Bandar Restaurant

4.6

936 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Charming
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

For dining:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm to 9:00pm
Friday-Satuday: 4:00pm to 9:30pm
Sunday: 2:00pm to 9:00pm

We are open for Takeout everyday

For more information on parties of over 6 people please reach out directly to the restaurant 619-238-0101.

A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

Bandar Restaurant serves Mediterranean food with unique Persian spices flown to San Diego and served in original recipes. Chefs Behrooz and Shokooh create simple preparations to showcase them, alongside an exotic variety of oven-roasted eggplant, charbroiled chicken, seafood and flavorful prime steaks. Look for signature classics such as Nadari, Barg and Soltani. Bandar Restaurant is award-winning since 1996. The restaurant has a unique energy, sitting right in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Steakhouse, Seafood
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 2:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 238-0101
Website
http://www.bandarrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Shokooh and Behrooz Farahani
Catering
When planning your event, you will have access to the finest catering. We will bring all the pieces together to ensure that every aspect of your experience is brilliant, memorable and unique. To enquire about information feel free to give us a call or email us for Special Catering Menus and Pricing at info@bandarrestaurant.com
Private party facilities
Our intimate setting, the B Lounge accommodates 60 guests comfortably, and is perfect for your events and special celebrations. Allow Bandar’s award winning chef to create an unforgettable gourmet dining experience for you and your guests.

Location
845 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Between E and F Street
Parking details
Parking partnership with Horton Plaza, allows you to park for an $12.00 flat fee for up to 3 hours, when you ask your server for validation
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Kashk-O Bademjan$18.00
A medley of eggplant, sauteed fresh garlic and onion with a topping of homemade yogurt
Dolmeh$20.00
Mixture of split peas, tarragon, basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, rosemary and rice, stuffed and cooked in grape peaves
Feta and Olive$16.00
Traditional feta, kalamata olives and walnuts
Must-O Mosier$14.00
Special homemade yogurt and shallots
Must-O Khiyar$14.00
Homemade yogurt mixed with chopped cucumber and mint
Classic Hummus$12.00
Pureed garbanzo and sesame tahini, with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pesto Hummus$14.00
Organic basil pesto, pureed garbanzo, sesame tahini, extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice
Avocado Hummus$16.00
Avocado, pureed garbanzo, cilantro, sesame tahini, extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice
Hummus Flight$38.00
Classic Hummus, Pesto Hummus, Avocado Hummus

SALAD

Bandar Salad$20.00
(Serves 2-4) Organic mixed greens, romaine hearts, cucumbers, geta, tomatoes, and out special house dressing (extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice)
Shirazi Salad$16.00
A mixture of fresh chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and house dressing (extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, mint)
Barley Soup$15.00
Organic Barley Soup-Mixture of barley, sauteed onions, garlic, herbs, pinto beans an seasoning

POULTRY ENTREES

All chicken is marinated in saffron, onion and fresh lemon juice and served with grilled tomato. All Entrees are served with Traditional Fluffy Basmati Rice topped with Saffron Rice (Substitute Rice with any Mixed Rice $8 or Salad $8)

World Famous Chicken$34.00
Flavorful marinated charbroiled boneless chicken tenderloin served with basmati rice and grilled tomato
Chicken Salad$38.00
Our world famous boneless chicken tenderloin served with a fresh organic green salad
Adas Polo$39.00
(Lentils Rice & Chicken) Basmati rice mixed with currents, lentils, dates, and saffron, served with charbroiled chicken tenderloin
Zereshk Polo$37.00
(Barberry Rice & Chicken) Savory chicken tenderloin, served with rice and barberry (sweet tart red berries)
Albalu Polo$42.00
(Black Cherry Rice) Charbroiled chicken tenderloin, served with rice and black cherry (may contain cherry seeds)
Chicken Shish Kabob$38.00
Chicken tenderloin served with grilled vegetables (tomato, onion, bell pepper)
Chicken Soltani$41.00
(Chicken & Beef Combination) A thick strip of juicy chicken tenderloin with a strip of beef ground filet (koobideh)
Cornish Game Hen$35.00
(Joojeh Kabob) Charbroiled home style cornish game hen

LAMB ENTREES

All Entrees are served with Traditional Fluffy Basmati Rice topped with Saffron Rice (Substitute Rice with any Mixed Rice $8 or Salad $8)

Lamb Shank$34.00
A whole baby spring lamb shank, simmered in fresh tomato based sauce and spices
Lamb Chops$47.00
(Shish Lik 18 oz.) Marinated flavorful "french-cut" lamb chop

SEAFOOD ENTREES

Fresh Grilled Salmon$38.00
Charbroiled and coated with a mixture of garlic, fresh lemon, saffron and seasonings, served with grilled vegetables (tomato, onion, and bell pepper)

BEEF ENTREES

All Entrees are served with Traditional Fluffy Basmati Rice topped with Saffron Rice (Substitute Rice with any Mixed Rice $8 or Salad $8)

Soltani$55.00
(Prime Center-Cut Filet Mignon 16oz.) Combination of charbroiled filet mignon and a strip of seasoned ground filet (Bard and Koobideh)
Barg$48.00
(Prime Center-Cut Filet Mignon) Our signature cut of marinated charbroiled filet mignon
Koobideh$34.00
(Ground Filet 24oz.) Two juicy strips of charbroiled seasoned ground filet
Shish Kabob$58.00
(Center-Cut Filet Mignon) Marinated chunks of filet mignon charbroiled and served with grilled vegetables (tomato, onion and bell pepper)

STEW ENTREES

All Entrees are served with Traditional Fluffy Basmati Rice topped with Saffron Rice (Substitute Rice with any Mixed Rice $8 or Salad $8)

Gourmet Stew$39.00
(Ghormeh Sabzi) Steamed fresh herbs (fenugreek, parsley, cilantro, chives, lime, scallion) served with lamb, red beans and traditional dried lime
Eggplant Stew$39.00
(Gheimeh Bademjan) A medley of eggplant, yellow split peas, sauteed onions, in a fresh tomato sauce served with lamb
Pomegranate Stew$42.00
(Fesenjan) Sweet flavorful pomegranate sauce with freshly crushed walnuts served with choice of chicken or lamb

Vegetarian Entrees

All Entrees are served with Traditional Fluffy Basmati Rice topped with Saffron Rice (Substitute Rice with any Mixed Rice $8 or Salad $8)

Eggplant Stew$33.00
(Gheimeh Bademjan) A medley of eggplant, yellow split peas, sauteed onions, in a fresh tomato based sauce, served with grilled vegetables
Gourmet Stew$35.00
(Ghormeh Sabzi) Steamed and sauteed fresh herbs (fenugreek, parsley, cilantro, chives, lime, scallion) served with red beans, traditional dried lime leaves with grilled vegetables
Pomegranate Stew$35.00
(Fesenjan) Sweet flavorful pomegranate sauce with finely crushed walnuts served with grilled vegetables

Sides

Side Plain Rice$10.00
Side Adas Polo$15.00
Side Zereshk Polo$15.00
Side Albalu Polo$15.00
May contain cherry seeds

What 936 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bandar Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the "phenomenal grilled chicken" and generous portions, perfect for sharing. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere. While cocktails could improve, the "quality food" and "unique flavors" make this Persian gem a must-visit.

936 Reviews

R
Reza
San Diego
52 reviews
4.0
52 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Barg kabob is supposed to be made with filet of beef. It was obvious that this barg was not made with filet since it was tough and not at all tender. Koobideh kabob was good but the best was the chicken kabob.
Is this helpful?
V
Vika
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
I recently dined at this restaurant with a friend, and I have mixed feelings about the experience. Right off the bat, a 20% service charge was added to our bill but we were a group of two, which left me questioning whether this is standard practice for all guests. I chose this restaurant for its convenient location near Balboa Theater and the Max Amini comedy show, but despite the good food, I felt underwhelmed and a bit ripped off. The cocktail prices weren’t even listed on the menu, which is quite frustrating. Wine prices were high, with nothing available by the glass for under $17. For instance, a bottle of Clos du Bois, which retails for around $8 in grocery stores, was marked up to $44. It felt like they were trying to position themselves as a high-end venue, but the ambiance didn’t reflect that. The service was particularly bothersome. We felt rushed and pressured to order, despite informing our server that we wanted to take our time and enjoy the atmosphere. We decided to share a $20 salad and a $34 lamb shank, but the food arrived before we had even finished our salad. While the lamb shank was served with a delicious tomato broth, there was no spoon or ladle provided. Additionally, we were given tiny dessert forks rather than dinner forks, and when I requested a proper fork, the waiter informed me that this was their standard setting. A teaspoon was also provided, but no knife—quite puzzling. The host greeted us warmly but didn’t go beyond the basics, failing to acknowledge that we were celebrating a birthday, despite my reservation indicating so. There was no offer of a dessert cake or candle, which felt like a missed opportunity to enhance our experience. If you’re looking for a place to grab overpriced food with minimal attention to detail and service, this restaurant might suit you. However, if you value a relaxed dining experience with thoughtful service, you may want to consider other options.
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V
Vogt
Los Angeles
480 reviews
vip
3.0
480 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The martinis we ordered were the smallest martini I have ever been served at $21 a glass. It really is ridiculous. The food overall was very good.
1 person found this helpful
A
Audrey
Louisville
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent, flavors wonderful! Portion size was huge- I wish I had read reviews first- but we are happily going home with a lot of leftovers. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
F
Frank
Austin
19 reviews
vip
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
The service was slower than most places but friendly. They let me taste a menu item prior to ordering and I was very thankful as I ended up changing my order. It was very noisy so not a good place for a date. The food was bland and way over priced for what you get.
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E
Elsie
St. Louis
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Superb food served with skill and care! Generous helpings!
Is this helpful?
M
Maggie
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our meal was so delicious, and the service was superb. We will definitely go back soon.
Is this helpful?
A
Anita
San Diego
48 reviews
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Bandar is one of our very favorite restaurants. It is a beautiful restaurant, and the staff and service are friendly and attentive. Of course, the food is superb! Each dish was perfectly seasoned and spiced, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We had the World Famous chicken with is perfectly described, as it deserved to be World Famous! The chicken was perfectly marinated and so tender, and paired perfectly with the rice. The vegetarian dishes were also beautifully spiced and also quite hearty. Each dish is beautifully presented. We are already looking forward to our next dining experience at Bandar!
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F
Fulvio
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very welcoming and accommodating staff. The lamb chops were tasty although some of them were burnt in parts. Also, the accompanying rice had crunchy burnt pieces scattered through. The baklava is always a treat. Not to mention the house wine. Additionally, it would be great if the air dryer in the restroom would once and for all be replaced with a paper towel dispenser.
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P
Pedro
Seattle
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have been coming here when in San Diego for 24 years, and it never disappoints. You know it’s a good restaurant when the owner greets returning customers with a hug as they arrive. We saw this several times as we ate our dinner. A lot of love goes into their food and service.
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FAQs

Bandar Restaurant does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Bandar Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 238-0101.

Bandar Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 936 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

845 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between E and F Street
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 2:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Steakhouse, Seafood
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Parking partnership with Horton Plaza, allows you to park for an $12.00 flat fee for up to 3 hours, when you ask your server for validation
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Shokooh and Behrooz Farahani
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bandarrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(619) 238-0101
Catering
When planning your event, you will have access to the finest catering. We will bring all the pieces together to ensure that every aspect of your experience is brilliant, memorable and unique. To enquire about information feel free to give us a call or email us for Special Catering Menus and Pricing at info@bandarrestaurant.com
Private party facilities
Our intimate setting, the B Lounge accommodates 60 guests comfortably, and is perfect for your events and special celebrations. Allow Bandar’s award winning chef to create an unforgettable gourmet dining experience for you and your guests.

Bandar Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Chicken Soltani

Chicken Salad

Soltani

STARTERS

Kashk-O Bademjan$18.00

Dolmeh$20.00

Feta and Olive$16.00

Must-O Mosier$14.00

Must-O Khiyar$14.00

Classic Hummus$12.00

Pesto Hummus$14.00

Avocado Hummus$16.00

Hummus Flight$38.00

SALAD

Bandar Salad$20.00

Shirazi Salad$16.00

Barley Soup$15.00

POULTRY ENTREES

World Famous Chicken$34.00

Chicken Salad$38.00

Adas Polo$39.00

Zereshk Polo$37.00

Albalu Polo$42.00

Chicken Shish Kabob$38.00

Chicken Soltani$41.00

Cornish Game Hen$35.00

LAMB ENTREES

Lamb Shank$34.00

Lamb Chops$47.00

SEAFOOD ENTREES

Fresh Grilled Salmon$38.00

BEEF ENTREES

Soltani$55.00

Barg$48.00

Koobideh$34.00

Shish Kabob$58.00

STEW ENTREES

Gourmet Stew$39.00

Eggplant Stew$39.00

Pomegranate Stew$42.00

Vegetarian Entrees

Eggplant Stew$33.00

Gourmet Stew$35.00

Pomegranate Stew$35.00

Sides

Side Plain Rice$10.00

Side Adas Polo$15.00

Side Zereshk Polo$15.00

Side Albalu Polo$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Bandar Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bandar Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Bandar Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information