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Bandar Restaurant, San Diego, CA

Bandar Restaurant

4.6
4.6
936 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • 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 16:00–21:30 Sun 14:00–21:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (619) 238-0101
  • 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.
  • Area
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • 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, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bandar Restaurant delights with consistently "amazing" food and "outstanding" service. Guests enjoy generous portions and flavorful Persian dishes, perfect for sharing. While some find cocktails overpriced and service slow, the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff shine. Don't miss the lamb shank and chicken soltani—"superb" choices for a memorable dining experience.

936 Reviews
  1. Marcelo

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 7 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Bandar always delivers. Great food and sizable portions.

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  2. Hanah

    Kansas City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food with large portions! Recommend sharing. The yogurt drink is a must.

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  3. Reza

    San Diego

    52 reviews

    4.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on 22 November 2024

    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.

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  4. Vika

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 21 November 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    It was sweet of lady owner to call to make up to us! 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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  5. Vogt

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    485 reviews

    3.0

    485 reviews

    Dined on 13 November 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

  6. Audrey

    Louisville

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 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!

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  7. Frank

    VIP

    Austin

    19 reviews

    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 10 November 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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  8. Elsie

    St. Louis

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on 25 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb food served with skill and care! Generous helpings!

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  9. Maggie

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 October 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.

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  10. Anita

    San Diego

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on 18 October 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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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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Bandar Restaurant

845 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Between E and F Street
  • Area
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • Hours of Operation
    Fri, Sat 16:00–21:30 Sun 14:00–21:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00
  • 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, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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.
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