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Bandar Restaurant Reviews List
Bandar Restaurant
About Us
Bandar is the proud recipient of many awards since 1996. Rated excellent by Zagat Survey, Awarded Best Service, and voted as the Best Persian, Ethnic, Dinning, and International Cuisine. Bandar’s Menu is exotic, healthy and offers a wide variety of prime steaks, World Famous Chicken, Seafood, and vegetarian selections.
What the Critics Have to Say
“If I had to choose only one restaurant in town in which to eat at every night this might be the one.” -Eleanor Widmer
“Bandar a taste of Persian Perfection.” -Robin Kleven-Union Tribune
“Recognized as one of the area’s Top Restaurants rated excellent.”
-Zagat Survey
“Bandar is a winner no doubt about it.” -W. Douglas Verkaaik-SD Union Tribune
“The best chicken I have had all year long was at Bandar.” -Stephen Silverman-KPBS Radio
See more Bandar Restaurant details
Bandar is the proud recipient of many awards since 1996. Rated excellent by Zagat Survey, Awarded Best Service, and voted as the Best Persian, Ethnic, Dinning, and International Cuisine. Bandar’s Menu is exotic, healthy and offers a wide variety of prime steaks, World Famous Chicken, Seafood, and vegetarian selections.
What the Critics Have to Say
“If I had to choose only one restaurant in town in which to eat at every night this might be the one.” -Eleanor Widmer
“Bandar a taste of Persian Perfection.” -Robin Kleven-Union Tribune
“Recognized as one of the area’s Top Restaurants rated excellent.”
-Zagat Survey
“Bandar is a winner no doubt about it.” -W. Douglas Verkaaik-SD Union Tribune
“The best chicken I have had all year long was at Bandar.” -Stephen Silverman-KPBS Radio
38 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 38 reviews
5 stars
(11)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- romantic(11)
- special occasion(11)
- fit for foodies(10)
- good for groups(10)
- neighborhood gem(8)
- late-night find(6)
Bandar Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"excellent food great service first time here had a good experience"
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bandar is not just a "good"
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bandar is not just a "good" restaurant. It is an outstanding dining experience. I just love the reactions of the friends I take to Bandar the first time they taste the food and experience the "Bandar Magic". Hope San Diego never loses this dining treasure."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The space was tight. We were
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The space was tight. We were all squeezed in a tight space. Very uncomfortable. We were not able to have any conversation."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
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Review 4 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful food, friendly staff,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful food, friendly staff, beautiful restaurant. The serving size is large, so you might want to share."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I'd never had Persian food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I'd never had Persian food before, but it won't be the last time! Everything sounded delectable, and we ordered several appetizers as well as main courses--far too much food, but worth the caloric overload! Avocado hummus was rich and creamy, shallot dip light and flavorful, and the eggplant appetizer simply heavenly, with subtle spice. I can recommend the chicken with black cherry rice--an amazing mix of deep and sweet/tart flavors. Service was friendly, setting reasonably comfortable. Would recommend highly!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2009
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Review 6 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It had been 13 years since
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It had been 13 years since we had been to Bandar. The food is still great and the rice is incredible. I highly recommend the combo app. It includes hummus, eggplant dip, a cucumber dip, the best feta cheese, and olives. It easily fed 4. Portions here are large. The staff was helpful and responsive. Don't miss out on the baklava and Persian tea for dessert."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 7 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Over all was not satisfied
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Over all was not satisfied with this place. Food is ok, didn't like wine list at all, who ever made it had no idea what he was doing.
Save your money, go to different place"
Save your money, go to different place"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2012
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Review 8 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The fesenjan (pomegranate-walnut
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The fesenjan (pomegranate-walnut stew) with chicken was superb. The lamb shank tends to be a bit fatty and salty."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 9 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Waiters were friendly and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Waiters were friendly and informative. Portions were large but delicious. Overall, great meal."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic
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Review 10 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent ambiance...loved
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent ambiance...loved it..we were here for our first anniversarry and they made the night very special for us! Recommended it to our friends already!!"
Dined on 03/04/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Overpriced bland food, not
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overpriced bland food, not presented with flair."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic
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Review 12 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I had reservations
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I had reservations for Valentines day. The food was fantastic but due to the busy night the service was less than great. We will return, the food is to good to pass up."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Review 13 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I enjoy going to Bandar,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I enjoy going to Bandar, good food, good service. Added bonus, I never have to worry about Bandar being a let down for a romantic dinner."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Flavourless food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We tried Bandar twice before, and I remember the food being good. However, this time, the food was flavourless, bland, and not cooked properly. The restaurant seemed to have lost its Persian authenticity. The only thing that was good was the Must-o-Museer appetizer. Bagali polo (rice with dill and lima beans) tasted overcooked and mushy and no taste of the dill whatsoever. I would not go back, unfortunately. I love Persian food and I will be on the look out for a different Persian restaurant. The lamb kebob was overcooked and tough, plus flavourless. Disappointing overall."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
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Review 15 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very impressed by quality
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very impressed by quality as well as quantity...hard to find these days!"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
To die for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The best (and biggest) most tender and juicy filet I have ever had!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely night at Bandar
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time at Bandar and we really enjoyed it. My husband and I each ordered a glass of wine, and we shared our appitizer and meal because other reviews noted the large portions.
Appetizer: Dolmeh
On the plate, there were four LARGE pieces on top of a generous helping of yogurt. The appetizer itself was delicious.
On the plate, there were four LARGE pieces on top of a generous helping of yogurt. The appetizer itself was delicious.
Dinner: Lamb Chops
For sure, this is a meal to share. A bed of white rice was topped with saffron rice. The four chops were placed to the side with a grilled tomato. Although the tomato seemed out of place, the meal with quite generous and delicious.
For sure, this is a meal to share. A bed of white rice was topped with saffron rice. The four chops were placed to the side with a grilled tomato. Although the tomato seemed out of place, the meal with quite generous and delicious.
My only negative note would be that we ordered the chops to be med-rare and it came out medium. No pink at all.
Excellent service and nice decor."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Their kabobs are wonderful!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Their kabobs are wonderful! The portions are huge! Easily a plate can be shared between two people. When we have brought our kids we have shared a plate between 3 kids. The chicken is so flavorful and tender. Only thing was the price was misprinted in the Restaurant Week Advertisement. However I got exactly what I wanted with my side for less then the $40 advertised fixed price. I took home over half my meal so I did not have any room for dessert, though they looked yummy."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Immaculate!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Bandar is a very good, up-scale and elegant restaurant and the menu's are sumptuous and Inviting. Highly Recommended for Quality family dinner's & Occasions!!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Bandar Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The good and service were
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The good and service were ok. Nothing amazing and definitely not worth the prices even with restaurant week. If it was cheaper I would say its worth it."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2012
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bandar Restaurant
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate