As a Persian restaurant, Sadaf is independently owned, family operated and is distinctive amongst all other restaurants in downtown. Along with the quality of our food, holding a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy is critical us. We have been in San Diego for over 30 years and offer a soothing and relaxing environment for our customers to dine as well as a lively and upbeat environment as the night goes on. We always have fantastic specials and it is essential that our customers feel welcome and leave happy!
Kebabs & other Persian standards in an unpretentious brick-lined space, plus sidewalk seating. Based on 535 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
828 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 338-0008
Website:
Hours
| Friday |
11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday |
11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday |
11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11:30 AM–9 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday |
11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday |
11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday |
11:30 AM–9 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: sandiegosadaf.com
Reviews
Bisma Khan
We were visiting San Diego and we decided to try this Persian Restaurant in Gas Lamp. The spinach borani and falafel were delicious and I decided to go for it and got the soltani. I did not regret it all. Only order if you’re super hungry like i was. It’s a big plate, but i enjoyed it. I also want to compliment the waiter we had. I cant remember his name unfortunately, but he was nice and funny. He even recommended us to go to the convention center where we can overlook the harbor and watch the sunset. We wouldnt have had that experience if it wasnt for him.
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Tom Bleicher
Always a stop when the Esri User Conference is in town! Sadaf is a small family owned restaurant that’s been in business since 1990! They survived COVID, and that’s no surprise to me! Their food is always outstanding! I usually get the beef koobideh or the chicken shish kabob and an iced tea. The fresh grilled vegetables and rice are always so tasty. Service is usually a little slow but staff is always so friendly and they are attentive! I love this place and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Indian cuisine.
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Moiz Arif
The chicken kebob was seasoned nicely and the vegetables were smoked just fine. The chicken gravy could use some spices and an increased portion size would be good.
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Patrick Mederos
This is the first Persian restaurant I have been to that doesn’t have sumac shaker. The food was excellent and delicious but a bit pricy. No option to get a combo (beef and lamb. Or beef and chicken) but regardless the meal was extremely yummy! We got the hummus, the koobideh and the boneless lamb. The rice was mouthwatering and the meat was extremely flavorsome. Even if I tried my absolute hardest, I would never be able to replicate the tasty delectable food I ate here at this restaurant.. Big thanks and Props to the chef !!!
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Max Kamali
I love to give them more stars as an Iranian but it won’t be the truth. Their koobedeh was dry, chicken wasn’t juicy, mahicheh had a tomato’s taste and we had to order more rice since the portion wasn’t Iranian standard. I don’t provide the review to discredit any place rather than informing the consumers and owner to be informed. Cheers
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Scott Sheppard
I’ve been to Sadaf many times and with each visit I love this special little place more and more. The food is always very unique and exceptional with a combination of flavors that are second to none. I would recommend a plate of their superb kabobs which are cooked to perfection. A special shout out as well to our waiter Cyrus. I’ve eaten all over the world but Cyrus gave the best service I’ve ever had. He was warm, friendly, very knowledgeable about the menu and a sheer delight. We will definitely return again.
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Vinnie M
Came around 2pm and the food was wonderful, and the service was great! Although, we ordered lemonade and it was very sour. We weren’t big on the door being open because it let flies in and you could hear shouting outside. I would recommend coming for dinner rather than lunch.
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fm1844
Inexpensive Persian food in heart if 5th st.
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Azin Majidi
The restaurant itself was so cold and humid, it had such a bad smell the moment we arrived!!
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s h
Disgusting imitation of Persian food, its just greasy Indian buttered chicken posing as Persian food!! There was so much butter with what I imaging is fake saffron! Save your money and your heart from grease!!!
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