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Bandar Restaurant

825 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101-6121
Phone: (619) 238-0101
Citysearch
Price:
$$
Cross Street:
F Street
Best of Citysearch:
Group Dining 2007
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm , Sat-Sun 11:30am-11:30pm

Message from Bandar Restaurant

Bandar Restaurant

Voted Best Persian restaurant in San Diego for 10 years

  • Good for groups
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Lunch and dinner

In San Diego, Farahani used his architectural skills to remodel Historic Building #16 in the downtown Gaslamp District to create a restaurant with a cool, contemporary look. Because the site was historical, many restrictions were imposed. For example, he could not tear down an original brick wall. Instead, he and his wife, Shokooh, washed every brick by hand. They plastered the other walls, painted them white, and added flattering indirect lighting from olumnar lamps.

But ambiance alone does not make diners return. Bandar prepares the finest Persian food in the city (36 dishes). Bold flavors such as garlic, onion, dill, and mint predominate, adding up to impressions of complexity and intrique rather than spicy heat. Service is fast and attentive and prices are reasonable.

Paid advertisement by Bandar Restaurant.

Editorial Review for Bandar Restaurant – by Amy Eddo

In Short
A Middle-Eastern oasis in the heart of the Gaslamp, Bandar Restaurant serves traditional Persian fare in a sleek, simplistic setting. Modern décor and white washed brick walls aren't telling of this establishment's ethnic cuisine, but the rich aroma of spices tell a different story. For a refreshing start, order the yogurt dip with cucumber and mint. Known for Kabobs, the filet mignon or chicken marinated in saffron lemon sauce are served with Basmati rice.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Save Time

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Parking

Figure in the time it will take to find parking in San Diego's crowded Gaslamp Quarter.

Save Money

From 11:30-3 Monday through Friday enjoy lunch items which cost less than dinner entrees.

User Reviews for Bandar Restaurant

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

06/22/2008 Posted by sandiegosun

Extremely disappointing experience dining at Bandar. The service staff have ghost like attitude and never write anything down adding insult to injury. The food lacks care and has steam table qualities shouting from it. It is apparent from the pricing of both dinner and wine list menus that rent is very high at their location. Some how the restaurant feels its customers have to pay its high rent and get none in return. The place looks tired and on its last limb. An old article in the menu is a perfect example that Bandar remains in the past. This was restaurant week in San Diego. When are you going to step it up?

Pros: Location. In the GasLamp Quarters

Cons: Sub Standard Food and Service, Pooe attitude

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

12/30/2007 Posted by sovi

The waiters, hostess and busboys are all very rude. There are no apologies for poor service, long waits for food. For example, drink refills are allowed but higly frowned upon and take about 45 minutes to arrive to your table after you ask 3 times.. After your second drink refill they will impolitely notify you that the next one will have to be paid for. No smiles, lots of attitude.

Pros: easy to walk in and get a table

Cons: service, service, service

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Editor's Review

Succulent beef and poultry offerings seasoned with Middle-Eastern flavors of garlic, onion and saffron draw kabob enthusiasts to this quiet, downtown dining room.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Save Time

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Pay garage
  • Metered street
  • Valet

Hours

  • Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm
  • Sat-Sun 11:30am-11:30pm

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • Discover
  • Cash
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • MasterCard

Cuisines

  • Indian
  • Middle Eastern

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Open 7 Days
  • Romantic Dining
  • Business Dining
  • Dine at the Bar
  • Bar Scene
  • Outdoor Dining
  • People Watching
  • Special Occasion Dining
  • Date Spot
  • Fine Dining
  • Theater District Dining
  • Valet Parking
  • Quiet
  • Group Dining

Recognition for Bandar Restaurant

2007 Audience Winner - Group Dining

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