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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Diego

Salad and shawarma

A satisfying lunch balances the freshness of a salad with the savory weight of shawarma.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Wild Thyme Bar & Grill image 1
Wild Thyme Bar & Grill image 2
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a relaxing, homey vibe with a chill atmosphere and friendly crowd. Late-night hours until 1am and hookah lounge add to the laid-back energy. Known for tender chicken shawarma and authentic falafel, it stands out as a hidden gem with ample parking.

Salads come with fresh ingredients like in the Greek salad served alongside dishes such as chicken kabobs and hummus. The house salad appears as part of the Vegetarian Plate, complementing other Mediterranean items.

Chicken shawarma sandwiches come well seasoned and consistently delicious. Beef shawarma sandwiches offer a rich flavor that often exceeds expectations.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be fresh and delicious."

"I found the salad to be fresh and delicious."

"I highly recommend the beef shawarma sandwich; it exceeded my expectations."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late, making it a great option for night owls.

2

Parking is ample and easy to find near the restaurant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for convenience.

02
Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Bright, clean dining area resembles a cafeteria with a quiet, chill vibe despite being a little crowded. Offers a wide variety of vegetarian options and is known for fresh, high-quality Mediterranean dishes.

Salads stand out for their freshness and high quality. The beet salad is especially notable, often described as excellent and medium-sized.

Beef and chicken shawarma come with rich flavors and pair well with sides like shawarma fries. Smoothies and fresh juices often accompany shawarma combos, adding a refreshing touch.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food's beef and chicken kabobs are perfectly cooked and flavorful."

"The chicken shawarma here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I found the salads here to be the freshest."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian options.

2

Streetside parking is available nearby.

3

The soup is complimentary with dine-in meals.

03
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.

Salads here stand out for their freshness and generous portions. Options like the beet salad with feta and avocado salad deliver bold, fresh flavors that pair well with the plates.

Chicken shawarma stands out with enormous serving sizes and real shawarma meats. Options include wraps, plates, and rice dishes, all paired with fresh flatbread and sides like hummus.

People are saying

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

"The beet salad with feta is crave-worthy."

"The shawarma portions here are insanely large."

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.

04
Falafel California image 1
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.

Salads feature fresh, crisp ingredients with a tangy dressing that stands out. Options like the gyro and falafel salads mix vegetables well, though dressings can be heavy and portions tend to be small.

Shawarma here stands out for its rich flavor and generous portions. Options like the beef shawarma plate and shawarma sandwich come with fresh ingredients and tasty sides like hummus and tziki.

People are saying

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

"This shawarma is so flavorful and authentic."

"This salad is incredibly fresh with a perfect tangy dressing."

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.

05
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.

Salads feature a superb dressing and a mixture of textures and flavors that stand out. Portions are generous, often paired with gyro or falafel, making them filling and satisfying.

Shawarma here stands out for its authentic flavors and variety, including beef, chicken, and lamb options. The falafel and shawarma plates deliver consistently strong taste and quality.

People are saying

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

"The chicken shawarma meat was so good, I shed tears."

"I thought this shawarma was the best I've seen in 25 years."

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.

06
Hamitbach image 1
Kosher restaurant

Street-side restaurant style with authentic Israeli vibes creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like being with family. The space is clean and spacious yet often busy and lively, especially during lunch hours.

Salads come fresh and diverse with each meal. They include a generous selection of tasty, crisp options that complement the meat dishes well.

Shawarma here stands out for its super juicy meat and generous selection of fresh salads. The pita wraps are on a different level, packed with lots of flavorful meat and enough to share.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and made with real care."

"I thought the shawarma was pricey but one of the best I've ever had."

"I found the salad to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to avoid long waits.

3

Hamitbach is one of the few kosher restaurants in the area.

07
Sahara on Adams image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean deli with sidewalk seating and a market offering rare snacks and drinks creates a welcoming atmosphere despite a loud indoor noise level. Gyros and falafel wraps stand out as well-prepared and flavorful options. The place draws a diverse crowd and offers excellent value for lunch specials.

Salads come with a super fresh feel, especially the beet salad and Mediterranean salad. The Sahara salad stands out with a pomegranate-rich dressing similar to fattoush.

Chicken shawarma wrap stands out with its rich flavor and tender meat. Specialty items like shawarma eggrolls and chicken tikka also deliver strong, memorable tastes.

People are saying

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

"I thought the chicken shawarma wrap was the best I've ever had."

"The gyros here are stuffed with lots of meat and fresh vegetables."

Good to know

1

Parking is available beside the building.

2

Lunch specials are offered between 11am and 3pm.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

08
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.

Chicken Shawarma Salad stands out as a hearty and flavorful option. Fresh salads come alongside dishes like shawarma plates, paired with creamy hummus and warm pita.

Tender and well-balanced shawarma comes in several forms here, including a beef shawarma bowl and a chicken shawarma plate. Options range from hearty salads to combos with falafel and hummus, all delivering rich, flavorful bites.

People are saying

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

"I thought the chicken shawarma was amazing and delicious."

"I loved the hearty and tasty chicken shawarma salad."

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.

09
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.

Huge salad features fresh, crisp vegetables with a simple but satisfying taste. It pairs well with tender chicken shawarma and fragrant rice, making it a standout in Mediterranean dishes.

Beef shawarma stands out with its tender texture and balanced spices that deliver rich, authentic flavor. Chicken shawarma comes juicy and flavorful, often served with fresh salad and fragrant rice.

People are saying

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

"The salad here is huge and perfectly fresh."

"The chicken shawarma here is delicious and packed with authentic Mediterranean flavors."

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.

10
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.

Salads come fresh and large, often enough for two people. The Greek salad stands out as a recommended choice, pairing well with other Mediterranean dishes like lamb and chicken.

Beef shawarma wrap offers true Mediterranean flavor with a side salad. Chicken shawarma appears in both wraps and pizzas, all filled with rich, bold flavor. Beef shawarma with rice comes with delicious hummus and tabbouleh.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mediterranean."

"The salads here are fresh, zesty, and flavorful."

"The chicken shawarma wrap was so good and super fresh."

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.

11
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.

Salads come with a refreshing mix and a dressing that blends lemon and toasted cumin for real flavor. They pair well with grilled meats and dips, adding a crisp, fresh element to the meal.

Chicken shawarma stands out with super juicy meat and a distinctive taste. The family platter includes beef tikka, chicken tikka, and chicken shawarma, all delivered with consistent quality.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the salads here to be super fresh and flavorful."

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.

12
Maisa formerly Aladdin Hillcrest image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large indoor space with quaint decor and a pleasant, low-key atmosphere creates a cozy, cafe-like vibe. Outdoor patio surrounded by beautiful palm trees offers a nice setting for dining. The place draws those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors in a relaxed environment.

Salads here come in fresh and plentiful varieties like the Greek salad and Mediterranean chicken salad. The fatoush salad stands out as a favorite, and the chicken salad is consistently fresh and delicious.

Juicy shawarmas feature fresh lamb and pair well with hummus. Quality varies, with some orders not meeting expectations.

People are saying

"I found the chicken salad to be very fresh and delicious."

"I had the best falafel and hummus I've ever had."

"The shawarma here is superb, juicy, and worth the wait."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking is available nearby for customers.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes than typical for the prices charged.

13
Amardeen Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine image 1

Small Mediterranean restaurant offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a fresh, modern design and authentic Middle Eastern buildout. Outdoor patio features beautifully decorated seating with heaters, providing a more delightful dining option than the indoor area, which tends to be noisy and dim.

Salads feature grilled chicken and fresh herbs like mint for a refreshing taste. Options include fatoush salad and salads paired with shawarma or kebab.

Both chicken and beef shawarma come well-seasoned and authentic. The chicken shawarma plate and wraps stand out for their exceptional flavor and proper preparation.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the hummus and kebabs, is authentically delicious."

"The salads here are super fresh and full of flavor."

"The chicken shawarma here is perfectly cooked and seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, affecting the dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $100 for lunch for four without drinks or tips.

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