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Panini Kabob Grill - San Diego
Photo from Panini Kabob Grill
Panini Kabob Grill at a glance
San Diego University City
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#515 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#16 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 17 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
416
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Good value
- Large portions
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Poor hygiene
- Bad location
The restaurant Panini Kabob Grill, a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Diego’s University City, offers a vibrant spot to catch sports while enjoying a meal. You’ll find a casual yet quiet atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
With healthy options and late-night food available, it caters to various cravings and schedules, making it a versatile choice for you.
Overview: Introducting Panini Kabob Grill
Panini Kabob Grill offers a culinary experience where the food often shines, with many appreciating the generous portions and fresh flavors. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies in the overall experience, particularly concerning how quickly they are served.
While the welcoming staff can make a visit memorable, others have faced frustratingly long wait times. The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere is generally well-received, though its specific location can sometimes present challenges for accessibility.
Good
6.7
out of 10
416
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
125
negative
21
neutral
270
positive
Panini Kabob Grill achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.7, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by 270 positive remarks out of 416 total customer observations.
However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 64.9%, suggesting a mixed reception where some aspects clearly delight while others leave room for improvement, as evidenced by 125 negative comments. Diving deeper, the Food (7.7) and Value (8.2) are clear strengths, consistently earning high marks for quality and affordability.
The Ambience (7.2) also contributes positively to the experience. Where the restaurant faces challenges is primarily with Service (4.7), which registers as average, indicating that while many find it acceptable, a notable portion of guests encounter issues.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Great value for money
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Unsanitary conditions
- Challenging location
With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, Panini Kabob Grill presents a mixed but generally positive picture. If you prioritize fresh, flavorful Mediterranean food and appreciate good value, it’s certainly worth considering for a meal.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and be mindful of the location’s accessibility. While the food often delivers, those sensitive to wait times or seeking a pristine environment might find aspects disappointing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panini Kabob Grill
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Based on 208 comments, the food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and a 76.9% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the fresh produce, generous portions, and delicious Mediterranean food, especially the juicy kabobs and healthy options. It seems they truly deliver on quality and quantity.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some found issues with too much raw garlic in the hummus or salad dressing, and a few noted concerns about food quality or bland seasoning. There were also isolated reports of dry kabobs or even hair in dishes, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
208
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
36
negative
12
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
- Delicious kabobs
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Strong garlic flavor
- Hygiene issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed healthy and delicious food, complemented by great customer service. The restaurant itself is very clean and brand new, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- portionsportions are very generous
- Mediterranean foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their good traditional Mediterranean food. However, the incredibly bad location made it hard and difficult to get to.
- qualityThe value you get for the amount of food here and the quality is amazing
- portion sizegrande assiette, impossible de terminer la portion
- ricerice also has a milk flavor that can be tasted
- FalafelBest place for Falafel in San Diego or Socal 🧆 !! Crispy from outside and soft from inside, served hot and fresh !!!
- hummusThe hummus was so exceptional
- kabobsThe kabobs and paninis were fresh, flavorful, and just perfect
- pastai love my pasta that i had for dinner
Frequently criticized
- food5 hours for our food. When it finally arrived, it was incomplete, with some of our table still waiting. To make matters worse, the staff was unfriendly and unhelpful, which only added to our frustration.
- basmati riceforgot to give me basmati rice
- broccolithe broccoli I was served was disgusting
- chicken kabobI ordered a chicken kabob which they claimed was ABF
- falafelthe falafel was a bit on the dry side
- falafel wrapthe falafel wrap I wish it have more seasoning it was way to blend
- food poisoningMy condition was diagnosed as food poisoning
- food qualityfood quality was very poor
- freshly squeezed orange juiceHowever, the experience was marred by the drinks. The lemonade did not taste freshly squeezed, and it was a pity that they don't offer freshly squeezed orange juice for lunch and dinner, especially considering the abundance of orange trees in Southern California. I believe this is a missed opportunity to offer this throughout the day.
- hair in dishes4/10 dishes had hair in them; it was disgusting.
Overall, if you're looking for fresh, generously portioned Mediterranean dishes, this spot is definitely worth a try. While there might be occasional hiccups with seasoning or specific ingredients, the majority of diners leave satisfied with their meal.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the friendly, attentive staff and amazing service, with 50 positive remarks highlighting individuals like Dylan and Natalie for their kindness and warmth. Youll often find quick and friendly service, making for a welcoming experience. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 72 negative comments pointing to significant issues.
The service score sits at an average 4.7, yet customer satisfaction is a poor 39.7%, reflecting concerns about slow service, long wait times, and sometimes rude staff. Many experiences mention being understaffed or disorganized.
Service
126
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
72
negative
4
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Amazing, quick service
- Personalized, warm service
What people don't like
- Slow, rude service
- Long wait times
- Understaffed, disorganized
Often praised
- serviceShe was cheerful and efficient in spite of all the demands
- staffThe food is always fresh and delicious. What truly makes this place special is the incredible staff. Marcus and our waitress Ellie went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, treating us like family from the moment we walked in.
- ServiceThe hummus preparation is very authentic 👍🏼. The quantity is good, and the service is great as well! Tip: Try their Green Lentil Soup 👌.
- Dylanif you get Dylan--- he is so great!
- MarcusWhat truly makes this place special is the incredible staff. Marcus and our waitress Ellie went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, treating us like family from the moment we walked in. Their kindness and warmth, especially toward my little ones, made our visit even more enjoyable.
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- amazing servicetalk about amazing service
- busyin spite of being very busy
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed healthy and delicious food, complemented by great customer service. The restaurant itself is very clean and brand new, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- demandsefficient in spite of all the demands for one thing or another
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. The service was extremely poor, and they messed up my order. To make matters worse, the staff started discussing me behind my back.
- staffTo make matters worse, there was no dedicated waiter; we were handled by three different staff members, and it was frustrating to see tables that arrived after us being served first. The staff were unfriendly and seemed indifferent, as if we were an inconvenience. The management's lack of oversight was evident.
- waiting timeI will never come back again. The service was incredibly slow; we waited more than an hour for a kebab. It was insane!
- wait timeLong wait time over half an hour to pick up my on line order
- customer serviceTo our surprise, they even laughed when we questioned the long wait despite numerous empty tables. I am unsure if the owner or management is aware of this situation or if their staff receives adequate training, but the extremely poor customer service and unprofessional behavior have led us to stop visiting Panini Kabob.
- orderwe still didn’t receive our order
- waitmore than 1 hour to be able to get a plate of food
- waiterasked the waiter (walking by me) if I could get a water, and he flatly looked at me and ignored me
- ServersServers didn’t come to our table for 20 mins
- additional napkinRequest for additional napkin was ignored
If youre lucky, you might encounter some truly wonderful staff who go above and beyond. But be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience with slow service and long waits, as the overall satisfaction is quite low. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the ambience! Overall, the atmosphere here is quite a hit, scoring a solid 7.2, and customer satisfaction sits at a good 71.2%. Many folks loved the atmosphere and vibe, praising the convenient location and ample parking.
With 42 positive remarks out of 59, it seems many found the setting agreeable, clean, family-friendly, and perfect for gatherings. However, its not all sunshine and roses. About 15 comments pointed out issues with noise level, a complicated location, and parking difficulties.
Some even mentioned a filthy bathroom, which is definitely a buzzkill. So, while the general feel is positive, be aware that certain aspects, especially the location and potential noise, might need a bit of navigating.
Ambience
59
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Convenient parking
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Tricky location
- Loud areas
- Dirty restrooms
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a wonderful blend of casual and vibrant
- locationNice and huge location with glass wall seating
- parkingThe food is always fresh and delicious, especially the kabobs. The location is convenient with free parking in the mall. Our waitress, Natalie, was incredibly nice and helpful, making the overall experience even better.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeHe greeted us with a big smile and got us seated in no time—talk about amazing service! His team was super friendly and on point, making the whole vibe so welcoming. The food?
- Group sizeGroup size:Suitable for all group sizes
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- ParkingParking:Free for 1st 2 hours.
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- ambiancethe ambiance spacious and capacious
Frequently criticized
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their good traditional Mediterranean food. However, the incredibly bad location made it hard and difficult to get to. It was incredibly noisy, with buses roaring by as if we were sitting in the middle of the street.
- parkingI'm eager to visit often. My only minor wish is that parking was more straightforward.
- angry customersLobby full of angry customers
- atmosphereThe inside is better, but not by much. There are many other places to get Mediterranean food with a better atmosphere.
- filthy bathroomthe womens bathroom and it was absolutely filthy
- location at UTCThe location at UTC is really complicated to get to
- noiseHowever, the incredibly bad location made it hard and difficult to get to. It was incredibly noisy, with buses roaring by as if we were sitting in the middle of the street. While they have an inside and outside area, the outside is definitely something to stay away from.
- noise levelCan be noisy in the outside seating, due to cars
- sanitary enoughNot sure if they’re sanitary enough to remain in business.
- signageShould have a better signage for direction
If you're looking for a place with a generally great vibe, clean setting, and convenient parking, this spot is worth checking out. Just be mindful that some areas can be noisy, and the location might be a bit tricky to find, so plan accordingly!
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place truly shines! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 78.3%, its clear guests are happy. Many rave about the "value for money" and "reasonable prices, " noting that "every dish is worth every penny.
" Out of 23 total comments, 18 specifically highlight the "moderate price" and "generous meal sizes, " making it a fantastic deal. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of comments, just 2 out of 23, mention minor issues.
One customer was a bit put off by being charged for extra sauces, while another felt the manager barely discounted our bill. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread concerns about overall pricing.
Value
23
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Reasonable prices
- Generous meal sizes
What people don't like
- Charge for extra sauces
Often praised
- pricestheir prices are very cheap compared to any other place
- valueThe value you get for the amount of food here and the quality is amazing
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was fresh and of high quality, especially considering the reasonable price. Our kids, who usually don't eat much, thoroughly enjoyed their meals here.
- value for moneyDefinitely great value for money
- decent pricegood food at a decent price
- every dishevery dish is worth every penny
- moderate pricePrice is very moderate
- price per personthe price per person was reasonable
- pricedpriced that didn't make me feel I got ripped off
- prices and meal sizesthe prices and meal sizes are generous
Frequently criticized
- discounted our billThe manager barely discounted our bill
- extra saucesthey charge for any extra sauces
If youre looking for great food that wont break the bank, this place is a solid bet. You'll find excellent value and reasonable prices, making it a smart choice. Just be mindful that extra sauces might cost a little extra.
How are the prices at Panini Kabob Grill?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, most diners are happily spending between 11 – 30 €, with a strong cluster right around the 21 – 30 € mark, showing it’s a popular sweet spot for value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
Comparing value for money: This restaurant versus similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mediterranean spot. It hits that sweet spot where you’re getting good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a delicious meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panini Kabob Grill
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Huge Portions, Friendly Service, Great Value
My experience at Panini Kabob Grill was fantastic! I was craving Mediterranean flavors, and this spot in La Jolla delivered. The food portions were huge, which was a pleasant surprise.
Coupled with the reasonable prices, it made for a great value. The service and staff were incredibly friendly and attentive throughout my visit. Plus, the location is super convenient, and there was plenty of parking available.
- food portions9
- reasonable prices8
- service and staff10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Persian Food in San Diego
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The quality of the food was perfect. I particularly enjoyed the Chicken kababs and Koobideh kababs, which are my favorites.
I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to try Persian food in San Diego.
- Chicken kababs10
- Koobideh kababs10
- Persian food9
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Kabobs and Great Service!
My experience at Panini Kabob Grill was fantastic! The food is always fresh and delicious, especially the kabobs. The location is convenient with free parking in the mall.
Our waitress, Natalie, was incredibly nice and helpful, making the overall experience even better. I highly recommend this place for a great kabob meal.
- food10
- kabob10
- location9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The food quality was very poor, with the meat quality not good at all and the kabob tasting weird. The salmon pasta was described as terrible and tasted so sour.
The service girls clearly need more experience, suggesting a lack of professionalism. Overall, I cannot recommend this place.
- food quality2
- meat quality1
- kabob2
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Unanswered Phone for Takeout Orders
My experience was frustrating because I tried to call in an order for takeout, but the restaurant never answered the phone. This made it impossible to place my lunch order, despite the fact that they have a listed phone number for this purpose. The wait time for my lunch was also over an hour, which is quite long.
- phone1
- calling in orders1
- wait time2
What Panini Kabob Grill offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Panini Kabob Grill - Westfield UTC?
At Panini Kabob Grill – Westfield UTC, you can enjoy a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer both counter and table service, with comfortable seating available. You can also opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the San Diego weather.
Are there healthy or dietary-specific choices available at Panini Kabob Grill - Westfield UTC?
Yes, Panini Kabob Grill – Westfield UTC prides itself on offering a variety of healthy options. You’ll find delicious vegan options, vegetarian choices, and organic dishes to suit your dietary preferences, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment and score for Panini Kabob Grill?
Panini Kabob Grill has a Restaurant Score of 6.7, reflecting a generally good experience. Key strengths include Food (7.7), Value (8.2), and Ambience (7.2), though Service (4.7) is considered average.
What are the standout food items at Panini Kabob Grill?
Customers frequently highlight the fresh and flavorful kabobs and paninis. The falafel is often praised for being crispy and soft, and the hummus is described as exceptional and authentic.
Should I expect long waits or service issues at Panini Kabob Grill?
Service can be inconsistent. While some guests experience efficient and friendly staff, others report incredibly slow service, long wait times, and occasional issues with order accuracy.