Best of 11 persian restaurants in San Diego
Persian restaurants in San Diego offer a unique and delicious dining experience, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Iranian cuisine. From aromatic stews to fluffy rice dishes, these establishments provide a taste of Persia in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a fan of kebabs or want to try something new like fesenjan, Persian restaurants in San Diego have something for everyone. Come and explore the exotic tastes and traditions of Persian culinary arts in San Diego.
- 1. Darband Persian Grill
- 2. Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine
- 3. Paradise Kabob
- 4. Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant
- 5. International Market & Grill
- 6. Panini Kabob Grill - Del Mar
- 7. Alforon Mediterranean / Lebanese Cuisine
- 8. Safi Mediterranean Grill
- 9. Kabob Lounge
- 10. Panini Kabob Grill
- 11. Saffrono Lounge Bar & Grill
1. Darband Persian Grill
Offers hookah and traditional Persian tea service

Darband Persian Grill is well-known for serving delicious lamb shanks, shish kebabs, and chicken wraps, as well as tasty yogurt, ice cream, and baklava. Many guests also enjoy their delicious tea. The restaurant also offers exquisite salmon kebabs at reasonable prices, along with freshly cooked salmon, rice, tomato, pita with pepper and lemon, and a salad.
The restaurant provides a spacious and comfortable setting for its guests. The staff is friendly and polite, adding to the overall positive dining experience. In addition to their savory dishes, Darband Persian Grill is known for their delicious desserts and refreshing teas. Overall, the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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2. Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine
Authentic Persian decor and live Persian music on weekends

Yummy Persian food can be found at the casual eatery that was previously located inside the Balboa International Market, which has now moved to a larger and more inviting space between the market and the fancier Sufi Restaurant. One of the standout dishes is FESENJAN, which is known for its delicious taste and balanced sweetness.
For those seeking authentic Persian food, Sufi Restaurant is an excellent choice. Our friends and family have had positive experiences there, leading us to choose it for a family event. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Persian dishes, all made with traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. The welcoming atmosphere and delicious food make it a popular spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
3. Paradise Kabob

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant
Family-owned and operated, delicious homemade bread

Khyber Pass Zarparan is a restaurant that serves a delightful mix of Afghan and Persian cuisine. The Persian dishes offered are excellent, with two standout dishes being the sweet and sour rice cooked with lamb and cherries, known as Yaghoot Chalow, and the Persian Fesenjan Stew.
Yaghoot Chalow is a delicious Persian dish that features sweet and sour rice cooked with lamb and cherries. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Persian cuisine. Meanwhile, the Persian Fesenjan Stew is another standout dish that is not to be missed. It is a hearty and flavorful stew made with chicken or duck, ground walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Both dishes showcase the rich and complex flavors that are characteristic of Persian cuisine.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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5. International Market & Grill
Offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, halal meat available

This mom and pop shop, located near UCSD in Holiday Court, is a great place for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner. The man who runs the shop is extremely nice and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
During a recent visit, my roommate and I enjoyed kabob plates. I opted for the chicken kabob and my roommate chose the house special. The chicken was tender and well-seasoned, providing plenty of flavor. The kabob plate came with a variety of delicious sides, including basmati rice, roasted tomatoes, and a light salad. The entire meal was incredibly fresh and satisfying.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
6. Panini Kabob Grill - Del Mar
Family-owned and operated, uses traditional recipes and spices

Panini Kabob Grill in San Diego offers delicious Persian kabobs that are tender, flavorful, and generously portioned. For those seeking a top-notch Persian dining experience in the area, this restaurant comes highly recommended.
The kabobs are a standout item on the menu, but the Persian dishes in general are exceptional at Panini Kabob Grill. Whether you're a fan of Persian cuisine or curious to try something new, this restaurant is definitely worth visiting.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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7. Alforon Mediterranean / Lebanese Cuisine
Family-owned and operated restaurant since 1987

My partner and I regularly visited a Persian restaurant near our home, but we have recently discovered a new favorite in Alforon. The primary reason for our switch is the high quality of the food, particularly the lamb shank. Compared to the Persian restaurants downtown, Alforon's lamb shank is noticeably more tender and costs half the price.
Our regular visits to Alforon have been driven by the value and quality of their lamb shank. While we used to enjoy the Persian restaurant near our home, Alforon's offering is far superior in terms of tenderness and affordability. As a result, we now frequent Alforon for our regular meals.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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8. Safi Mediterranean Grill
Halal menu options available

The food at this restaurant is truly delicious and fresh. The chicken kabob was cooked to perfection, with a tender texture and rich flavor. The salad was fresh and crisp, complemented by a tasty dressing that seemed to be made fresh. The chicken shawarma wrap was also a hit, converting a previous skeptic of Mediterranean food.
This is a warm and welcoming family-run restaurant, primarily offering takeout. We decided to dine in and were greeted by the friendly owners. We ordered three platters: gyro, falafel, and chicken shawarma. Each platter came with a fresh salad, fragrant basmati rice, warm pita bread, and various condiments. The hospitality and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant added to the enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
9. Kabob Lounge
Live Persian music on weekends, belly dancing performances

The food servings at this establishment are reportedly generous, but not all reviewers were impressed with the flavor. A few mentioned that the chicken was tough and some dishes were missing sauces. Additionally, there were a few complaints about missing utensils.
In terms of delivery, the restaurant generally performs well. While there may be some variation in delivery times, overall the process is efficient and timely.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Panini Kabob Grill
Dine-in, takeout, and delivery available

The food served at the establishment is fresh and delicious, with a variety of options to choose from. Laurenne opted for the Charbroiled Chicken Shish Kabob, which she found to be a satisfying and flavorful choice. The dish consisted of tender, well-seasoned chicken coupled with fresh vegetables, resulting in a delightful culinary experience.
On the other hand, Allan selected the Falafel Ka-Box, which did not disappoint in taste. Although the portions were smaller than expected for the price paid, the quality of the food made up for it. Both Laurenne and Allan enjoyed their meals, with every bite being delicious, making for a pleasant dining experience.
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TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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11. Saffrono Lounge Bar & Grill
Live music on weekends, belly dancing performances, and hookah lounge
Saffrono Lounge Bar & Grill is a popular dining destination known for its delicious Afghan and Persian cuisine, exceptional customer service, and inviting atmosphere. This family restaurant, located in Del Mar, CA 92014, offers a wide range of Mediterranean dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a commitment to providing high-quality food and excellent service, Saffrono has become a go-to spot for those seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine in the area.
If you're looking for a Mediterranean restaurant in Del Mar, CA, Saffrono Lounge Bar & Grill is the perfect choice. As experts in Mediterranean food, they offer a diverse menu that showcases the best flavors and ingredients of the region. From savory kebabs and fragrant rice dishes to refreshing salads and tantalizing desserts, there's something for everyone at Saffrono. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its delicious food and excellent service, makes it the ideal spot for a family dinner, a night out with friends, or a special occasion.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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