Best Mediterranean Food in San Diego — Sinbad Mediterranean Cuisine

San Diego has no shortage of Mediterranean restaurants, but Sinbad Mediterranean Cuisine sets itself apart by blending classic Mediterranean staples with the bold, distinct flavors of Iraqi and Yemeni cooking — a combination you won’t find at most Mediterranean spots in the county.

Our mezze spread is where most guests start: smooth hummus made in-house, smoky baba ghanoush, and a Russian salad that’s become a customer favorite for its unexpected freshness. From there, our charcoal grill takes over — Chicken Tikka and Beef Tikka skewers, char-grilled and served over rice with garlic sauce and warm flatbread, are the kind of dish that keeps people coming back weekly.

Our Family Sinbad Platter is built for sharing: six kebab skewers, four chicken tikka skewers, two chicken katsu, a full pound each of beef and chicken shawarma, rice, fries, hummus, and salad. It’s become the go-to order for family gatherings and office lunches across El Cajon.

For something sweet to finish, our Kunafa — warm, syrup-soaked cheese pastry — is made fresh and is one of the most-ordered desserts on our menu.

What makes Sinbad different from other Mediterranean restaurants in San Diego is the range: we’re not limited to one region’s cooking. Musakhan chicken with sumac and pine nuts sits alongside Yemeni-style Chicken and Lamb Mendi, while our shawarma wraps and burgers give guests something more familiar when that’s what they’re craving. It’s Mediterranean food with real depth — built by a family that grew up eating this food, not a menu assembled to check boxes.

Every dish is halal, made to order, and available for dine-in, pickup, or delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Visit us at 1480 Jamacha Rd #201, El Cajon, CA 92019. Open Mon–Fri 11am–10pm, Sat–Sun 12pm–10pm.