Tahini Authentic Middle Eastern Street Food

9119 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite H, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
+1 858-779-3272
$$$ Middle Eastern restaurant
(1401 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of San Diego, make sure to carve out time for a visit to Tahini Authentic Middle Eastern Street Food. Nestled conveniently at 9119 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite H, this culinary gem offers a delicious dive into authentic Middle Eastern flavors that are sure to satisfy any craving.

At Tahini, the menu is a vibrant celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine. One standout item is the MTW - Mother of The World pita, featuring house-made falafel, fresh veggies, and a swirl of their signature tahini sauce, expertly crafted to create a harmonious explosion of flavors for just $14.45. Customer favorites like the OG Steak Shawarma, enveloped in a warm, fluffy pita with a zesty parsley mix, are equally tempting and speak to the deep-rooted traditions of Syrian street food.

The family packs, a new addition at Tahini, are perfect for gatherings, featuring a choice of protein alongside yellow basmati rice, refreshing tomato cucumber salad, and house-baked pita—all for a reasonable $65. Picture sharing this delightful array with loved ones; it elevates any meal into a memorable celebration.

For those seeking a lighter bite or creative snacking, the Zaatar Pita Chips and the enticing Tahini Fries topped with colorful veggies and feta cheese are delicious choices that invite you to indulge and explore. As many customers have shared, the freshness of the food here is paramount, reflecting the culinary dedication and authenticity that defines Tahini. Teena Malicsi, a loyal visitor, attests to the impressive freshness, stating that every meal becomes a delightful experience, especially her favorite "make my own bowl."

The dining atmosphere at Tahini is both inviting and lively. With a blend of indoor and outdoor seating, you can easily choose between an energized environment or a more relaxed space to enjoy your meal. Family-friendly and accommodating, the staff, like Moody, ensure a warm welcome that enhances the overall dining experience. Customers like Lakmal Antony note the consistent quality and the upbeat vibe, making Tahini a favorite spot to return to regularly.

Though the food is typically met with rave reviews, some diners have reported mixed experiences with items like the beef sambusa. However, the consensus remains that the majority of dishes showcase the passion and craftsmanship behind each plate.

With its dedication to authenticity and friendly service, Tahini Authentic Middle Eastern Street Food stands out in San Diego’s bustling culinary scene. Each visit promises an adventure across flavors and aromas that embody the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. Don't miss this chance to treat your taste buds to something truly special!

For reservations or inquiries, feel free to contact them at +1 858-779-3272.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

1401 Reviews
Teena Malicsi

14 Sep 2025

Whenever I take a trip down to San Diego, I always look forward to dining at this fantastic restaurant. The freshness of the food is truly impressive, making every meal a delightful experience. My personal favorite dish is the "make my own bowl," where I can customize my ingredients to perfection. Each component is seasoned just right, creating a harmonious explosion of flavors with every bite. Today was particularly special, as I had the opportunity to chat with one of the owners, Moody. He is an incredibly friendly gentleman, exuding warmth and hospitality. I expressed my thoughts to him, mentioning how much I would love to see a location open up in Oceanside. He listened attentively, and it was clear he values customer feedback, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Jeff Cooperhouse

05 Sep 2025

Great Middle Eastern food from Tahini! We ordered the esquire pita, build your own pita sandwich, beef sambusa. All tasted really good. Loved the restaurant decor and ambiance. Very friendly staff. Indoor and outdoor seating. You can also put in your order online for pick up or delivery. Recommend.

Andrew Wells

27 Jul 2025

An excellent experience. I went in super hungry, told the guy at the cashier what kind of food I normally like and he made a tailored recommendation for me. Then I got the food and it was delicious! It's simple fresh deliciously seasoned food. It's the kind of local spot where when someone asks you, "Hey why don't we go to [chain restaurant]" you respond, "Why would we go there when we can go to Tahini for less money and have better food?!?" Cannot recommend this place enough.

s s

20 Jul 2025

I ordered a steak rice bowl with lettuce and tomato, it was fresh and juicy. It was the first time I eat middle east food. I love it. A restaurant staff was kind for me who don't know any menu, how to order. Every seat is clean. Almost perfect but there was just 1 problem, water server was empty, so I was able to get brock ice.

Lydia Chu

01 Jul 2025

I visited Tahini in San Diego around 11:30 AM, and it was already busy, which shows how popular it is. The food was amazing! I think they make their own pita bread, and everything tasted so fresh. I ordered the M.T.W., and it was delicious. My daughter got the Esquire Pita, and she absolutely loved it. Great flavors and a lively atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back!

Mai Youssef

28 Jun 2025

It was the first time to visit, it’s a good place, the vibes and the service is great. We ordered shawarma chicken and steak, the food wasn’t not bad but the garlic sauce was so weird we didn’t like it. The big issue was with the samosas, I got the beef one it was horrible. The beef has no taste and the dough was burned with better taste. We paid around $80 for 4 orders which is a little bit pricey regarding the quality. I just wanted to edit my review to thank the Restaurant owner who contacted me and tried to make everything right. I explained all of my experience and he was very professional and helpful. He also offered me a gift card . Thank you so much and I know you will be very successful.

Dave T

09 Jun 2025

I haven't been to Tahini for 5 years. They were so successful they moved into the space where the Japanese restaurant used to be. The meat stacks are made fresh daily. It's an order at the counter type place, quick service and a great spot for lunch. No alcohol but they have sodas

Lakmal Antony

30 May 2025

I’ve been coming here since 2017, The food has always been consistent. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly, and the music is always vibes. Every time I fly back into San Diego and I’m driving home, I always stop by because it’s gonna be a good meal. Moody the owner is a great guy, I have nothing but high praises for this place.

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