Hillcrest Eats: Mediterranean & Middle Eastern

A plate of grilled chicken kabob pieces served over herbed basmati rice with a side of mixed green salad, warm pita wedges, and small bowls of red pepper sauce and tzatziki. Fresh cilantro stems and a bowl of extra red sauce with a brush sit beside the plate on a light textured surface.

A quick list of solid spots for herb-forward, spice-bright dishes—from Levantine and Mediterranean plates to Afghan slow-cooked classics.

Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant – $$ 523 University Ave
This longtime Afghan-Persian spot serves fragrant slow-cooked stews like qabuli palaw with tender lamb, saffron-brightened rice pilafs, and vibrant vegetarian mezze.The space is cozy and warmly lit, decorated with Persian rugs.
Aladdin Hillcrest – $$ 1220 Cleveland Ave Ste 101, San Diego, CA 92103
At Aladdin Hillcrest you’ll find pita baked onsite alongside a spacious Lebanese-Mediterranean menu: charcoal-grilled lamb chops, a standout kafta wrap, and a stone-oven zaʿatar pizza that nods to the Levant. Owners emphasize homemade dips (hummus whisked fresh, baba ghanouj with real char).
Micho’z Fresh Lebanese Grill – $$ 1459 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
This modern Lebanese grill puts speed and freshness front and center with shawarma cooked to order, falafel crisped just right, and generous wrap portions. Regulars praise the sampler platters and value—“fresh, juicy chicken, steak and kofka” is how one describes the experience.
Alexi’s Greek Cafe – $ 3863 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Alexi’s delivers unabashedly hearty Greek café fare: loaded gyro sandwiches, spanakopita with crisp layers, and moussaka that hits all the comfort-food notes. Reviewers love the value and portion size, and describe the spot as genuine and welcoming.
Mediterranean Cafe – $$ 112 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
A long-standing neighborhood mainstay blending Greek, Italian and Lebanese influences. Standouts include hot baked pita, hummus served with crisp-edged falafel, and char-grilled kabob plates. A no-frills, family-friendly setting.
Luna Grill Hillcrest – $$ 350 University Ave Ste A, San Diego, CA 92103
This sleek, fast-casual Mediterranean kitchen emphasizes responsibly raised proteins, non-GMO ingredients and fresh plates served with flair. Flame-grilled kabobs, tableside hummus, build-your-own bowls and outdoor seating in Hillcrest.
Furnsaj Bakery & Restaurant – $ 3890 Fifth Ave
A laid-back Lebanese bakery serving up fresh manakish, falafel wraps, and other Middle Eastern goodies. The smell of freshly baked bread hits you as soon as you walk in. Their za’atar manakish is popular.
Short Stop Mediterranean Cuisine – $ 3780 Fifth Ave
Short Stop is your go-to for quick, tasty Mediterranean eats like falafel, shawarma, and kebabs. A simple, no-fuss setting.