Established in 1998, Darband Restaurant was born from a passion to bring the rich, time-honored flavors of Persian cuisine to the heart of San Diego. What began as a humble kitchen has grown into a beloved local gem, known for its authentic dishes, warm hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere. For over two decades, we’ve taken pride in sharing the tastes of Iran—one flavorful bite at a time.
Restaurant
Darband Restaurant in San Diego, CA, is a hidden gem offering a delightful blend of Persian/Iranian cuisine.
Dine In
Darband Restaurant exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
Delivery
Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without ever leaving home with fast and reliable delivery.
Catering
Planning a special event or gathering? Elevate your occasion with authentic Persian catering.
Our main meals
The menu at Darband Restaurant is a testament to the rich flavors and traditional dishes of Iran. From appetizers like Maust-o-Khiar, Kashk-e-Bademjan, and Dolmeh to lunch specials like Chicken Kabob and Cornish Hen Kabob, each dish is prepared with care and expertise.
Why we are proud
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Over 30 years of history
Proudly serving Downtown San Diego with authentic Persian flavors rooted in generations of culinary heritage.
Exceptional cuisine
Experience rich, time-honored recipes made with fresh ingredients and bold spices, straight from our kitchen.
Over 2000 positive reviews
With over 2,000 glowing reviews, our guests keep coming back for the food, the warmth, and the unforgettable experience.
Authentic Interior Design
Two levels
Persian mini mart
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Authentic Interior Design
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Two levels
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Persian mini mart
History behind the scenes
Persian Restaurant
Since 1998
Chef Recommended
Our meals we are proud of
Salmon kabobs
One skewer of juicy salmon kabob, served with basmati rice and garden salad.
Koobideh kabob
One skewer of ground sirloin, served with basmati rice and garden salad.
Okra stew
Mixture of baby imported okra, cooked with onion, spices in a tomato sauce and finished up with pomegranate molasses.
Ghormeh sabzi
Sautéed chopped fresh vegetables and herbs (parsley, green onion, cilantro and chives) cooked with sun-dried limes, red kidney beans and BEEF, served with basmati rice.
“ Had an amazing time at Darband Restaurant! If you’re in San Diego and looking to try authentic Persian cuisine, this place is a must.
I got the combination platter with chicken and Shah kabab, and both were cooked perfectly so juicy, flavorful, and just hit the spot. Can’t even explain how good it was, you gotta try it yourself!
Also, their self-service tea 🫖 Smelled incredible and tasted just as good 😌 strong and full of flavor. Definitely coming back! Oh, and the decor and vibe? Totally picture-worthy! ”
“ Halal Kababs and mediterranean food.
We ordered-
The Darbaand special ( I think) -
It had beef kabob, ground sirloin kabob, chicken kabob, and came with rice and grilled veggies. The platter can be easily shared among 2/3 people.9/10
Hummus - 7/10, it comes with bread. They should give more bread.
Overall, the food was fresh, delicious, and flavorful. Do visit if you can.
The bathrooms were clean, but i wish they had kept a bidet as they are a halal restaurant. ”
“ We recently had the pleasure of dining at Darband in Little Italy, located in downtown San Diego. The experience was nothing short of amazing. Our server, Hussein, was outstanding - his service was both warm and professional. The food is a highlight, offering a symphony of flavors in every bite. The meat dishes stand out for their superb quality and taste, and the appetizers, especially the hummus, are simply delightful. Every dish we tried was fresh, tasty, and well-prepared. Darband is a gem that provides a memorable dining experience, leaving us completely satisfied. Highly recommend for a taste of excellence! ”