Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant image

Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant

Restaurant Catering service Vegetarian restaurant Vegan restaurant Halal restaurant Persian restaurant Afghani restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Halal restaurants in San Diego


Address

523 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Website

khyberpasszarparan.com

Contact

(619) 294-7579

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (946 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (13) time (12) restaurant (11) service (11) lamb (10) Diego (10) Afghan (9) recommend (9) rice (9) amazing (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Omar R. 2 years ago on Google
    The food here is amazing, for the entrees. i highly suggest getting any of the chicken or beef kabob plates. The lamb was decent as well but not as good as the others which had a more fresh full taste to them. The Mantu appetizer was not bad but could of been better, the ground beef wasnt very flavorful. Now the reason i take away 1 star is because of the experience checking in. We wanted to sit outside on one of the 4 person tables that had a better view, my wife was pregnant and we didnt want to the in the tiny 2 person table in the middle next to the door. The guy in front told us we cant its only reserved for parties of 3 or more people. But was afternoon time and the restaurant was EMPTY. Acutally, not a single customer came in during the hour we were there. Tip to management: something small as giving a customer a bigger table if they ask,(especially when your restaurant was empty) would go a long way in your restaurants overall experience for them.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine R. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good! The food was delicious and came out quickly. We had the Bolani, Boneless Chicken Kabob and Afghan Chicken Curry. High quality ingredients - the meat especially was excellent.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Teri T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food. We had a variety of dishes and ended up with enough food for another meal as the portions are generous. The Greek salad was definitely enough for two and best part for me, the dressing was light. The lamb dish was excellent. Both of us ordered takeout food for our respective families, and mine love it. I will go again and take friends.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sarah 1 year ago on Google
    First the neighbor that the resturant is in, is really nice. It’s in the hill crest area which is a very lively neighborhood and it’s filled with restaurants, bars and others. The owner seems to be very active within the resturant and they are very welcoming, nice and they make the best recommendation for food. The food is really delicious, and clean. The Kabob is very juicy and fresh (my food partner says so). The Fassingon (sp) sauce is really good, very homey. They add a balanced amount of flavor, walnut and oils. One of the restaurants that one have to go back to even though we have so many options around it but this one is extremely unique. The decor is really nice, and have vibrant blue so pictures will look good lol, chairs are uncomfortable but I mean it’s a resturant and rarely find restaurants with good seats which I understand why :D I totally recommend visiting it for a Persian bite.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen M. 10 months ago on Google
    I recently visited Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant in San Diego and I must say, it was a delightful experience. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The decor is simple yet elegant, with traditional Afghan touches that add to the overall charm. Now, let's talk about the food. The menu offers a wide variety of Afghan dishes, each bursting with flavor and spices. I highly recommend the lamb kebab, which was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. The naan bread was also a standout, with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The service at Khyber Pass Zarparan was top-notch. The staff was friendly and attentive, always making sure we had everything we needed. Our waiter even took the time to explain the different dishes and their origins, which added to the overall experience. Overall, I would highly recommend Khyber Pass Zarparan to anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Afghan dining experience. The food, atmosphere, and service are all top-notch, making it a must-visit restaurant in San Diego.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nothing to complain about ... Everything was excellent. The staff was friendly, nice ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating. The spices, flavors and aromas of the food were amazing! The portions were generous. We started with the appetizer plate to share. It was more than enough for four. ($14). I ordered #32. Very tender lamb, (or you can get chicken), in a zesty stew like sauce served with basmati rice that was perfumed with cinnamon, cardamon, anise and clove. On top the rice were caramelized shaved carrots with raisins and currents. Excellent! ($20). I left with half of it. Next time I might try sharing some of the items including the entree just to sample more flavors. Save room for the Baklava (2 pieces $4) or the saffron, rose water ice cream with pistachio. ($7). In case you haven't noticed it was all very affordable! I'd you are vegetarian, there are lots of options for you here!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Taylor E. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was amazing! Our waiter was too. He gave us a history of the dishes we were eating, tracing them back to Afghanistan. Very high quality meal and well prepared. I had the lamb. My lady had the chicken (but she kept eating my lamb). I also had the bolina as an appetizer - if you don't know what that is, just order it anyway! You must try it. We will be going again! There are many other things on the menu still that I would love to try.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MD Yasser K. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was amazing! We tried bolani, beef shish kabob and kabuli polau with lamb. All the dishes were super tasty. Spice level was perfect . The kabob and meat were well cooked , soft and juicy. If we visit San Diego again , we will definitely try this place again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael M. 2 years ago on Google
    We have never tried Afghani food before and had a great first introduction! Our waiter gave us tons of recommendations and helped us pick out a well rounded meal. We loved all of the food we tried! This is a wonderful date night spot!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rizwan Q. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a true find. Excellent friendly service . Juicy kabobs with kabulai rice takes you back. Ambience was top notch as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tommy C. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow! Love it! Friendly staff and yummy meat! I highly recommend this place to bring your wife, tinder date, kids, dad and ma It’s good…
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Hedayat H. 2 years ago on Google
    Our family went and had lunch on August 10, 2021. I have a family of 6 people with wife and four children. Here are the pluses and minuses from our experience: Pluses: The food was super good. We asked the owner/attendant to prepare all the meals in a family pack (rice on one dish, kabobs on separate dish), and he did that for us. That was great. The food timing wasn't bad at all, location and parking was good. Minuses: This place is super expensive. I mean super expensive and we all felt all the charges were very unfair and exuberant. For example, they charged us for a single can of coke $3. Their kabob entrees DO NOT include any salad or bread (non), which we found it extremely rare given this is an Afghani restaurant. The worst part is that on top of being presented with a very high bill, they charged us the maximum of 18% service charge. I have always maintained that it should be the option with the patron to pay tip, not the other way around. The restaurants should not run customers away. If it weren't for this service charge and other cost items, I would have given a five star.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bruce M. 8 months ago on Google
    Their aush soup is the best soup ever! The aushak (leek filled dumplings) is also superb. The vegetarian platter is as tasty as it is pretty. We're not vegetarians, but we become vegetarians at Khyber Pass.

  • 5/5 Savana H. 1 year ago on Google
    One word might sum up the tastiness of the flavors here- scrumptious! I wish we had places to eat like this in Texas! The dish I got had beef in pasta shells with yogurt and peas, amongst an assortment of delightful flavors I’ve never before tasted!

  • 5/5 shanza r. 5 months ago on Google
    This place was the best. We had a lovely time and the food was delicious! The host was extremely hospitable. We had kublai plao and beef kabob! It is a MUST go place!

  • 5/5 Bill M. 5 months ago on Google
    Always love eating at Khyber Pass when visiting San Diego. I went went with the Lamb kebab and the flavored rice. Extremely yummy and massive. Service is always super friendly and attentive. If you are in the area, go, you won’t be sorry.

  • 5/5 Shadi S. 4 months ago on Google
    Best Afghan-Persian/Iranian food I had in San Diego! The staff (Mr. Cyrus) were such stars. The chefs too because the chicken & beef kabobs melted in my mouth and the Qabuli Polo with lamb was just so tasty and rich. The atmosphere takes you places and the doogh (carbonated yoghurt drink) was cool and fresh. Definitely a must-go in Dan Diego. The service is great too because we were a table of 15 people and everyone got their orders on time, hot and correctly associated.

  • 5/5 Stefan 5 months ago on Google
    One of the best meals I’ve had this year. So much flavor, great portions, and unique ingredients. Also they are so friendly and welcoming. Excited to try their Persian dishes next time.

  • 5/5 Leticia 7 months ago on Google
    Went here on a Thursday night and really enjoyed myself. The food was absolutely delicious and fresh tasting. The service was quick and hospitable. I will definitely come back. I have the rice with a cherry sauce. It was so so good.

  • 5/5 Alisson S. 1 year ago on Google
    That is one of my favourite restaurants of San Diego, I have been there three times and I never can get enough. The service is great and the atmosphere is very nice. The menu has a lot of option with an affordable price. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Maryam J. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a family owned gourmet restaurant. Excellent food, fantastic service, and very professional staff. They work hard to serve our community. They were open on Christmas Day while other places were closed. The food is fresh, delicious and owner is very friendly. They know how to run a business. Stop by and treat yourself to a homey meal.

  • 5/5 A T. 8 months ago on Google
    Simply delish! Got the Royal Kabob Combo Plate with flavored rice and the Afghan Lamb Curry. The appetizer Bolani was so good!

  • 5/5 Sara J. 1 year ago on Google
    I came here for Mantu, wow! I had their lamb in apricot sauce its so amazing and unique taste (not pictured), also, their lamb and beef kabobs are cooked to perfection! I recommend their rice with the raisins.

  • 4/5 Austin C. 1 year ago on Google
    If you have a craving for some Middle Eastern food, I would recommend this place. Even though we did not know most of the foods, the waiter was patient to explain and recommend meals based on what we wanted. Just a heads up, the Kachaloo Chalao has fruits(says it on the menu). Unfortunately, my buddy was unable to enjoy it since he said it tasted a little too fruity and weird. Also, the house doogh did not taste good. It was our first time, which may be a factor as well. This place charges an automatic 18% gratuity; there's a sign that says so. However, after paying, there's still an option to include gratuity. I guess you don't necessarily have to, but if people don't notice the automatic deduction, they may tip twice. Not that it's the fault of the restaurant. I would recommend this place. The food was great.

  • 5/5 Trending N. 1 year ago on Google
    I really like this restaurant. I always order the game hen which is pictured here. It's seasoned perfectly and cooked to the point that it is juicy and tender. It comes with a side of rice. The restaurant atmosphere is quiet which I also enjoy. Service is friendly but can be a tad bit slow.

  • 3/5 Mohammad A. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was great. Portions were average. However, the AC was turned off, so you keep sweating while eating. Also, they force you to pay 18% gratuity without giving you the option to choose.

  • 4/5 Gustavo P. 2 years ago on Google
    We were in this neighborhood for the first time buying a hat. Hillcrest has a lot of food options that it seems great area to explore. We decided to try Afghan because we like middle eastern food a lot. We ordered a kind of mezze platter, a Afghan curry with shrimp and another with okra. The food is really good and the portions are big. The owner was really attentive and explained us a lot about Afghan culture. It's a solid four star place. Totally recommended

  • 5/5 Nelson V. 1 year ago on Google
    Just had an amazing meal here! Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. You could feel the love in the food. I will return here for many more meals. Fantastic

  • 5/5 Eileen G. 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite restaurant to dine every time we visit San Diego. The food is delicious and the service is always wonderful. We will continue to come back and eat at this amazing restaurant every time we visit San Diego.

  • 5/5 Jawad 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious food and the owner is really friendly. Best afghani cuisine in San Diego.

  • 5/5 Nothing M. 2 years ago on Google
    Khyber Pass Zarparan is absolutely amazing. The food is perfectly prepared and served by world-class staff. The dining is clean and extremely beautiful. I would recommend Lamb Curry. Prices are very reasonable and competitive. Enjoy!

  • 5/5 Josh 2 years ago on Google
    Me and my boyfriend came here for the first time because we wanted to try something new. We have never had Afghan food, so we asked the guy working and we went with what he suggested. He was so nice and took his time to explain the dishes. The portions were big and the food was so good! You have to try this place!


Call (619) 294-7579 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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