Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Diego

Chicken shawarma

Made for those who track down traditional spice blends and authentic roasting methods for their shawarma.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Falafel California image 1
Falafel California image 2
Falafel California image 3
View all
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers a casual, cozy atmosphere with loungey techno music creating a chill vibe. Seating is limited and simple, with outdoor seating under a tree adding to the relaxed feel. The place stands out for authentic falafel and shawarma, praised for freshness and flavor.

Falafel here uses fresh authentic ingredients and homemade recipes that deliver a truly authentic falafel experience. The flavors stay true to tradition and offer a quick, healthy bite.

Chicken shawarma comes with garlic sauce and offers a flavorful wrap experience. It pairs well with falafel and hummus, making it a solid choice for a satisfying sandwich.

People are saying

"I found their falafel to be crispy and delicious."

"I found the food to be authentic, fresh, and flavorful."

"I thought their chicken shawarma was the best I had in California."

Good to know

1

They offer both takeout and catering services.

2

The menu mainly focuses on falafel and wraps, offering limited variety.

3

They are open late on weekends and early for catering.

02
YA HALLA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL image 1

Small dining area with a mom and pop vibe creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where people smile and feel at home. The place combines a fast food style setup with a luxurious ambiance and an amazing aroma upon entering.

Shawarma and Mediterranean dishes here taste truly authentic. Hummus and baba ghanoush stand out as delicious and genuine Jordanian cuisine.

Chicken shawarma offers a delicious and great flavor profile. It stands out as a recommended choice alongside the Swiss mushroom burger.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the Mediterranean food to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the chicken shawarma to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 200% halal.

2

The food prices were reasonable and the portions were great.

3

Prices are more than fair.

03
Akhis Authentic Shawarma & Kebab image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean spot offers casual atmosphere with friendly vibes and thoughtful seating including bar stools. The space feels like a hidden gem with a clean, well-maintained environment. It attracts those seeking flavorful, authentic shawarma and kebabs in generous portions.

Fresh ingredients highlight the authentic Afghan recipes here. Shawarma and kebab come out well-made and true to Mediterranean flavors.

Chicken shawarma offers a saturated flavor that feels non-traditional yet tasty. Options include a wrap and a bowl with pita bread, both delivering strong, satisfying taste.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The Chicken Shawarma wrap is packed with flavor."

"The authentic shawarma here is perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead for takeout is recommended.

2

The restaurant has limited seating with only stools available for dining.

3

Expect generous portion sizes, especially for kebabs and shawarma.

04
Deccan Bites image 1
Halal restaurant

Small halal restaurant with about 10 tables offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of Hyderabad. The place fills with friendly vibes and serves fresh, juicy fried chicken alongside unique Hyderabadi dishes like Chicken 65 with Rumali roti. Music plays loudly but the overall setting suits both quick bites and relaxed gatherings.

Food bursts with authentic South Indian kick and just the right heat. Irani chai offers an authentic taste of Hyderabad. Dishes show clear dedication to authentic Hyderabadi flavors with halal broast chicken and rumali roti.

Chicken shawarma features tender, flavorful meat wrapped in soft, fresh pita or rumali roti with the right fixings. It delivers a delicious and sumptuous taste consistently.

People are saying

"I found the smash burgers to be amazing and crispy."

"The broast chicken is perfectly spiced, crispy outside, and juicy inside."

"The Chicken Shawarma here is flavorful, tender, and amazing."

Good to know

1

They offer a special on Tuesdays for $2 tenders.

2

Deccan Bites is open late on weekends.

3

There is plenty of seating and free parking available.

05
Zoya image 1
Restaurant

Open space with extraordinary decor and warm family-style vibe creates an inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating options complement a full bar and on point music choice. Upscale energy suits those seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors in a beautiful setting.

Food features authentic Mediterranean spices and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dishes like the Zoya family platter offer perfectly cooked beef tikka, chicken tikka, and falafel with vibrant, authentic flavors.

Juicy and flavorful chicken shines in the chicken shawarma sandwich and family platter. Rice served alongside carries a distinctive taste that complements the meat well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the food to be fresh, flavorful, and authentically Mediterranean."

"I thought the chicken shawarma here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day with $5 beer options.

2

Outdoor seating is available for guests with dogs.

3

The menu offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes.

06
Tahini Authentic Middle Eastern Street Food image 1

Five floors up, a huge patio offers an ocean view and gorgeous outdoor seating. Warm, inviting atmosphere with amazing energy creates a great spot to eat and hang out. Fresh, flavorful Middle Eastern dishes come with great vegetarian options.

Food features authentic Middle Eastern flavors with standout dishes like hummus and falafel. The menu focuses on authentic and delicious street food options.

Chicken shawarma comes in a pita sandwich that tastes delicious and feels worth the price. The package works well for group lunches and offers solid value.

People are saying

"I found the food to be extremely good and tasty."

"The Mediterranean food here is served by staff who genuinely care."

"I found the food to be authentic with its own delicious flavors."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of about 30 minutes even during off-peak hours.

2

Prices for meals can be higher than similar options off-campus.

3

Parking is available in the underground garage at the UCSD campus.

07
Shawarma House image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small, clean Mediterranean restaurant with an open kitchen and outdoor seating that invites people watching. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, with a family-owned feel and a welcoming vibe. Draft beers like Pacifico and Modelo complement the relaxed, authentic setting.

Family-run kitchen delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors with shawarma beef, chicken, and lamb. The team creates a homey, cozy ambiance that feels modern yet true to tradition.

Chicken shawarma plates come with generous portions and stand out for their amazing flavor. Both beef and chicken options are especially good, and the vegan chicken shawarma is also delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food, especially the shawarma and falafel, to be incredible."

"I found the flavors here to be 100% authentic."

"The chicken shawarma meat made me emotional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu available with discounted items.

2

Generous portion sizes are served.

3

Vegan options are available on the menu.

08
Hanna Garden image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and authentic Lebanese vibes featuring family-run service and generous portions. The space feels like a casual New York lunch joint with pleasant music and lively energy. It draws a crowd that appreciates genuine flavors and a welcoming, unpretentious setting.

Generous portions of mixed kebab plate come grilled to perfection with authentic spices. The atmosphere includes Lebanese coffee, laughter, and Arabic language, creating a genuine Lebanese vibe.

Chicken shawarma comes tender and packed with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Plates include fragrant rice, smooth hummus, and a fresh, crisp salad alongside the meat.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic, packed with Mediterranean flavors."

"The salad here is huge and perfectly fresh."

"The Chicken Shawarma's spices are so well balanced and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait time of at least 20 minutes if ordering in person.

3

Ordering ahead is advisable, especially if you're in a hurry.

09
Zytoun Gourmet Mediterranean image 1

Indoor and outdoor seating overlooks bay and ocean views, creating a cozy, authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. The space feels clean and inviting, with music enhancing the relaxed vibe. Families find it welcoming, and the setting suits both casual and special occasions.

Flavors come fresh and vibrant with authentic Middle Eastern spices. Dishes like hummus and gyro deliver genuine Mediterranean taste and texture.

Chicken shawarma comes super fresh and packed with flavor. Options include a wrap and a pizza, with sides like tabbouleh or parsley salad available for swaps.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mediterranean."

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be as authentic as it gets."

"The Chicken Shawarma wrap is so tasty and filled with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of halal food options.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served.

10
Fattoush image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Patio seating creates a cozy, homestyle atmosphere with Syrian music and cultural touches enhancing the vibe. The space feels like stepping back in time to a familiar, welcoming place with authentic Middle Eastern decor. Outdoor areas offer quiet conversation away from street noise, supporting a relaxed energy.

Dishes come straight from traditional recipes, prepared by an old-school chef. The menu features authentic Lebanese style hummus and flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine that tastes genuine and homemade.

Chicken shawarma comes as a plate or sandwich with tender meat and fresh accompaniments. It pairs well with lentil soup and labneh for a complete meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Greek food here was delicious and piping hot."

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be incredibly authentic and flavorful."

"I was blown away by how flavorful and fresh the Chicken Shawarma is."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so ordering ahead or visiting during a slow time might be helpful.

2

They offered a lunch special until 3 pm with a gyro for $6.

3

Fattoush is Halal.

11
Tigris Mediterranean Grille image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open design with bright sunlight creates a peaceful, casual vibe complemented by an 80s and 90s playlist. The atmosphere feels inviting and chill, with generous portions and halal Mediterranean dishes served in a clean space.

Food offers authentic flavors with strong, genuine tastes. Staff share traditional recipes and greet with smiles, adding to the authentic feel.

Chicken shawarma comes in large wraps and plates with Greek salad or sides like hummus and rice. The flavor is consistently great and pairs well with gyro options.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is served with such welcoming hospitality."

"The food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"I loved the chicken shawarma wrap; it was delicious and big."

Good to know

1

Everything at Tigris Mediterranean Grille is halal.

2

Portions are generous, with one platter easily serving two people.

3

The prices at Tigris Mediterranean Grille are fair considering the portion size and quality.

12
Yalla Habibi image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Small dining area creates an intimate setting with simple decor focused on food. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Middle Eastern music that adds to a cozy, family-oriented vibe. Noise levels rise during busy times, but the space remains inviting and safe.

Food features authentic Lebanese and Syrian flavors with dishes like creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, grilled meats, and fresh salads. The menu offers a tasty, healthy, and distinct Middle Eastern experience in a casual setting.

Plates feature tasty chicken shawarma with rich flavors. The chicken shawarma platter pairs well with sides like baklava and falafel.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious, especially the baba ganoush."

"I found the Lebanese food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the chicken shawarma plate to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Yalla Habibi does not have a restroom.

2

The restaurant can get very busy, so I recommend making reservations.

3

There are various vegan options at Yalla Habibi.

Discover more

San Diego, California

Area guide
Loading Map...