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    Mediterranean Cafe

    4.1 (770 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    MEDITERRANEAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Mediterranean Cafe

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    Salmon Greek Salad
    Lin J.

    Such a cute spot. Food was good. Service was good. Portion sizes was huge!! I couldn't finish this salad. Nice location within walking distance to work-UCSD Hillcrest.

    Dinner for Two Special
    Francesca P.

    Came for dinner here on a Saturday with family to watch some friends in the belly dance community perform. There is only street parking but we were able to find a spot that was metered but free after 6pm. The restaurant is small with only a few tables and seems like a small family-run business. The portions were extremely generous, reasonably priced, and each dish I tried was delicious. I got the dinner for two to share and it was massive. I got to try the beef, chicken, gyro, and falafel, rice, grilled veggies, stuffed grape leaves, and side salad. The meat was extremely tender, juicy, and flavorful. The falafel was a little dry but the side sauces that came with the meal helped. I love that they bring local talent to entertain patrons and would definitely return again.

    The salad was delicious also
    Debra G.

    This place is so delicious and the customer service is excellent and the food is soo Authentic and delicious!!! Our new go to Mediterranean cuisine we give 10 Stars

    Empty dinner rush
    Kevin T.

    TL;DR: NO. HEAVY PASS. GO HUNGRY. Sour taste in all dishes. Terrible seasoning. Protein buuuuurned. Oh ya, found a curly hair in my bite. Nothing tasted fresh...including the salad. Avoid at all costs. Do not be fooled by the quality or quantity of reviews. Mediterranean Cafe in Hillcrest is hands down the WORST Mediterranean food I've had, and not just in San Diego - ever. *Sorry for the rant but this was an overall terrible experience* [negative stars if possible] Was craving Mediterranean and blindly decided on Mediterranean Cafe based on the rating, and after reading some Yelp Elite reviews. Friendly reminder to do your homework! Your stomach will thank you Phoned Mediterranean Cafe in Hillcrest and ordered the Dinner for 2 takeout for $36.58. While this is not a terribly expensive meal by today's standards, this is absolutely not worth a single penny of that price tag. If I could go back, I'd rather just have burned it. I'm all for supporting local businesses but this food is not worth supporting. Was told that it would be a 20-minute wait (no problem - was expecting 30 given it was prime dinner time ~7p) - looking back I can't believe it took more than 10 I show up for pick-up and the place was...empty (kicking myself for not realizing what I was walking into). Let who seemed like the owner of the place know that I was there for pick up and paid. He checked the pass and saw my order was partially complete. After a quick conversation with the kitchen, I was informed it would be ready soon. Strolled the empty restaurant for about 5 minutes before I was handed the meal. Still, as I'm writing this, I'm realizing the delay is not frustrating. It's just confusing. Quick drive home and we get ready to dig in (see pictures) and proceed to regret each bite starting from the first Regrets: Salad: [#1 regret] Found such a curly hair in the second bite of already wilting greens...and there goes the appetite. Also, unfortunate to report the rest of the experience was better by 'just a hair'' Chicken and Beef kebabs: everything is charred. Both sides. Onions and bell peppers included. You eat it because it's the protein of the dish, not because you want to Dolma: wow this was weird all the way through. The grape leaf wrapping smelled sour and after biting through, the texture of the wrapped rice was mushy and even more sour. Truly difficult to even put a single bite down Falafel: questionable texture and seasoning. Might have been microwaved. Equal possibility of canned? Definite frozen. Hummus: grainy, and covered in even more sour chunks of feta - not tasty Ok: Gyros meat was acceptable/passable as cooked. Still is not worth getting Pita: dry as a thick soft saltine but at least this was edible and in good amount. Pita was paired with some home cooked eggs for our actual dinner I am not looking for a second chance to prove quality nor show off customer service. I am not looking for my money back. I am not looking for any excuses or apologies. I will absolutely never set foot in there again I am all for supporting local businesses - especially in a post-covid era where franchises and chains have been able to weather the storm and are buying up local shops trying to recover best they can. That said... This is not the food to support To the owner(s): I'm sure food was once your top priority. It is very clear that it no longer is. I hope you rediscover the passion for flavor if you decide to keep serving San Diegans. 0/5

    Chicken Hummus Plate

    Food tastes great. Nice man working the counter and relatively quick service. Good experience overall.

    Chicken Kabob Plate
    Vesta B.

    I came here for the first time with my family and right away we were greeted. Fred (The owner) was so friendly and welcoming that we felt at home immediately. The menu offers you so many options that it's so hard to just pick one thing! We got the chicken kabob plate and it was delicious! It was so flavorful and cooked to perfection. It was so delicious that we were dancing in our seats and just kept saying how good it was. This place is amazing!! If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Excellent staff, service and food! Highly recommended for a great meal and a great conversation!

    Brenda B.

    I loved the chicken on skewer and the gyro meat. The rice was ok. Love the humus and I did like the salad. I placed my order through the website for pick up.

    3 types of meat for the dinner for two!
    Jonathan Z.

    Ordered through door dash, the Dinner for Two for $32 is a pretty good deal considering the amount of food you get. First of, you get a large greek salad, complete with feta and olives and a couple dressing options- one creamy and one balsamic. Then there's also an appetizer platter that comes with tabouli, hummus, dolma, falafels, and a bunch of olives. The entrees include a chicken kabob, beef kabob, and a helping of shaved lamb atop a bed of rice, and two foil-wrapped pitas, also complete with a creamy tzatziki sauce. The pistachio baklava wasn't included, but we decided to get it to complete the dinner. They've also got a walnut baklava option too. While not the best presentation, the quality of the food wasn't bad for the price. It was a nice, quick option for an indecisive Tuesday evening for two.

    Chicken Kabob

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Photo of Fred L.

    Fred L.

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    9 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    Fred L.

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    10 months ago

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    Fred L.

    Thank you for your kind words. Hope to see you soon again.

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    11 months ago

    Authentic traditional Greek & Mediterranean food. Excellent quality and service. One of my go-to neighborhood places for lunch and dinner.

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    Fred L.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Fred L.

    Thank you for your review. See you soon.

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 20

    Mediterranean Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mediterranean Cafe

    Leila - SOLTANI PLATTER

    Leila

    4.0(1.3k reviews)
    2.0 mi•North Park
    •$$$

    This beautiful middle eastern inspired restaurant is the perfect upscale dinner spot for a special…read moreoccasion. The inside of the restaurant is absolutely stunning, you truly feel like you've been transported to a Morrocan cove under the stars. From the moment I walked in I felt special. I was celebrating a promotion and they gifted me a red rose upon checking I for our reservation. The waiter was so cool, very attentive and also congratulated me. These things really added to the overall dining experience. As for the food- The falafel was moist and perfectly seasoned, the hummus and crudités were a great addition to the meal. For the main dish we ordered the Soltani Platter which came with beef, veggie, and chicken kababs and rice. The flavor on the meat and veggies were top notch. The rice was fluffy and delicious. If you can get a reservation, I highly recommend securing a spot for dinner, you will be glad you did!

    ***USP: Mediterranean food in an opulent and enchanted ambience. Perfect for date night, girls…read morenight, celebratory event or just because you deserve it! ***AMBIENCE: 5*s: nothing short of magical. The place is artfully curated to evoke a serene evening under the stars, complete with twinkling fairy lights mimicking stars. An artificial tree, a charming little bridge arching over a gentle indoor stream. They also have an open kitchen which lets one enjoy the views of the barbecue in action. The pictures don't do this place justice, one has to visit to experience it. ***FOOD: 3.5*s: the food and drinks were a mixed bag. We ordered appetizer sampler for the table, chicken kebabs, veggie kebabs, desserts and drinks. The first order of falafels felt delicious though the outside was suspiciously dark. There is barely much light to see the food so we ignored it. The second batch of falafels made it clear that the outside was burnt and inside was uncooked and paste like. The tahdig rice that came with the lamb was burnt at the bottom, not golden and crispy as it's meant to be. The drinks weren't noteworthy as well. I personally got a mocktail and couldn't finish it. Had a much better experience with the appetizer sampler, all dips were decent and the bread complimented them well. The chicken kebab was the best dish, it was uber soft, beautifully cooked and delicious. Coming to desserts, both of them had icecream and ample amount of rose and other middle eastern flavors. Some of the flavors felt a bit strong but not strong enough to make me stop eating completely. Overall, come here for the ambiance alone and you won't be disappointed,

    Photos
    Leila - Downstairs bar

    Downstairs bar

    Leila - Lamb Shank

    Lamb Shank

    Leila - Soltani Platter

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    Soltani Platter

    Furnsaj Bakery & Restaurant - Fattoush Salad

    Furnsaj Bakery & Restaurant

    4.3(236 reviews)
    0.2 mi•Hillcrest
    •$$

    Fire! The beef shawarma and ground beef flat bread pizza was amazing! First, I was questioning the…read moreprice but then the portion came out and it was so big ( That's what she said!) I'm good to go for another late lunch or dinner meal! Nice and causal place and the owner is super sweet and cool! Everything is freshly made and the bread has depths and it's soft. Most places I go for a shawarma the bread is ordered via wholesale, NOT HERE! The flatbread and bread for the shawarma is amazing! Reminds me of living back in Dubai!

    Wish I had brought my salt gun. There is a nice breeze coming through the open door/windows. Easy…read moreentrance for the flies too. It was a long battle to see who was going to eat my food. One fly landed on the bread for a second and one landed on the Coke bottle. I was able to prevent further landings after fashioning my newspaper into a swatter. They did come back a few times but doing my best to kill them with the swatter gave me a few minutes respite. As for what we were battling over was the beef kabob plate. Rice was moist and had that unique basmati rice flavor. French fries were plump and had a nice fried potato flavor with just the right amount of seasoning. Beef kabob was a single kabob which was a terrible value for $26. At Nick the Greek you get 2 kabobs for $17. https://hungryones2.com/2026/09/02/nick-the-greek/ I ordered the beef medium and it came out well done. Flavor was ok but it was very tough. Mexican Coke was sweet with delicious Coke flavor and it went down smooth due to the cane sugar. Staff was nice and efficient. I thought it would just be smooth sailing after I retired. Marcus Aurelius: You have proven your valor once again, Maximus. Let us hope for the last time. Maximus: There is no one left to fight, sire. Marcus Aurelius: There is always someone left to fight. Gladiator

    Photos
    Furnsaj Bakery & Restaurant - Tables inside

    Tables inside

    Furnsaj Bakery & Restaurant - Vegan Chicken Plate

    Vegan Chicken Plate

    Furnsaj Bakery & Restaurant

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    Mama's Bakery & Deli - Beef Shawarma Plate with salad and hummus, and fresh baked pita to dip into that hummus!

    Mama's Bakery & Deli

    4.2(1.3k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    •$$

    Mamas Bakery was just what we needed for the birthday party we hosted this weekend…read more Somebody came out, rolled out delicious dough with different fillings and all 60 people loved it The team for Mamas Bakery were on time, clean, neat, friendly, and professional I definitely would use them again and again not just for how good it taste but how easy they made everything from set up and clean up. I had absolutely nothing to do except enjoy my guests and delicious food

    Don't be fooled by "bakery" in their name. They have a full menu of sweet and savory meals…read moreincluding bowls, wraps, salads, and more. Came in here while I waited for my car at the shop, and they are generous with their portions... big enough to share. I got the Mediterranean bowl with beef, and it was flavorful. The meat was marinated well. You definitely need to eat it all together, or else the marinade on the meat will be too powerful. Their bowl also comes with the pita, which was a good addition, as they give you a big scoop of hummus. I give their food a solid 8/10 - flavorful and filling. The place is pretty spacious with seating inside and out. I appreciate the plants and framed Lebanese artwork. Something to note... this is not a full service restaurant. You place your order at the cashier, find a seat, and they'll bring you your food. I give their place and service, also solid 8/10. A great "grab and go" or "stay for a while" type of place.

    Photos
    Mama's Bakery & Deli - Stubborn soda! So delicious

    Stubborn soda! So delicious

    Mama's Bakery & Deli
    Mama's Bakery & Deli - Patio view out to Alabama, but soon they move around the corner 2141 El Cajon.

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    Patio view out to Alabama, but soon they move around the corner 2141 El Cajon.

    Mediterranean Cafe - greek - Updated October 2026

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