Top 18 lamb in San Diego
"Lamb in San Diego" is a culinary delight that showcases the city's cultural diversity and exceptional dining scene. From gourmet restaurants to street food vendors, lamb is prepared in various ways, including grilled, roasted, and slow-cooked, to bring out its rich and tender flavor. Foodies and tourists alike can indulge in this savory dish, making it a must-try when visiting "San Diego."
- 1. The Wise Ox Butcher & Deli
- 2. Herb & Wood
- 3. Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop
- 4. The Butcher's Cut
- 5. Mongolian Hot Pot, San Diego
- 6. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
- 7. Juniper & Ivy
- 8. Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood
- 9. Pomegranate
- 10. Alforon Mediterranean / Lebanese Cuisine
- 11. Turf Supper Club
- 12. Empanada Kitchen
- 13. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
- 14. Micho'z Fresh Lebanese Grill
- 15. Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine
- 16. Kabob House
- 17. Aladdin Hillcrest
- 18. Nick The Greek
1. The Wise Ox Butcher & Deli
In-house butchered meats, sourced from local ranches, focus on sustainability and ethical farming practices

The Wise Ox is known for its exceptional lamb selection. The quality of the lamb is evident in every bite, making it a standout choice for meat lovers. I recently purchased lamb from The Wise Ox and was thoroughly impressed. The meat was incredibly tender and full of flavor, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
The Wise Ox's lamb is a cut above the rest. Its superior quality is due to the care and attention given to every step of the process, from sourcing to butchering. The end result is a product that is both delicious and high-quality. Meat enthusiasts looking for a top-notch lamb experience need look no further than The Wise Ox.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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2. Herb & Wood
Herb & Wood is a Michelin-starred restaurant that uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and changes its menu regularly to reflect the season.

The lamb served was delightful and delectable, with seasoning that was expertly executed. It was cooked to the perfect level, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. This dish is not to be missed by anyone who values exquisite cuisine.
The lamb's preparation was impeccable, with a tenderness that only comes from careful cooking and an abundance of flavor. Whether you're a fan of lamb or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Its mouthwatering taste and texture make it a standout choice for any meal.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
3. Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop
In addition to the restaurant, Cowboy Star also features an on-site butcher shop where customers can purchase premium cuts of meat to take home.

The California lamb dish was truly a standout, featuring a tender braised shoulder and a perfectly seared boneless loin. The accompanying lamb jus and mint oil added an extra layer of flavor to the dish, elevating it to new heights. The lamb was so tender that it seemed to melt in my mouth, requiring minimal chewing.
The meal also included a delicious spring vegetable medley, which provided a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the lamb. The sauce paloise added a tangy note to the dish, balancing out the savory lamb and sweet vegetables. Overall, the meats on my plate were exceptionally tender, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
4. The Butcher's Cut
Focus on sustainable, locally-sourced meats, Dry-aging process for steaks and chops

The lamb dish stands out as a culinary delight, offering a tender and flavorful experience. Its excellent preparation is evident, with the right amount of seasoning and careful cooking that elevated the meal.
The lamb, in particular, was a highlight of the dining experience, demonstrating the kitchen's ability to create perfectly seasoned and precisely cooked dishes. The tenderness and rich flavors of the lamb made it a memorable and satisfying part of the meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- High-End
5. Mongolian Hot Pot, San Diego
All-you-can-eat hot pot with various soup bases

The $10 hot pot lunch special is a great value, offering a choice of four meat options: beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. This special is only available on weekdays, making it a perfect option for weekday lunches.
The wagyu beef belly and lamb shoulder are two standout menu items, consistently well-prepared and delicious. Whether you choose to enjoy them for lunch or dinner, the pricing is reasonable and offers good value for the high-quality ingredients used.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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6. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience with continuous table-side service of various cuts of meat

The lamb served during the meal was a standout, with each bite offering a tender and juicy experience. The quality of the lamb was exceptional, making it a memorable part of the dining experience.
The lamb chops were expertly cooked, resulting in a perfect texture that was tender and full of flavor. The seasoning and preparation of the lamb chops brought out their natural taste, making them a delight to savor.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- High-End
- Dinner
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7. Juniper & Ivy
Locally-sourced, California-inspired fare in a chic, industrial setting

The food at this establishment is generally enjoyable. However, there was one exception to this positive experience - the lamb meatballs were disappointingly dry. This slight dampener did not detract from the overall satisfying meal, but it is worth noting for those considering ordering this dish.
Moving on to the highlights, the majority of the dishes showcased the kitchen's talent. Each bite was a delight, demonstrating the care and attention that went into creating each plate. From the vibrant presentation to the harmonious flavors, it was clear that a lot of thought went into designing the menu. Despite the hiccup with the meatballs, the restaurant still managed to deliver a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
8. Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood
Houses a temperature-controlled cellar with over 3,500 bottles of wine

The lamb dish was enjoyed by the diners, with one finding it a bit overcooked while the other thought it was perfectly tender. Both parties agreed on the excellent seasoning that elevated the flavor of the lamb, making for a satisfying meal.
In summary, the lamb dish stood out in the meal, with its standout seasoning and differing texture preferences met with approval. One diner found the lamb overcooked, while the other praised its tenderness, but both agreed on the deliciousness of the dish.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- High-End
9. Pomegranate
Middle Eastern cuisine, Warm and welcoming atmosphere, Friendly service

Pomegranate is a well-known restaurant in San Diego, famous for its delicious chicken shashlik and mouth-watering borscht. The restaurant has a friendly and accommodating waitstaff who are committed to providing excellent service. However, during peak times, the service can be slow. It is advisable to make a reservation beforehand to avoid long wait times. The restaurant's Georgian salad with cucumbers and feta cheese, as well as the hachepuri, are popular among the regular customers.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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10. Alforon Mediterranean / Lebanese Cuisine
Warm and welcoming atmosphere, Family-owned restaurant, Authentic Mediterranean/Lebanese cuisine

The first paragraph highlights the excellence of the Lebanese food available in San Diego, specifically mentioning two standout dishes: the Ouzi Lamb and various flatbreads including Soujouk and Shawarma. The second paragraph shares the author's personal experience with two of the offerings, the Shawarma and yellow rice with chicken, as well as Lamb and Brown rice, emphasizing the exceptional quality and taste of the meal.
In summary, the author enthusiastically recommends the Lebanese food in San Diego, highlighting the Ouzi Lamb and flatbreads as noteworthy options and sharing their positive experience with the Shawarma and rice dishes. The overall impression is one of delicious and high-quality Lebanese cuisine in San Diego.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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11. Turf Supper Club
Warm and cozy atmosphere, Excellent customer service

The lamb was seasoned and cooked to perfection on a communal grill, making it a standout dish. The unique grill-your-own concept added to the overall enjoyable dining experience.
I tried the lamb and was thoroughly impressed with its delicious flavor and tenderness. Cooking the lamb on a grill myself only enhanced the experience and made it more fun and interactive. This dish is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- High-End
12. Empanada Kitchen
Family-owned business, Fresh ingredients, Baked-to-order empanadas

The lamb empanada at this location is a standout dish, offering a rich and savory flavor that is sure to please. The dish features a perfect balance of spices, providing a depth of taste that is both satisfying and crave-worthy.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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13. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
The Smoking Goat's emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and its cozy, romantic atmosphere set it apart from other restaurants in the area.

The lamb dish served was exceptional, offering a harmonious blend of spices and texture that made it the star of the meal. The meat was cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and delightful eating experience. For those considering their options, this lamb dish is highly recommended.
Dining guests who choose the lamb option will not be disappointed, as the dish provides a remarkable combination of tender meat and skillfully applied seasoning. The excellence of the lamb dish lies in its perfectly cooked meat and the well-executed balance of spices, elevating the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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14. Micho'z Fresh Lebanese Grill
Authentic Lebanese cuisine, Fresh ingredients, Casual and welcoming atmosphere

The lamb kabob is a standout dish, known for its juicy and expertly cooked texture. Its savory taste and high quality make it a must-try for any meal.
Consisting of tender and flavorful meat, the lamb kabob is a definite highlight. Its deliciousness is sure to satisfy and leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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15. Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine
Family-owned restaurant with a warm atmosphere

A limited selection of dishes was available, and unfortunately, there was no lamb to be found, despite hopes of enjoying this particular dish. The meal consisted of several courses, and one of the standout items was the lamb shank. It was cooked to perfection, with the meat tender and full of flavor.
Despite the initial impression of limited options, there was a great selection of dishes served throughout the meal. Among the various offerings, the lamb shank was a clear highlight. The tender and flavorful meat made it a dish to remember, and it certainly left a positive impression on those who had the opportunity to try it.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
16. Kabob House
Halal menu options and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere

The lamb dish I ordered was a fantastic choice. The portion size was generous, providing a satisfying meal. The flavors of the lamb gyro were expertly balanced, with each ingredient contributing to a cohesive and delicious whole.
In addition to the gyro, I also tried the lamb plate. The lamb meat was the star of the dish, tender and bursting with flavor. The seasoning was applied perfectly, enhancing the natural taste of the lamb without overpowering it. Overall, the lamb dishes I tried were both delicious and highly recommended.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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17. Aladdin Hillcrest
Featuring a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and belly dancing on weekends.

The falafel and three-meat combination skewer, featuring lamb, beef, and chicken, excelled in tenderness and flavor. Accompanying elements such as hummus, rice, garlic paste, pita, lentil soup, and Greek salad were generously portioned. I enjoyed the lamb kebab plate, which stood out for its perfect cooking and excellent seasoning. The sides offered a tasty complement to the well-prepared lamb.
In summary, the dishes at this establishment were noteworthy for their tender and flavorful offerings. Both the falafel and three-meat skewer, as well as the lamb kebab plate, showcased carefully prepared meats. The accompanying sides were both bountiful and delectable, making for a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
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18. Nick The Greek
Family-owned with authentic recipes, especially lamb dishes

The lamb pita is a popular dish that features soft pita bread filled with flavorful ingredients. The bread is often fresh and tender, providing a pleasant contrast in texture to the filling. The lamb used in the pita is typically seasoned with various herbs and spices, giving it a savory and aromatic flavor. The filling may also include vegetables, sauces, and other ingredients, adding to the overall complexity and enjoyment of the dish.
The lamb gyro is another delicious option that features tender and well-seasoned meat. The meat is usually cooked on a vertical rotisserie, which helps to lock in its juices and flavor. The gyro may be served on pita bread, accompanied by various toppings such as onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. The combination of the juicy and well-seasoned lamb with the cool and creamy tzatziki sauce creates a delightful taste sensation that is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Dinner
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