Sindbad Restaurant in San Diego: A Taste of Iraq in California
Iraqi-owned eatery serves grilled dishes, burgers, and traditional mandi to the local community.
In the heart of San Diego, California, Sindbad Restaurant has become a local favorite for Middle Eastern cuisine. Opened about a year ago, the restaurant is owned by Hummam, an entrepreneur originally from Iraq.
Sindbad’s menu offers a flavorful mix of dishes, blending traditional Iraqi and Arabian Gulf flavors with more familiar American staples. Customers can enjoy charcoal-grilled meats, juicy hamburgers, the slow-cooked rice-and-meat dish known as mandi, and a variety of other regional specialties.
The restaurant has quickly attracted a diverse clientele, from Middle Eastern expatriates seeking the tastes of home to American food lovers eager to try authentic flavors. With its warm hospitality and generous portions, Sindbad has become more than just a dining spot—it’s a small cultural bridge connecting San Diego to Baghdad.
Food reviewers and community members alike have praised the restaurant for its fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and balance between authenticity and accessibility. In a city known for its culinary diversity, Sindbad stands out as one of the few places offering a full Iraqi menu, making it an important part of San Diego’s growing Arab food scene.
