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Baba Kabob - San Diego
Photo from Baba Kabob
Baba Kabob at a glance
San Diego Little India
- 🍚 🍚 Afghan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 102 of the guests
#183 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 🍚 Afghan Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
381
Reviews
83.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Friendly service
- Easy parking
Frequently criticized
- Rude staff
- Foam plates
- Spoiled food
The restaurant Baba Kabob in San Diego’s vibrant Little India neighborhood offers an authentic Afghan dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual spot where you can enjoy delicious, healthy, and halal meals.
It’s also a great place to catch up on sports, making it perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Overview: Introducting Baba Kabob
Baba Kabob offers a culinary experience where the `food` often receives high praise for its flavor and generous `portions`. Many guests appreciate the `friendly staff` and the attentive `service`, noting a professional atmosphere.
The availability of `ample parking` also adds to the convenience for diners. However, some experiences at Baba Kabob have been less consistent, with concerns raised about occasional `rude service` from the `owner` or staff.
A few patrons have also mentioned issues with `foam plates` for dine-in and, in rare instances, food quality concerns like `spoiled food` or overly spicy dishes.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
381
Reviews
83.7%
Satisfaction
51
negative
11
neutral
319
positive
Baba Kabob achieves a solid overall score of 8.1, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 83.7% customer satisfaction rate, reflecting that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from a considerable 381 customer remarks, with 319 positive observations outweighing 51 negative ones. The `Food` (8.4) stands out as a particular strength, frequently earning high marks for its quality and taste.
`Ambience` (8.1) also contributes positively to the experience, often described as pleasant and clean. While `Service` (7.4) is generally well-regarded, some feedback suggests occasional inconsistencies.
The `Value` (6) aspect, however, sits at an average level, indicating that while prices are reasonable, it’s not a standout feature.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Convenient ample parking
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff attitude
- Use of foam plates
- Rare spoiled food
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, Baba Kabob generally offers a satisfying experience, particularly for those seeking well-prepared Afghan cuisine. While the food is a consistent draw, be mindful that service experiences can vary, and some minor presentation choices might not appeal to everyone.
If you prioritize flavorful dishes and a generally pleasant atmosphere, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, if you’re sensitive to occasional service inconsistencies or specific dining aesthetics, you might want to manage your expectations.
Overall, it’s a place that delivers on its culinary promise.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Baba Kabob
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally earns high marks, boasting a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 86.8%. With 230 positive remarks out of 265, diners consistently rave about the delicious, tender, and flavorful dishes, often praising the generous portions that leave you fully satisfied. However, 26 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement.
Concerns include food occasionally not being fresh, sometimes burnt, or having an oily texture and even a spoiled smell, indicating that quality can sometimes be inconsistent.
Food
265
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
26
negative
9
neutral
230
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Tender, juicy kabobs
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Food not fresh
- Spoiled smell
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- food2024 Update: BabaKabob prepared the food for an event in our home and the food, service, setup, communication and general care/attention to detail was absolutely amazing! Our guests loved everything from the presentation of the dishes to the tenderness and flavor of the many different kabobs they cooked for us. I would definitely recommend them and call on them again for any catering need.
- FoodFood:5
- potato bolaniWe ordered potato bolani... and was absolutely delicious.
- Afghan foodsolid place to eat if you want to try an entry level Afghan food place
- beef kabobThe food was so good we had to order again the next night. So far, we've tried the bolani, hummus, beef kabob, chicken kabob, lamb kabob, shawarma, and aushak. Everything has been phenomenal, and no detail is spared – even the rice is perfect.
- bolaniThe bolani was amazing, highly addictive
- portionsI usually order the chicken kebab with salad, and I find it to be one of the better Mediterranean chicken kebabs in San Diego. While the food is undeniably good and the portions are big, be prepared for a potential wait for seating when the restaurant is busy.
- riceeating the rice that came with it on its own
- aushakThe food was so good we had to order again the next night. So far, we've tried the bolani, hummus, beef kabob, chicken kabob, lamb kabob, shawarma, and aushak. Everything has been phenomenal, and no detail is spared – even the rice is perfect.
- chicken kabobThe food was so good we had to order again the next night. So far, we've tried the bolani, hummus, beef kabob, chicken kabob, lamb kabob, shawarma, and aushak. Everything has been phenomenal, and no detail is spared – even the rice is perfect.
Frequently criticized
- foodfood that cooked week ago and kept in freezer then warm it to sell
- chappali kabobchappali kabob that I had couple of years ago has definitely gone down in both quality and flavor
- riceThe food was spoiled and smelled bad, and it was not cooked well. The rice was old, and the Chaplie kabab was oily, salty, thin, and burned. Overall, it was very nasty.
- Chaplie kababChaplie kabab was oily salty thin burned
- Chicken Shawarmait was so cool
- bad smellhas a bad smell
- bolaniMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. I politely informed the staff that the bolani was too spicy and suggested offering chili on the side or allowing customers to choose their spice level. I intended this as helpful feedback.
- chicken Shawarmamajority of chicken Shawarma or vegetables
- chicken shawarmait wasn’t what we order My wife went to the restaurant counter very politely told them we have wrong order this Beef , it is Spouse to be chicken
- halal restaurantthey were all either in the hood, unclean or just down right a rip off
If you're looking for authentic Afghan cuisine with flavorful, generous dishes, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few experiences mention inconsistencies in freshness and overall quality.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 74.3%, most folks have had a great experience. Out of 74 comments, 55 rave about the friendly service, great staff, and excellent customer service, often highlighting the personal touch of a family-owned business.
However, it's not all sunshine, as 19 negative remarks point to some bumps in the road. Concerns include occasional long waits, unprofessional customer service, and unfortunately, some instances of rude owners or a snarky attitude from staff. It seems consistency can be an issue here.
Service
74
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
19
negative
0
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great customer service
- Family-run business
What people don't like
- Rude owners/staff
- Unprofessional service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- service2024 Update: BabaKabob prepared the food for an event in our home and the food, service, setup, communication and general care/attention to detail was absolutely amazing! Our guests loved everything from the presentation of the dishes to the tenderness and flavor of the many different kabobs they cooked for us.
- ServiceService is kind of really helpful
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was top tier. From the friendly staff to the amazing food, it was truly exceptional. As someone who grew up Afghan, I know authentic Afghan food, and this place does it proper.
- customer serviceExcellent customer service, Sofia personally comes to your table
- peopleThe food was delicious, with generous portions that were perfect for leftovers. The place was nice, the people were friendly, and we had a great dinner overall.
- Friendly serviceFriendly service and overall a great spot.
- Great staffGreat staff
- StaffStaff are super friendly, efficient and professional
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- customize ordersYou can customize the order which is a bonus.
Frequently criticized
- ownerthe owner came to our table insist this your order very rudely and angry with bad attitude
- serviceAdditionally, the food was served on foam plates, which is unprofessional for dine-in and raises health and environmental concerns. Good food should be paired with good service. Due to the disrespectful attitude and poor customer care, I will not be returning and do not recommend this place.
- customer servicethe customer service is not good at all
- customer careGood food should be paired with good service. Due to the disrespectful attitude and poor customer care, I will not be returning and do not recommend this place.
- customers ahead2 customers ahead of me and I can not take your order
- disrespectfulIt was so blatant and disrespectful
- napkinsOrdered 5 conbos and given only 2 napkins
- orderI can not take your order
- owner and serverowner and server were both rude
- ownersOwners are really rude
Overall, the service here is generally good, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While some reports mention rude owners or occasional waits, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative. It's worth a visit for the warm welcome, but be aware of potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.7% based on 30 positive opinions, guests frequently praise the ample parking, making visits super convenient. Many appreciate the restaurants cleanliness and the overall pleasant atmosphere, often described as having a professional or family-friendly vibe, making it easy to talk and enjoy your meal.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 4 negative opinions mention the place being a bit small, which might not suit everyone. There's also a specific note about food being served on foam plates, which can detract from the dining experience, and one person found parking somewhat difficult despite others finding it ample.
Ambience
35
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Ample parking
- Clean environment
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small space
- Foam plates used
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospherevery professional atmosphere that they foster
- placeThe food was delicious, with generous portions that were perfect for leftovers. The place was nice, the people were friendly, and we had a great dinner overall.
- restaurantThe customer service was outstanding, with Sofia personally coming to our table to ensure we had everything we needed. I will definitely go again and highly recommend this small, clean, and friendly restaurant. 👌 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
- ParkingParking:It is in little India ideal location
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- RestaurantRestaurant was clean
- ample parkingAmple parking
- available parkingPlenty of available parking makes it even more convenient
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- foam platesthe food was served on foam plates
- halal food atmosphereSan Diego’s halal food atmosphere is a total disappointment
- placeThe place is small
If youre looking for a clean spot with a good atmosphere and easy parking, this place is generally a solid choice. Just be aware that the space might feel a bit cozy, and dont be surprised if your food comes on foam plates.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the 4 positive remarks out of 7 total comments quite agreeable! Guests often mentioned that the prices are great and very fair, even noting a Price per person: $10–20 range. The overall score for value sits at an average 6, suggesting a generally acceptable experience for many.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. About 2 comments expressed concern, with some feeling the pricing was a rip off for the quality. Others felt the price is too high for what they received.
Customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 57.1%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement for some.
Value
7
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Fair pricing
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- Price too high
- Feels like rip-off
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- PricesLong grain, flaky and full of flavor. Prices are great too. Had to ask for more pepper.
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price is too high for nasty food
- pricingrip off as far as quality, taste and pricing goes
So, is it a good deal? While some find the prices fair and reasonable, others feel its a bit steep for the quality. If youre looking for budget-friendly options, you might find some agreeable points, but be aware that expectations for quality might not always align with the cost for everyone.
How are the prices at Baba Kabob?
You’re looking at roughly $25 per person – reported by 102 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Afghan Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $25, most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix, offering both more budget-friendly options and some higher-end choices for those looking to splurge a little.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 102 reviews.
How this Afghan restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an Afghan restaurant. It offers a good range, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without necessarily breaking the bank, or opt for something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Baba Kabob
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Kebab Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the best kebab I've ever tasted in my entire life. The food was so good that I could honestly eat here every day all day.
The Gyro Sandwich was a standout recommended dish. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5. The food itself was rated 5/5, and the price per person for lunch was between $10–20.
- kebab10
- Gyro Sandwich9
- Service10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Order not taken due to queue
My experience at the restaurant was that I had 2 customers ahead of me and my order could not be taken.
- customers ahead2
- order2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Craving Baba Kabob's Delights!
We love going to Baba Kabob any time we are in San Diego. The potato bolani and Gyro fries are phenomenal, and I crave them the minute we get into town. The food quality is a perfect 5, and the atmosphere is equally enjoyable at a 5.
Service was also excellent, rated at 5, with no wait time. The price per person is reasonable, between $10–20.
- potato bolani10
- Gyro fries10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Afghan Food Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. It's hands down the best Afghan food in San Diego, a true must-visit. The family-owned and operated nature shines through in the quality and love put into every dish.
All the meat is Halal, and each item is a delicious Afghan masterpiece, prepared to preserve authentic taste and culture. The place is always clean and neat, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. Seeing mom and pops in action in the kitchen adds a special touch.
We've been coming here for 6 years for a culinary experience that has never disappointed. I can honestly say, all their dishes are favorites without exaggeration. I highly recommend trying something new with every visit.
- Afghan food10
- family-owned and operated10
- Halal meats10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food and Service!
I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to everyone. The staff were incredibly nice, and the food was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for a wonderful dining experience!
- people10
- food10
What Baba Kabob offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options are available at Baba Kabob?
At Baba Kabob, you’ll find a variety of dietary choices to suit your needs. They offer healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and all their food is halal. This makes it easy for you to enjoy a delicious meal that fits your preferences.
Does Baba Kabob offer convenient parking and accessibility?
Yes, Baba Kabob provides excellent convenience for your visit. You’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spaces. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
How is Baba Kabob rated overall?
Baba Kabob holds an overall score of **8.1**, reflecting a good dining experience. The `Food` (8.4) is highly rated, `Ambience` (8.1) is also strong, and `Service` (7.4) is generally good. `Value` (6), however, is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Baba Kabob?
Customers frequently praise the `food` for its delicious flavor, tenderness, and generous `portions`. Specific items like `kabobs`, `bolani`, and `rice` are often highlighted for their quality and taste.
Are there any common concerns regarding service or dining experience?
Some patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies with `service`, including instances of `rude staff` or `owner` interactions. Additionally, the use of `foam plates` for dine-in has been mentioned as a less professional aspect of the dining experience.