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    Amardeen Cafe

    4.3 (731 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    AMARDEEN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Amardeen Cafe

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    Chicken Kebab Entree
    Casey H.

    Had a wonderful lunch the other day with my Lebanese friend here. The chicken kebab, served with garlic spread, was so tasty. It costs $28 but is totally worth it. 5/5

    Lentil Soup
    Darroll L.

    Amardeen Cafe continues to offer consistently friendly service and delicious food. The atmosphere is pleasant and feels like you are transported to Lebanon's mountainous region in the North near the Syrian border, known for its beautiful nature, cedar forests, and traditional Lebanese life. This is one of our go-to Mediterranean restaurants in San Diego county.

    Sunny Slope Tea
    Brad T.

    I don't normally eat Mediterranean and I don't think I've ever had Lebanese, but all the food I had today was amazing. I was with a group of people so we got the Amardeen Meza Platter, which was a LOT of food; the waitress came over and helpfully named every item on it so we all knew what was what, which was great for remembering what things we'd want to try later on on future visits. The shawarma was super juicy, tender, tasted great, the garlic sauce was easy to spread on the pitas and the pitas were thin yet kept together, weren't soggy, anything like that. The "sunny slope" tea was really strong in a good way, as were the mixed pickles; I'd never had baba ghanouj either, so that was a really unique (but again not bad) taste. They also had free refills for the tea, and the bird's nest dessert was REALLY unique, especially with the syrup; it's super super strong, so don't just dump it on the dessert at first! But if you're reading this, we need to get to the real meat of the review; the bathroom. I went in it and... I've gotta give it a 5/5 too. The lighting was great, the toilet was clean, the sink was clean, and everything looked very aesthetically fitting and appealing; I know this sounds like some sort of generic script, but I mean, what else can I say? Particularly noticed the mirror in the bathroom; it felt like I was looking in "HD" somehow, like it looked especially high quality/crystal clear definition looking at myself. Dunno what they did to pull that off, but it was really damn nice. Also, there's a lot of toiletries just right out in the open for you to use if you run out, which is always an anxiety-reducer for a bathroom visit. Most unique of all in the bathroom though, is that in a single room, there's a toilet, and then there's ALSO a urinal; I'm not sure why they did this, but it again made things feel more "premium" to even just give you that option. Would definitely recommend coming here, the staff, food, and best of all, bathrooms are amazing.

    Interior
    Christina T.

    Nice Mediterranean restaurant near UTC. Beautiful decor and quiet/relaxed atmosphere, very friendly and attentive staff, no trouble finding parking in the plaza, and no wait on a Saturday around 5PM. The kafta and chicken from the grilled entree platter were delicious, but the baked kibbeh was not very flavorful. The chicken especially had an excellent char flavor. Unfortunately the grill platter does not come with rice. The chicken shawarma from meza platter was too salty for my table's taste, as were a few other items here and there to a lesser extent. All the dips that came with the meza platter were well executed. Between the two platters, we were able to feed 4 light eaters with leftovers. Probably 4-6 people for a regular meal. Overall a positive experience, but not a knockout best for Mediterranean food in San Diego, especially at this price point.

    Lamb and Beef Shawarma (w/side of fries)
    Anthony D.

    I think I found one of the best Mediterranean/Lebanese spots in San Diego! They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The service was friendly throughout the meal too. I got the Lamb and Beef Shawarma and chose a side of fries. Firstly, the fries were awesome! The texture on these were absolutely perfect. Crispy outside with a fluffy and pillowy interior. These were addicting. The meat in the shawarma was super flavorful and tender. Inside was also some pickled turnips, onions, tomatoes, parsley and tahini sauce. They all went so well together. Their menu is pretty extensive with so many other things that I'd love to try. Definitely going to come back!

    Dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
    Savanna V.

    Second time here definitely did not disappoint! I ordered the lamb kebab plate, and we also ordered kebeh and dolma for the table. All were generous helpings and absolutely delicious! Until next time!

    Lentil Soup
    Dave Z.

    Food Only Review - Ordered via DoorDash Date of Visit: 4.21.2025 Cuisine Type: Lebanese and Mediterranean Vibe: N/A Cost: $20 BOGO deal What I Ordered & How It Was: Chicken Kebab Wrap Combo -5/5- ~$20, Two chucks of chicken breast, marinated in a garlic lemon saffron sauce and rolled in pita with garlic spread and tomatoes. Served with choice of side (Soup, Salad, Fries). Most restaurants usually overcook chicken breast, but this tender and moist chicken pleasantly surprised me. It is not a large wrap by any means, but it is delicious. The fat from the garlic sauce, acid from the tomatoes, and filling salty tenderness from the chicken breast all wrapped up with the soft but structurally solid pita bread combines together to create this fine symphony in each bite (ridiculous I know...but it was too good) Lentil Soup (My Side) - 4/5- A filling soup with a porridge like consistency. There is a good comfy flavor from the combination of likely garlic, onions, carrots, some vegetable stock and Mediterranean spices. Service & Atmosphere: Service: N/A...the order from doordash was still warm when i got it Ambiance: Based on pictures, the space feels warm and intimate with a casual and slightly upscale vibe. The designs are likely culturally inspired from the Mediterraneans, Latin America, and Morocco. There seem to be plenty of modular tables, likely good for big family meals. Overall Thoughts: Best thing I ate: That chicken kebab wrap shoot I'm going to eat my 2nd wrap for breakfast tomorrow Something to improve: Wrap - I wish the wrap was bigger and slightly cheaper. Maybe 3 kebabs? If it weren't for the bogo deal the price would be a barrier to trying this wrap Lentil Soup - Maybe a bit of lemon or option to add that or zataar i think the acid will work well there Would I come back? I'll come eat here multiple times. Looking forward to trying their chicken kebab in real time!

    Lebanese Style Moussaka
    Diana L.

    Great ambiance with dining inside and out. Service and food was average. Good sized portion of hummus.

    Harper M.

    This is a great spot for a casual dinner! The renovation was beautiful and prices were very fair. We got the Amardeen platter, which had an awesome assortment of spreads and meats. We also got the lamb and rice rice dish which was the BEST dish of the night - light notes of cinnamon. Parking was a bit difficult, as it is a shopping center with many other dining establishments around around 6:30pm, there were some hidden spots next to the orange theory. Our server was very sweet and attentive. Ended with the "birds nest" dessert was exceptional and the perfect finale to the night.

    Danny W.

    What a beautiful restaurant with amazing food. All the food that I tried was delicious, but I enjoyed the lentil soup and cheese fatayer the most. FYI the plates are on the larger side and great for sharing. Our waitress was awesome and provided excellent service. Definitely returning and recommend this restaurant.

    Happy and well fed humans!

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    2 months ago

    Very good food and excellent service, I had been going to that place for many years, kamel the owner is friendly

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    The best Lebanese food in San Diego! Always consistent and delicious and the service is great.

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    Amardeen Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Amardeen Cafe

    Does anyone know what the white paste is that comes with the chicken kebab plate?

    Hello! That would be the Garlic Sauce, it’s an emulsion or whip of oil, garlic and lemon. Vegan and GF

    Does this place serve halal meat?

    I think so, not sure. Your best bet will be to call and ask the management

    View All 3 Questions

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    Alforon

    Alforon

    4.6(1.9k reviews)
    10.9 miRolando
    $$

    I have eaten there so many times I can't even count. Their food and their restaurant is my favorite…read moreplace to eat in San Diego. George and Samia are the most wonderful people in the world. George will come out of the kitchen and explain, in detail, every item on the menu. I laugh when I read or even see a subpar review of Alforon. Those people are either high on drugs or never experienced excellent food before. Chicken Tawook, Tabouli salad, house pickles, everything is off the chart and that's just the for starters. You can close your eyes, point to a menu item and have the best meal of your life. Explore their whole menu, you can't go wrong with a single item. Hands down off the chart and excellent food by two of the nicest people you will ever meet in your life.

    First of all let me say that the love dessert has me hooked. Best thing here! One of the most…read moreunique and tasty things I've tried in a while, and that's saying a lot w my sweet tooth. I love the floral and pistachio taste, and it doesn't leave you feeling heavy afterwards. The mint lemonade is also a must have- tastes like it came from the garden in the best way possible. For savories, I had the spinach and cheese bajeen, baba gannouj, and the lamb fatteh - all had a lot of flavor and tasted homemade. I love trying new foods so will have to come back with more friends and try other things on the menu. The downside of this place was being seated on the right side of the restaurant near the carry out section. This was the pit of despair. I noticed that most of the staff goes to the other end first, and as a result 4 tables got seated after us and all of them had food on their table before we managed to flag one of the staff. It was definitely busy in there but he replied that he was simply going in order, but apparently order or left side to right side instead of arrival. I recommend trying to get seated on the side w the stained glass windows for better service. Other than that, the experience overall was pleasant.

    Photos
    Alforon - Inside seating

    Inside seating

    Alforon - Ouzi Lamb Special

    Ouzi Lamb Special

    Alforon - Lamb fatteh

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    Lamb fatteh

    Micho'z Fresh Lebanese Grill - Greek Salad - @rayz

    Micho'z Fresh Lebanese Grill

    4.3(852 reviews)
    8.9 miHillcrest
    $$

    Always a true delight! I come here often, and this family…read morebusiness is still going strong after many, many years here in Hillcrest. I just love the food, plenty of good parking in the back of the restaurant. Easy on your wallet with a vast menu......... No one cooks like the Lebanese. I'm an Egyptian, and we don't even come close. The Lebanese are the best at cooking Middle Eastern Cuisine, no question, Hands down. Try the dessert, Konafe, you won't be sorry.

    I really wanted to like it here, I've passed by it so many times!…read more First, the service was not friendly. We walked in and there was only 1 other customer. The lady working there didnt greet us, ask us if we are eating in or taking out, she just stood and stared at us until we said something. It was a tad awkward. Rest of our time there was a bit similar, it just seemed like she really didn't want to be there. Second, the food was so bad. We got chicken shawarma wraps and they were 50% sauce, and the rest was lettuce, tomato, and boiled unseasoned chicken. My friend and I tried so hard to eat it but wow.. honestly worst wrap of my life. It was also on happy hour but we got charged full price anyway. At that point we were ready to go so didnt even argue the extra charge it was just a bad experience overall. Im so confused about all the good reviews! Maybe we just got the wrong thing..

    Photos
    Micho'z Fresh Lebanese Grill - Ambience inside

    Ambience inside

    Micho'z Fresh Lebanese Grill - Greek salad with chicken

    Greek salad with chicken

    Micho'z Fresh Lebanese Grill - Chicken Kabob (Tawook) Sandwich

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    Chicken Kabob (Tawook) Sandwich

    Yalla Habibi

    Yalla Habibi

    4.4(128 reviews)
    10.9 miGaslamp, East Village

    A small Lebanese restaurant tucked within downtown Gaslamp streets, Yalla Habibi houses authentic…read moremediterranean cuisine that is sure to fill your stomach and wow your taste buds. We got Baba ghanoush as an appetizer and the spices inside punctured my palate while the lemon juice puckered my mouth. All that is to say that the Baba ghanoush certainly did not lack flavor. I also got a beef shawarma, and I'm from Texas so I'm used to seeing Texas sized dishes but this one was United States sized. It was a shame that I was visiting and couldn't take back leftovers but the beef shawarma was easily 2 meals. My only minor complaint is that at $25-$30 the price was not Texas-priced, but it's California so I came in with Californian expectations. All in all, nice family owned Lebanese restaurant. Would recommend a try!

    We got the Falafels to start and they were nicely crisped, but were a bit on the saltier side. I…read moreenjoyed that the salad was very lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Simple, fresh, and tasty! My guy got the Chicken Tawook Bowl. The chicken was nice and juicy, but they don't give much chicken for the price. I got the Kafta Kebab Plate and the meat was on the drier side and could've used more seasoning. The hummus was good and both meats mixed well with the rice. While we enjoyed this place, it wasn't very memorable. There's nothing special about what we had and it was pricier than similar restaurants we've been to.

    Photos
    Yalla Habibi
    Yalla Habibi - Lentil soup

    Lentil soup

    Yalla Habibi - Mixed grill plate

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    Mixed grill plate

    Tahini - The Esquire Pita Sandwich with chicken Sriracha Tahini, French fries and mango lemonade.

    Tahini

    4.6(1.4k reviews)
    4.9 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    We've been to Tahini before but decided to make a special trip to Tahini to support them after…read morehearing they've been constantly harassed with hate messages/crimes -- which is so horrible and sad. The food is was great and one of my favorite spots when I'm craving middle eastern wraps- I did built your own pita so of course I like the ingredients. I loved my pita bread (it's much different from the Greek style if you haven't tried it before!) and the enjoyed the steak in particular. It had a lot of warming spices (nutmeg and cinnamon maybe?) and the flavor is pretty unique! I added bell peppers, pickled cucumbers, lettuce, tomato, red onion, tahini sauce, and garlic sauce. I also got a piece of falafel - I always gotta judge a place by their falafel and this one was crispy on the outside and soft in the inside which was perfect. Next time I need to try the halloumi cheese stix with fig jam! Place was very clean and the decor was nice. I also love the Finjan coffee spot next door.

    The food here is genuinely outstanding - fresh, colorful, flavorful, and made with care. Every time…read moreI eat here I'm reminded why I keep coming back. The staff is also consistently warm and kind, which makes the whole experience feel good from the moment you walk in. My only real frustration is with the wait times on online orders, and it's significant enough that I have to mention it. I work 10 min away and only get a 35-40 minute break. The app consistently quotes around 20 minutes- but honestly, 20 minutes shouldn't even be necessary. I've stood there and watched them make a bowl. It takes about two minutes. Other similar restaurants have my order ready in five minutes, consistently. So when the app quotes 20 and then I still end up waiting at the 20 minute mark on top of that - in a nearly empty restaurant - something is off. Today this happened (I hit the 20 min mark with no food), and I had to go up and ask them to make my order. This isn't a one-time thing either. It's happened enough times over the years that it genuinely deters me from coming here on my break. To their credit, there was a stretch where it seemed like they had it figured out, so I know they can do it. I just wish that consistency would stick. If you're not on a time crunch, absolutely go. The food alone is worth it. But if you're relying on a quoted pickup time, build in a buffer- a bigger one than you'd think you'd need.

    Photos
    Tahini - Interior of the restaurant

    Interior of the restaurant

    Tahini - Close up of the OG Pita. Packed will delicious meat!

    Close up of the OG Pita. Packed will delicious meat!

    Tahini - Interior

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    Interior

    Amardeen Cafe - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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