Abraj Mediterranean Restaurant

I stopped in here after a long day of work cuz I was starving and didn't feel like cooking, and I'm so glad I did. They're 4.7 rating caught my eye - now I know why. The owner was so kind and welcoming. He mentioned that he and his wife run the restaurant together, and you can taste the love and home-cooked quality in every bite. He even brought me a complimentary soup while I waited for my order because he overheard me saying how hungry I was - such a thoughtful gesture that meant so much. The food was incredible the garlic sauce alone was worth writing home about and the whole experience felt warm genuine and personal - nothing like the impersonal chain restaurants were all used to. We need to support places like this - family-owned made with love local businesses that are serving amazing food and treating people like actual guests. I'll definitely be back and I'll be telling friends about it too. Highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was amazing and owner was super nice! 10/10

Abraj was such a joy to discover and visit. They have the most authentic Iraqi food that I have ever had, and it is entirely thanks to the owners maintaining it themselves to keep the quality to highest standard possible. The food may take some time (15-20 minutes for main dishes, and appetizers get rolled out fast). The food is worth everything. The owners are extremely kind and sweet and take care of the customers very well and are extremely accommodating. They are dedicated to preserving the most authentic food experience, and this makes Abraj one of my top favourite Iraqi restaurants (and I have been to many across the countries outside of Iraq).

First and foremost, the golden dish that sets the tone for the entire meal: the complementary lentil soup, prepared in the authentic Iraqi style with a dash of paprika for added flavour and a slice of lemon ready to be squeezed and added into the soup. Truly, it is the best way to open the dinner table and satisfy the hungry stomach and get it ready while the heavier meal items arrive. Lentil soup to all arabs is something of a comfort food that speaks of so much love, warmth, and community. It is a symbol of home. This soup is no different, and elevates the experience in Abraj from just a regular meal to a full joyful experience.

The potato chop is my top appetizer recommendation. Aside from it being my favourite home-comfort food item, Abraj prepares it in the true authentic style with the perfect balance of flavour seasoning and texture. It is an Iraqi food item that is a must for everyone to try at least once. We also ordered Kubat Halab which is another Iraqi staple that is very difficult to find. The hummus is beautifully textured and seasoned. The Lajam blajeen is seasoned in a deliciously flavourful way. I recommend trying it with and without a squeeze of lemon. The lemon allows the seasoning to be elevated and shine in such a way that the experience of eating it with and without the lemon juice is like two separate dishes and is worth it, your tastebuds will thank you.

For main dish, I very highly recommend the kufta kabob!! This is the first time I have ever had kufta kabob exactly how it should be prepared in the Iraqi style, which is extremely difficult to replicate. There is something about the exact specific proportions of seasoning and meat quality that makes Iraqi kabob so special. Truly, everyone should have this food experience in their life.

Nothing is spicy unless you ask for it to be added, some dishes may have black pepper.

Again, I highly recommend you make your way to Abraj if you have the chance or want an authentic Iraqi food experience in a small quiet corner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hands down the best Mediterranean food in all of San Diego. This place is 1 of 1. I'm not a soup guy at all but am obsessed with their lentil soup.

I bring all my friends and family to enjoy this local hidden gem and they are always blown away by the quality and quantity of their food.

I generally will refuse to eat Mediterranean food elsewhere but if I do I am always comparing it to Abraj. This place sets the standard for great Mediterranean food.

Do your self a favor and eat their food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food and service!!! Don’t let the strip mall location fool you! The food was some of the best Mediterranean food I’ve ever had. The owner treats you like you’re a guest in his home. It’s like Michelin-star food and service in a strip mall. I can’t wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hummus, Chicken Shawarma

Great food, Good amount

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I didnt order anything everything i wanted they didnt have hope next time i have a better review i believe in second chances

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

My new favorite Mediterranean place in San Diego, a bit out of the way but last night it was the only Mediterranean open later at night and so glad, definitely bookmarking this place. Prices are fair and the portions are generous. And that lentils soup … 👌🏼👌🏼😍

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Town!
Experience the most delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, freshly made to perfection. The flavors capture the essence of authentic, time-honored recipes passed down for generations.

From Turkish kebab, Iraqi kebab, beef and chicken tikka, beef or chicken shawarma, gyro, rice, and chicken cream chop (crispy chicken) to Abraj fries plates, Abraj shawarma pizza, Iraqi falafel with the most delicious amba sauce, and a wide selection of mouthwatering appetizers — every dish is made fresh daily. They prepare the food only after you order, ensuring unmatched freshness. The meat is cooked at just the right temperature and time to achieve perfect flavor and tenderness.

The customer service is outstanding, and the quality of the food is clearly a top priority here. You can truly taste the difference in every bite. Absolutely delicious and highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Decided on a whim to check this place out as we love mediterranean food but wanted to try something new. Came here on a Sunday night at around 6 pm and there was only one person working, taking orders and cooking. Maybe it was the owner, we are not sure.
The service was very welcoming, and it felt like we were eating at a relative’s house. It’s a small restaurant with four tables in a strip mall.

It took about 40 minutes for the food because of only one person working and also multiple other take out orders coming in PLUS he made everything fresh! You could hear him working in the kitchen and you could really taste that the food was made fresh and very authentically.

We got the vegetarian platter that came with a lentil soup, dolmas, pitas, falafel and a salad, we also got a tabbouleh and the eggplant chips.
Everything was so good we were so glad we came!
Highly recommend this place and we will add this to our mediterranean favorite spots.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best falafel ever!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Just a neat dining experience. Good atmosphere quick service and the food was outstanding at a very reasonable price

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Everything feels thoughtfully curated and welcoming.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing middle eastern food if not some of the best in San Diego—which in my opinion can be hard to find. 10/10

Food: 5

Service: 5

After a long search I think I have finally found the place with the best Greek chicken shawarma pita sandwich and rice that I’ve ever had! The food is seasoned, fresh, and made to order. The chicken was tender and flavorful, all the vegetables were crisp, and the rice was cooked to perfection. The portion sizes and the prices are both phenomenal. The owner seems like such a kind man. Very personable! This place is a jewel in San Diego. I’lll definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5