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oChef » Panini Kabob Grill – Mission Valley – San Diego
Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley - San Diego
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Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley at a glance
San Diego Mission Valley
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 114 of the guests
#614 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#17 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 17 in San Diego
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
508
Reviews
52.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Large portions
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Cleanliness concerns
Overview: Introducting Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley
Panini Kabob Grill offers a mixed experience, with many praising its flavorful Mediterranean dishes and generous portions. However, some diners have noted issues with the overall dining experience, particularly concerning the attentiveness of the staff and the general upkeep of the premises.
While the food quality often stands out, reports suggest that the service can be inconsistent, impacting the overall enjoyment. The atmosphere is generally considered welcoming, though occasional concerns about cleanliness have surfaced.
Average
5.8
out of 10
508
Reviews
52.4%
Satisfaction
209
negative
33
neutral
266
positive
Panini Kabob Grill holds an overall restaurant score of 5.8 out of 10, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 52.4%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 508 customer remarks, with 266 positive observations and 209 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (7.2) is a clear strong point, frequently highlighted for its quality.
However, Service (3.7) appears to be a significant area for improvement, often described as lacking. Ambience (6.5) and Value (5.9) both fall into the average range, suggesting they offer a generally acceptable, though not exceptional, experience.
What people like
- Delicious Mediterranean food
- Generous food portions
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Perceived high prices
With a recommendation score of 6.1, Panini Kabob Grill presents a compelling option if your priority is well-prepared Mediterranean cuisine. The food often receives high marks, making it a worthwhile visit for those focused on flavor and portion size.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and keep an eye out for cleanliness. If you can overlook these aspects for a good meal, it might be a suitable choice, but temper your expectations for the overall dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.2, indicating a good culinary experience. Based on 238 customer remarks, with 166 positive and 55 negative, many rave about the fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a delicious meal. Guests frequently praise the quality food and the satisfying taste of their dishes.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at 69.7%, which is a mixed bag, suggesting some room for improvement. A portion of diners encountered issues like a lack of flavor, dry chicken, or even half-cooked food. Some found certain items bland or tough, indicating inconsistency in preparation.
Food
238
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
55
negative
17
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
- Delicious kabobs
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Dry or tough meat
- Inconsistent cooking
Often praised
- foodWe had some of the best Mediterranean food I and my wife have had in San Diego. Absolutely everything we ordered was delicious, from drinks to food to dessert. We gave it a 10/10 and will definitely be back often.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around the really good food and sizable portions. The falafel was a standout, described as having a nice crust and soft inside.
- chickenThe restaurant consistently delivers fresh, flavorful, and satisfying food. I was impressed by the high-quality ingredients used, from the perfectly grilled kabobs and tender chicken to the fresh salads and warm, fluffy pita bread. Everything tasted homemade and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- beef kabobThe food and service were nothing short of amazing. I had the beef kabob, and it was incredibly tasty—perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were attentive and friendly, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
- generous portionsIt's one of the best places for a great meal in the area. The establishment is consistently sparkling clean, and the food is absolutely delicious with generous portions. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
- saladI substituted two Koobideh for chicken Kebob. For dine-in, the family platter costs $45 for three chicken skewers, while takeout is $65 for four skewers with salad. It's a delicious spot.
- strawberry date saladThe rice and strawberry date salad are amazing
- Mediterranean foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the highest quality Mediterranean food for a very reasonable price. The dishes are made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
- Mediterranean saladeverything tasted so fresh! 10/10 food
- chicken kabobThe chicken kabob was perfectly grilled, tender, and bursting with flavor.
Frequently criticized
- foodFood was not tge same like Good Mediterranean food
- ricerice was the biggest offender—it was somehow overcooked and undercooked at the same time
- pita breadThe pita bread and regular bread also taste like day old bread.
- chickenwas not impressed by the chicken, it was extremely dry
- kebabpoorly seasoned—the meat was hard to chew and had an unpleasant taste
- mealThe whole meal lacked the usual spice and richness.
- nasty teatasted nasty like it'd gone bad & way too sweet
- shrimpThe shrimp was especially hard to eat.
- Beef Kabob PlateEssentially just the Beef
- Hersheys chocolate syrupHersheys chocolate syrup they put on the plate
If you're seeking a meal with fresh ingredients and generous portions, this place is often a great bet. Just be aware that some experiences mention a lack of flavor or inconsistent cooking, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Service (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
While the overall sentiment for service here leans negative, there are bright spots! Out of 175 customer experiences, 42 highlighted friendly staff and attentive service, with some even praising quick and great service. Specific shout-outs went to servers like Andrew, Kiera, and Andrez for their excellent customer care and dish suggestions.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy. With a score of 3.7 and only 24% customer satisfaction, a significant 125 experiences mentioned slow service, long wait times, and inattentive staff. Some even encountered rude waiters and issues with basic customer care, indicating a clear need for improvement.
Service
175
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
125
negative
8
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceEverything tasted homemade and healthy without sacrificing flavor. The portions are generous, the service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is clean and welcoming. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch, dinner with friends, or even takeout when you want something wholesome and delicious.
- ServiceService = 8 out of 10
- staffstaff is prompt, reliable and friendly
- waiterOur waiter was very accommodating
- Andrew and KieraPraise to Andrew and Kiera who managed a flood of customers
- attentiveHe was very attentive despite the busy lunch time
- crewGreat crew
- customer caresense of urgency and customer care was night and day
- customersmanaged a flood of customers despite being short staffed
- dish suggestionsthe staff gave suggestions on dishes
Frequently criticized
- serviceI’m extremely disappointed by the service my mother and I received during our recent visit. My mother is handicapped, and the lack of care and professionalism from the staff—especially the blonde-haired gentleman at the front—was unacceptable.
- serverone server doing everything and all the others were slacking off
- staffI’m extremely disappointed by the service my mother and I received during our recent visit. My mother is handicapped, and the lack of care and professionalism from the staff—especially the blonde-haired gentleman at the front—was unacceptable. We waited at the host stand for five full minutes, and no one greeted or acknowledged us.
- waiterthe management and the waiter were rude and dismissive
- managementThe worst part is that I called the next day. The lady I spoke with said she would talk to management and call me back after her two days off — and she never called back.
- waiting timeMy mother is handicapped, and the lack of care and professionalism from the staff—especially the blonde-haired gentleman at the front—was unacceptable. We waited at the host stand for five full minutes, and no one greeted or acknowledged us. My mother cannot stand for long periods, so we made the decision to seat ourselves at the nearest available table.
- managerAlex the manger he isn’t be able to handle this place
- attentionWhile the food was excellent, with a rating of 5, the service was lacking. Our waitress was moved to another section, and subsequently, no one checked on us or provided us with the check. This lapse in attention significantly impacted the overall dining experience.
- customer servicecustomer service was not good
- serversthe servers came across as indifferent
Given the low score and satisfaction, service here is a gamble. While some find friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential long waits and inattentiveness. If you prioritize quick, seamless service, you might want to consider other options.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here is quite a mixed bag, leaning towards average with a score of 6.5. Many customers, in 41 positive remarks, really appreciate the great atmosphere and cleanliness of the place. They often mention its a quiet spot with indoor and outdoor seating and even heaters for comfort, making it a spacious and welcoming environment.
However, with customer satisfaction at 63.1%, theres definitely room for improvement. Out of 18 negative comments, some found parking tricky and reported issues like dirty tables or even a sewer smell in the facility. Others noted noisy conditions or dim lighting in outdoor seating, suggesting a less consistent experience for some.
Ambience
65
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
18
negative
6
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean environment
- Quiet, comfortable seating
What people don't like
- Tricky parking
- Unpleasant odors
- Dirty tables
Often praised
- atmosphereEverything tasted homemade and healthy without sacrificing flavor. The portions are generous, the service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is clean and welcoming. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch, dinner with friends, or even takeout when you want something wholesome and delicious.
- cleanlinesspleased with the cleanliness of the restaurant
- parkingthere’s plenty of parking available
- placeMy experience at the restaurant was great. It's a perfect place to go alone or with family. The service was excellent, and the food was very tasty and well-served.
- tablestables are spaced out properly so we didn’t feel crowded
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- delicious spotDelicious spot
- facilityClean, wholesome facility.
- good atmosphereand good atmosphere
- great atmosphereThe Mediterranean salad was also incredibly good. I highly recommend this place for its great atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back for sure.
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe parking can be a little tricky because of its location
- air conditioningNo air conditioning but had fans going
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- bathroomeven the bathroom takes a hit
- broken piece of glassdiscovered a broken piece of glass on her seat
- dirty tablesseveral dirty table that had not been cleared
- facilityfacility unclean and smelly
- glass partitionglass partition surrounding the patio very dirty
- lightingThere’s no light and it’s very dim
- noisythe place is noisy as heck too
If youre looking for a generally clean and often quiet spot with good seating options, this place could be a decent choice. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies with parking, cleanliness, or noise, especially if youre sensitive to those details. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to Value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 and customer satisfaction at 56.7%. Many diners praised the amazing value, finding the prices and plate portions very reasonable. With 17 positive remarks out of 30 total, guests often highlighted the affordable costs for the quality and quantity received, making it a good option for those seeking budget-friendly meals.
However, not everyone was thrilled, with 11 negative comments indicating some felt the food is not cheap and could even be pricey or over-priced. Concerns also arose over extra charges for items like sauce or having a salad on a separate plate, suggesting that while some found it affordable, others encountered unexpected costs that impacted their perception of value.
Value
30
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Good value
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Unexpected extra charges
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the highest quality Mediterranean food for a very reasonable price. The dishes are made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
- pricesThe service is excellent, with staff who are very attentive and quick to ensure all your needs are met. The food is tasty, served in generous portions, and offered at affordable prices. The establishment is also very clean, making it a pleasant place to dine.
- affordable restaurantsthis kind of affordable restaurants
- billthe bill was not bad at all.
- platePaid 20 for my plate
- price per personThe service was great, and the overall atmosphere was also a highlight. I dined with a group of 2 people, and we found the price per person to be between $10–20. We enjoyed our meal in the indoor dining area.
- reasonable priceReally reasonablely priced as well
- totalour total with tax was $38!
- valueAmazing value and quality of entrees
Frequently criticized
- pricefor the price I might have settle for something else
- damaged pantsphotos of the torn pants
- extra chargessauce and pita bread was an extra 2 dollars each
- food is not cheapThe food is not cheap to be receiving this type of service
- over-pricedover-priced, nasty tea
- pricesThe prices were excessively high
- priceyit was also a bit pricey
- reimburse my granddaughterreimburse my granddaughter for her pants
- salad on separate plateThis place is average, and seems the owner has different rules than other locations. For example, we are used to having the salad on a separate plate when ordering our meal, and they wanted to charge us $3 just to have it on a separate plate (quite greedy)…other locations were good with it. Atmosphere is average.
- torn pantsthe glass had torn her pants
If youre looking for generally affordable options and generous portions, youll likely find good value here. Just be mindful of potential extra charges that could make your bill a bit higher than expected.
How are the prices at Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 114 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the restaurants average price point is 31, its interesting to see that a good chunk of diners (over 80 of them!) actually spend less, often in the $11–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to those that push the average up.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 114 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good range for different budgets, so you can enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Meal, Spotless and Generous Portions
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the best places for a great meal in the area. The establishment is consistently sparkling clean, and the food is absolutely delicious with generous portions.
They offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
- great meal9
- sparkling clean10
- food delicious10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Pricey but Disappointing Tea and Salad
I visited this restaurant for the first time this evening. Initially, I thought the amount of food was good, but it was also a bit pricey. I requested my salad dressing on the side, but it arrived drenched, with the lettuce swimming in a sweet dressing.
While I don't mind sweet flavors, I prefer to dip my fork for a subtle taste. I inquired about iced tea, and the server confirmed they had it. Unfortunately, when I added my sweetener, the tea tasted nasty and excessively sweet, as if it had gone bad.
At the end of the meal, I asked if it was peach tea, and the waitress confirmed it was "ginger peach. " I explained that this was why it tasted funny, and she responded, "Oh, you didn't like it, " noting the full glass still on the table. I mentioned it was my first time and no one had informed me about the flavor.
She did not offer to remove it from the bill. Despite this, I still gave a dollar tip, though I honestly felt like not tipping at all to compensate for the over-priced and nasty tea.
- amount of food7
- pricey3
- sweet dressing4
- nasty tea1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely Delicious Chicken Kabob!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Six stars, easily. My experience was fantastic! The chicken kabob was perfectly grilled, tender, and bursting with flavor.
I also enjoyed the strawberry salad, which was crisp, bright, and downright addictive. The flavors were clean and done right. I’ll absolutely be back!
- chicken kabob10
- strawberry salad10
- Clean flavors9
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
1
Horrible Experience, Avoid This Location
I would give zero stars if I could. I do NOT recommend this location at all. We took a guest here for dinner, and this restaurant honestly left us embarrassed.
The moment we walked in, the odor inside was horrible — it smelled like a bathroom and sewage. Because of that, we chose to sit outside on the patio. The food was extremely disappointing.
We ordered koobideh kebabs and they tasted nothing like meat — just pure fat and not fresh at all. My guest couldn’t eat their food, and I ended up sick all night. On top of that, the staff kept carrying large trash bags back and forth while we were eating, and they were mopping and sweeping right next to us without any awareness that people were dining.
The worst part is that I called the next day. The lady I spoke with said she would talk to management and call me back after her two days off — and she never called back.
- odor inside1
- food1
- koobideh kebabs1
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Birthday Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, especially considering it's usually one of my favorites. We came for my grandma’s birthday, and the service was poor. Her food, just a soup, arrived last, and no one ever brought refills.
It was upsetting to see her treated that way on her special day. I hope the service improves because this was very disappointing.
- service2
- food3
What Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- 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
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- 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
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What is the overall dining experience like at Panini Kabob Grill?
Panini Kabob Grill has an overall restaurant score of 5.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 52.4%. While the Food (7.2) is highly rated, Service (3.7) is a notable area for improvement. Ambience (6.5) and Value (5.9) are considered average.
Is the food at Panini Kabob Grill generally well-regarded?
Yes, customers frequently praise the food, highlighting its delicious Mediterranean flavors, high-quality ingredients, and generous portions, including standout items like falafel and chicken kabobs.
What are common concerns customers have about Panini Kabob Grill?
Recurring concerns include inconsistent service, with reports of inattentive staff and long waits. Some customers also noted issues with cleanliness, such as dirty tables, and perceived certain items or prices as high.