little feta cheese added to my Mediterranean salad. That salty flavor gives the salad a nice added flavor. In addition to the garlic sauce, I also tried the cooling cucumber yogurt sauce and the spicy harissa base sauce. They were both great, but I had to love the heat coming from the spicy sauce. Good stuff indeed. Service was very friendly, and I loved that the place was well kept and clean. read more

See all