Bandar Restaurant

Review summary

1. R

   Reza

   San Diego

   52 reviews

   4.0

   52 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Barg kabob is supposed to be made with filet of beef. It was obvious that this barg was not made with filet since it was tough and not at all tender. Koobideh kabob was good but the best was the chicken kabob.
   

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2. V

   Vika

   San Diego

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   I recently dined at this restaurant with a friend, and I have mixed feelings about the experience. Right off the bat, a 20% service charge was added to our bill but we were a group of two, which left me questioning whether this is standard practice for all guests. I chose this restaurant for its convenient location near Balboa Theater and the Max Amini comedy show, but despite the good food, I felt underwhelmed and a bit ripped off. The cocktail prices weren’t even listed on the menu, which is quite frustrating. Wine prices were high, with nothing available by the glass for under $17. For instance, a bottle of Clos du Bois, which retails for around $8 in grocery stores, was marked up to $44. It felt like they were trying to position themselves as a high-end venue, but the ambiance didn’t reflect that. The service was particularly bothersome. We felt rushed and pressured to order, despite informing our server that we wanted to take our time and enjoy the atmosphere. We decided to share a $20 salad and a $34 lamb shank, but the food arrived before we had even finished our salad. While the lamb shank was served with a delicious tomato broth, there was no spoon or ladle provided. Additionally, we were given tiny dessert forks rather than dinner forks, and when I requested a proper fork, the waiter informed me that this was their standard setting. A teaspoon was also provided, but no knife—quite puzzling. The host greeted us warmly but didn’t go beyond the basics, failing to acknowledge that we were celebrating a birthday, despite my reservation indicating so. There was no offer of a dessert cake or candle, which felt like a missed opportunity to enhance our experience. If you’re looking for a place to grab overpriced food with minimal attention to detail and service, this restaurant might suit you. However, if you value a relaxed dining experience with thoughtful service, you may want to consider other options.
   

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3. V

   Vogt

   Los Angeles

   480 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   480 reviews

   Dined on November 13, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   The martinis we ordered were the smallest martini I have ever been served at $21 a glass. It really is ridiculous. The food overall was very good.
   

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4. A

   Audrey

   Louisville

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on November 11, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was excellent, flavors wonderful! Portion size was huge- I wish I had read reviews first- but we are happily going home with a lot of leftovers. Highly recommend!
   

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5. F

   Frank

   Austin

   19 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   19 reviews

   Dined on November 10, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   The service was slower than most places but friendly. They let me taste a menu item prior to ordering and I was very thankful as I ended up changing my order. It was very noisy so not a good place for a date. The food was bland and way over priced for what you get.
   

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6. E

   Elsie

   St. Louis

   35 reviews

   5.0

   35 reviews

   Dined on October 25, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Superb food served with skill and care! Generous helpings!
   

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7. M

   Maggie

   Austin

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on October 19, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our meal was so delicious, and the service was superb. We will definitely go back soon.
   

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8. A

   Anita

   San Diego

   48 reviews

   5.0

   48 reviews

   Dined on October 18, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Bandar is one of our very favorite restaurants. It is a beautiful restaurant, and the staff and service are friendly and attentive. Of course, the food is superb! Each dish was perfectly seasoned and spiced, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We had the World Famous chicken with is perfectly described, as it deserved to be World Famous! The chicken was perfectly marinated and so tender, and paired perfectly with the rice. The vegetarian dishes were also beautifully spiced and also quite hearty. Each dish is beautifully presented. We are already looking forward to our next dining experience at Bandar!
   

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9. F

   Fulvio

   San Diego

   11 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on October 16, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Very welcoming and accommodating staff. The lamb chops were tasty although some of them were burnt in parts. Also, the accompanying rice had crunchy burnt pieces scattered through. The baklava is always a treat. Not to mention the house wine. Additionally, it would be great if the air dryer in the restroom would once and for all be replaced with a paper towel dispenser.
   

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10. P

    Pedro

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    I have been coming here when in San Diego for 24 years, and it never disappoints. You know it’s a good restaurant when the owner greets returning customers with a hug as they arrive. We saw this several times as we ate our dinner. A lot of love goes into their food and service.
    

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