Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » FurnSaj – San Diego
FurnSaj - San Diego
Photo from FurnSaj
FurnSaj at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 122 of the guests
#362 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#11 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 17 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
679
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Tasty dishes
- Large servings
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service hiccups
- Limited parking
The restaurant FurnSaj, a Mediterranean restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood, invites you to discover a world of authentic flavors. You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for any time of day, with a strong emphasis on healthy options.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this spot has you covered with its diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting FurnSaj
FurnSaj offers a taste of Lebanese cuisine where generous portions and flavorful dishes often impress. Many appreciate the well-prepared food, with particular praise for items like their hummus and shawarma, alongside a good selection of vegan options.
The overall experience often leaves a positive impression. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding price, with certain items feeling a bit steep.
While the service is generally friendly, there have been isolated reports of order mix-ups or less-than-ideal interactions. Parking can also be a minor inconvenience for some visitors.
Good
7.4
out of 10
679
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
156
negative
25
neutral
498
positive
Overall, FurnSaj earns a solid 7.4 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a 73.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
With 679 customer remarks, including 498 positive observations against 156 negative ones, there’s a clear leaning towards favorable impressions. Looking closer, the establishment truly shines in its Ambience (7.8) and Service (7.7), which are frequently praised.
The Food (7.4) also holds up well, consistently delivering on taste and quality. However, the Value (5.7) aspect presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that while the food is good, some find the pricing a bit high.
What people like
- Excellent Service
- Flavorful Food
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Price Concerns
- Occasional Service Issues
- Parking Challenges
With a solid 7.6 recommendation score, FurnSaj is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking authentic Lebanese flavors and substantial meals. It’s a place where the food often hits the mark, and the staff generally ensures a pleasant visit, making it a reliable choice for many.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some items might feel a bit steep, and prepare for potential parking difficulties. If these aren’t major deterrents, you’ll likely find a satisfying experience here, especially if you appreciate generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on FurnSaj
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its clear theres a lot to love! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 72.6%, the culinary experience is generally good. Out of 471 opinions, 342 were positive, praising delicious shawarma, fresh flatbreads, and generous portions, often highlighting authentic flavors and great vegan options.
However, 109 opinions pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found dishes like chicken to be dry or bland, while others noted inconsistent flavor and overly salty items. There were also comments about a lack of authentic seasoning and too much sauce or garlic in certain preparations.
Food
471
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
109
negative
20
neutral
342
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious & authentic food
- Generous portions
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Lacks authentic flavor
- Dry or bland dishes
Often praised
- foodThe food was really good and entirely halal. What impressed me most was how super super fast and hot the food arrived. My absolute favorite was the Zaatar and cheese with Bastruma.
- portionsThe portions are enough that you will have leftovervs
- vegan optionsThe food itself was well-made, with generous portions. They offer great vegan options, including full plates and pastries, and I highly recommend the Vegan Chicken Plate. The staff, including the manager (Mel?) and a cashier named Victor, were truly exceptional.
- hummusthe hummus was the best I’ve ever had, creamy, flavorful, and homemade
- chicken shawarmaAs an avid chicken shawarma enthusiast who has sampled this dish across the United States, I can confidently say that the shawarma at this establishment is, without a doubt, the finest I've tasted in the country. My experience savoring authentic Middle Eastern shawarma has led me to attest that this restaurant's offering is on par with, if not superior to, those found in the region itself.
- garlic sauceThey had all sorts of stuff I gotta try, so I'll definitely be back. So far, I've had the chicken shawarma and beef shawarma, and both were incredible with that garlic sauce.
- menuMy kind of place! Everything on the menu looks delicious, and the way the items are displayed is brilliant. The food is very good at a good price, and served proudly by the staff.
- spinach pieThey offer plenty of options and are very Vegan friendly, with at least six choices available. Some of my personal favorites include the olive mix, spinach pie, and zaatar, among others. I highly recommend it!
- wrapsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They serve insanely delicious wraps, and the serving size is huge, with two large wraps per order. This place is a must-try for its delicious food.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- chickenThe chicken was left on the grill too long and burnt
- hummusServed a blob of Hummus with four pieces of chicken on top
- falafelhotter oil when cooking the falafel
- flavorslight on flavors
- foodfood was so bland and didn’t taste Mediterranean at all
- riceThe rice in the plate is Uncle Ben’s minute rice
- Lahme B’ajinehad garlic in it. I’m from the Middle East, and we don’t make Lahme B’ajine with garlic
- babaganushbabaganush... were overpowered by bitter garlic
- beef shawarmaBeef shawarma had no tomatoes and way too much hummus
- breadbread it doesn't seem made there anymore. Before it was fluffy
If you're seeking generous portions of delicious, often authentic Mediterranean food with plenty of vegan choices, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally lack seasoning or have inconsistent flavors, so choose wisely.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a 7.7 score indicating its pretty good! Customers are feeling good about it too, with a 77% satisfaction rate. Based on 87 positive remarks out of 113 total, many rave about the incredibly friendly staff, fast service, and attentive employees, often highlighting individuals for their exceptional help.
However, its not always a smooth ride, as 23 negative comments point to some bumps. Some guests have experienced frustrating waiting times, order mix-ups, or even missing items. There are also mentions of unprofessional cashiers and staff who sometimes seem less than enthusiastic, which can definitely put a damper on the dining experience.
Service
113
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
23
negative
3
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Fast, quick service
- Attentive customer care
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Order mistakes, missing
- Unprofessional staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe service was excellent, they made us feel welcomed and well attended to.
- staffThe place is really clean with a nice vibe. The food is amazing and delicious, and the staff treat you with respect and love. I've visited multiple times and I 100% recommend coming in and giving it a try.
- ServiceI highly recommend getting a trio of that, a zaatar manakish, and a spinach pie, with baba, tabouleh, and labneh on the side. The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch.
- Chantelhow wonderful Chantel is! she always has the brightest smile
- KevinKevin was friendly and helpful
- customer serviceIt's a great place for brunch or breakfast. I 10000% recommend it, and the customer service is extremely nice.
- friendlyeveryone was friendly, fast, and very inviting
- managerThe manager checked in with us multiple times, very friendly.
- peoplethe people are always so nice
- Nice peopleNice people
Frequently criticized
- orderHowever, the service was a significant letdown. The cashier was unprofessional and made a mistake with our order, then acted as if it was our fault for not being clear. When my daughter used a cup from the counter for her Coke, without any signage indicating it was for water only, the cashier pointed out the rule but offered no alternative.
- serviceReally bad service
- beef sausage spillserver spilled beef sausage all over me
- bossThe boss should be more smiling
- cashierthe cashier was unprofessional
- cupsthese cups are for water only
- customerseven not hello, let alone a smile, to customers
- deliveryHowever, I will never order via Grubhub again. It took over an hour for the delivery, even though I only live 2 miles away, and when it arrived, the food was cold.
- food readyhad my food ready all that time
- itemsforgot to enter 1/2 items & had to wait longer to receive
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and fast service, this spot is often a great bet, making you feel welcomed and well-attended. Just be mindful that there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or order accuracy, so its worth a try but keep an eye out for those minor snags.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 7.8 and making 83.9% of customers happy with the overall feel. Based on 52 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, cleanliness, and beautiful vibes. Many also appreciate the good seating and convenient parking available, making it a truly delightful spot to dine.
However, 10 less favorable comments suggest a few areas for improvement. While parking is often a plus, some found it tough or the parking lot too small. A few guests also mentioned flies and the heat inside, noting a lack of AC, which could impact comfort for some.
The environment was sometimes described as boring or having corp vibes.
Ambience
62
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless cleanliness
- Great atmosphere
- Ample seating
What people don't like
- Parking can be tough
- Flies may appear
- Indoor heat issues
Often praised
- atmospheresitting in the cool breeze with their open walls was really nice.
- placeThe place is casual, clean, fun
- AtmosphereI highly recommend getting a trio of that, a zaatar manakish, and a spinach pie, with baba, tabouleh, and labneh on the side. The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch.
- cleanlinessThe cleanliness was outstanding; it was truly CLEAN!
- locationa very central location
- Lebanese decorationshas nice Lebanese decorations.
- beautiful vibesThe service was amazing, with the staff always having a beautiful smile. The atmosphere was friendly with beautiful vibes. Overall, a 10/10 experience!
- chill, on-brand tunesliked the chill, on brand tunes
- cleanthe whole area is clean
- clean and organizedEverything super clean and organized
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking can be a bit tough later in the day
- L bracketL bracket at the foot of one of the restroom doors... stab you in the foot, if you're not careful.
- corp vibesIt def gave me Corp vibes.
- environmentenvironment- clean but boring, no music
- fliesconstantly swating away flies while eating
- heat insidevery hot inside no ac or a fan
- parking lotThe parking lot is very small
- tables for individualsdon't have many tables for indivuals
If you're looking for a clean spot with good vibes and generally easy parking, this place is a great choice. Just be mindful that parking can sometimes be tricky, and on warmer days, the indoor temperature might be a bit toasty.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
It looks like the value here is a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 5.7 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 51.5%. Many customers appreciate the prices, portions, and overall value for money, often finding they get a lot for what they pay for. Out of 33 customer remarks, 17 were positive, highlighting decent prices and generous food for the price.
However, some diners felt certain items were overpriced or pricey, with specific dishes like plates or tiny containers of toum drawing criticism. There were 14 negative comments, noting that prices have increased and it can be hard to find value in some of the offerings, leading to disappointment.
Value
33
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Good value for money
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Prices have increased
- Lack of value
Often praised
- pricesThe taste of the food is original, and it's refreshing to finally find a Lebanese restaurant that serves real Lebanese food. The portions are big, and the prices are very reasonable. To top it off, the staff are super friendly.
- priceThe portions are large which justifies the price.
- decent pricesdecent prices
- food for the priceit was a lot of food for the price
- lot for what you pay foryou get a lot for what you pay for
- portionsOn point portions for the price
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- value for moneyI happened to visit on their opening day, and I will definitely be a regular. A plate costs between $13-20 but can easily feed two people, offering great value for money. The owner, who also has a location in LA, has opened this newest spot, and I have no doubt it will become a neighborhood favorite.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe zaatar with cheese, egg and cheese, and lahmbajeen are literally all so good. One of my favorite desserts is the ashta with strawberry and honey, but it's gone up so much in price than a few months ago I can't justify the price anymore 🥲💔.
- $17.00$17.00
- 20 dollarsThe server spilled beef sausage all over me and my favorite sweater. To make matters worse, they wouldn't even refund me my 20 dollars. The audacity of these people is unbelievable.
- overpricedOverpriced and poorly made.
- platesThe plates were around $24 each
- pricesbumped up all their prices
- priceyHowever, I would suggest removing tomatoes from the Shawarma. While the restaurant is a bit pricey, the overall food quality and portion sizes make it a worthwhile visit.
- pricingI narrowed down my selections based on pricing.
- store creditThe first offer was for me to return and pick them up, which was not feasible due to the 1-hour round trip. Subsequently, I was informed that refunds were not offered, only store credit. Given these issues, I will never order here again, as there are simply too many other options available in San Diego.
- valueIt's hard to find value in that pricing.
If youre looking for generous portions that offer good value, this spot might hit the mark, especially for certain dishes. However, be mindful that some items can feel quite expensive or overpriced, so its worth checking the menu carefully before you order to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at FurnSaj?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 122 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.
While the average hovers around 22, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 range, with a good number also in the $21–$30 bracket. This suggests a nice variety of options, from more budget-friendly to slightly more indulgent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 122 reviews.
See how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Diego when it comes to value for money.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Diego. With many options available across different price points, it offers good value whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about FurnSaj
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Missing Desserts and Poor Service
I placed a take-out order online and upon arriving home, approximately 30 minutes away in traffic, I discovered that both desserts I ordered were missing. These desserts were $6 each plus tax. I immediately called the restaurant and was initially told I had only ordered one dessert, with the worker unfamiliar with Mahalabiyeh as a dessert item.
After clarification, we agreed I was missing two items. The first offer was for me to return and pick them up, which was not feasible due to the 1-hour round trip. Subsequently, I was informed that refunds were not offered, only store credit.
Given these issues, I will never order here again, as there are simply too many other options available in San Diego.
- other options8
- desserts1
- missing desserts1
- worker knowledge2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Impeccable Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was impeccable, and the portions were huge. I will definitely come back.
Kevin provided great service and was of great help.
- food10
- huge portions9
- Kevin10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Excellent Food, Service Needs Improvement
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food. The food was excellent, and the cook was very good. I also had a very nice interaction with the lady at reception.
However, the boss could benefit from being more approachable. While he seemed nice to job candidates, he didn't offer a smile or even a greeting to customers, which detracted from the overall experience.
- food10
- lady at reception9
- cook9
- boss3
- customers3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Good vibes, pricey cheese manoushe
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the atmosphere was great, with good vibes and a quiet setting that made conversation easy, the price of the cheese manoushe was quite high. I felt that $16 for a cheese manoushe was insane, even though it was good, it wasn't worth that much.
The food quality was rated a 4, and the atmosphere a 5, but the value for money was questionable.
- cheese manoushe7
- vibes9
- atmosphere10
- price2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Generous Shawarma Plate for Two
My experience at the restaurant was great! We received a recommendation from the staff, and the shawarma plate was more than enough food for the two of us. The food was excellent, and the service was attentive.
The atmosphere was also very enjoyable.
- shawarma plate9
- food10
- service9
What FurnSaj offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Does FurnSaj Bakery & Restaurant cater to specific dietary needs?
Absolutely! At FurnSaj Bakery & Restaurant, you can easily find healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options to suit your preferences. They are committed to providing delicious choices for a variety of diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy their Mediterranean fare.
What kind of dining experience and amenities does FurnSaj Bakery & Restaurant offer?
You’ll experience a casual atmosphere at FurnSaj Bakery & Restaurant, ideal for a relaxed meal. They offer convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. Plus, you’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, making your visit easy.
How does FurnSaj generally rate among customers?
FurnSaj holds a strong overall score of 7.4 out of 10. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (7.8) and Service (7.7), with the Food (7.4) also receiving good marks. The Value (5.7) is seen as average.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at FurnSaj?
Many customers praise the flavorful and authentic Lebanese food, highlighting generous portions and excellent vegan options. Specific items like the hummus and chicken shawarma are frequently mentioned as standouts.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at FurnSaj?
Some customers have noted that certain items can be pricey, impacting the overall value. Additionally, occasional issues with service, such as order accuracy or delivery times, and challenges with parking have been reported.