Bisbas Restaurant

  4.8 – 156 reviews   • Mediterranean restaurant

Social Profile:

Authentic Somali restaurant in San Diego’s Rolando Park/College Area. Savor halal East African cuisine featuring aromatic spices, tender meats, fresh seafood, traditional rice platters, and savory stews. Upscale dining blending Somali tradition with modern elegance. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, and group celebrations. Experience Somalia’s rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality. Enjoy vegetarian options and unique Somali tea. Spacious dining room with modern decor. Catering available for events. Conveniently located at 6511 University Ave, minutes from SDSU. Easy parking. Wheelchair accessible. Opening Fall 2024. Come for the flavors, stay for the stories.

✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery Bisbas Restaurant 92115

Hours

Saturday2–10 PM
Sunday2–10 PM
Monday2–10 PM
Tuesday2–10 PM
Wednesday2–10 PM
Thursday2–10 PM
Friday2–10 PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 6511 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115

Phone: (619) 310-6236

Website:

Menu Photos

Related Web Results

Bisbas Restaurant (@eatatbisbas) · San Diego, CA – Instagram

1164 Followers, 131 Following, 145 Posts – Bisbas Restaurant (@eatatbisbas) on Instagram: “Authentic Somali cuisine Bold flavors • Rich culture • Halal …

Order Bisbas Restaurant – San Diego – DoorDash

Get delivery or takeout from Bisbas Restaurant at 6511 University Ave in San Diego. Order online and track your order live. No delivery fee on your first …

Bisbas Restaurant | San Diego CA – Facebook

Authentic Somali cuisine Bold flavors • Rich culture • Halal Come for the flavors, stay for the stories. . Follow · . Details. . Page · Restaurant.

Reviews

Samuel Won
The best Somali restaurant in San Diego by far, the Goat Mandi was extremely tender with a fall off the bone texture. And the Chicken suqaar was extremely delicious with an addicting grilled flavor and amazing savory kick. The food was so good that even the rice was extremely flavorful, none of the spices overpowered it. The atmosphere was very well designed as well.
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Alexis Gard
We decided to try something new for dinner, and my goodness this place was fantastic. The food was delicious. We chose the platter for four, the veggies were delicious, all the meats were flavorful and tender. My five and three year old devoured the rice and chicken. And the sauce! Brought the meal to the next level. We will be returning very soon!
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Rehool Ahmed
My first time here and it was a wonderful experience!!! The food, customer service, ambience —everything was out of the world. We hand the Mandi rice with half chicken and Beef (order for 2) but 3 of us couldn’t finish it. It came with soup which was so delicious, a side vegetable and salad. I also ordered the Sambusas…. so very delicious and that’s because it was made from the scratch. The price was very reasonable. I ordered my Mandi rice with half chicken and sliced beef. But by mistake they put both chicken meat. When I brought it to their attention, they immediately brought me the beef and let us enjoy the sliced chicken as well. It was a wonderful customer service they provided. They served banana with the meal which we are not used to and the owner who standing nearby explained the whole story behind it. So we not only enjoyed a great 10 out of 10 dinner, we also learned history too!! I also tried the cinnamon tea. It was so fresh and refreshing. We heard about this place and drove 130 miles from North Hollywood to try them and IT WAS WORTH THE DRIVE. We are planning to go back again with our friends soon to try the goat meat (which they were out of when we went because of high demand). I wish all at the Bisbas restaurant all the Best. Keep up the good work and THANK YOU FOR TREATING US SO WELL.
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Jamie Edmonds
First time trying Somali food. I’m so glad it was here! Heard good things about the cuisine and always wanted to try it. Was looking for a lunch spot between the Toyota dealer and home (near SDSU) and noticed the 4.9 rating. Went for dinner on a Thursday night. Not very crowded. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Menu was varied, portions were generous and prices were very fair (for the quality and quantity of the food, we each took half of our entrées home!).
I had the Chapati KK Chicken ($16), which was diced up flatbread mixed in an amazing sauce, with chopped chicken, onions and peppers. Served with a wedge of lemon, some very flavorful, but VERY spicy “salsa” on the side, and … a banana! I also tried the traditional Vimto drink, a carbonated spiced jamaica drink served cold over ice (tasty).
My wife got the Goat Mandi, served with a generous serving of rice pilaf and a green salad ($22). It came with the same nuclear hot green sauce and a kind of ranch dressing and a garnish of seasoned fries, and … a banana! The goat was falling off the bones tender (some of which were very small, so exercise caution there) and the flavors were exotic and delicious (she took more than half of hers home, too). Part of that might have been the desire to try their fries, which I saw came with other dishes on the menu. I figured $5 for a side of fries just to be able to try them was a good deal. They brought them out late (after I inquired), but it was a whole heaping plate of shoestring fries (think McDonald’s, but better) and they were too good to leave (took half of them home, too!)
She also had the hot Shaah Caadeys (Somali spiced tea with milk), like an Indian Chai, but not too sweet.
Both of the young men working were very pleasant, friendly and helpful, taking the time to explain everything and patiently answering our questions. The setting is just a strip mall in an odd part of town, but they have obviously taken pride and care to create a warm, welcoming space. ALL of the dishes were absolutely delicious and the dinnerware was beautiful, in contrast to the cheesy napkins and the over stock stacked near the bathroom.
We will DEFINITELY be back to try the rest of the menu and are very glad to have another wonderful variety of great, international food in the neighborhood.
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Erik Peiler
First time trying Somali cuisine and it was very delicious! We didn’t know what to order and just asked for their recommendation. The Platter for 2, and the Sambusas were the absolute gem of the meal. The platter with its extremely tender goat mandi and very nicely cooked chicken was LIFE CHANGING. I’m so glad I went out of my way to try this spot and will forever keep this place in mind as the first time I ever had Somali food.

Thank you Bisbas!
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Bismillah NYS
Great Somali restaurant. It was absolutely worth my drive from LA to try this amazing restaurant. Food was delicious and the prices were very reasonable given the amount of food. My wife and daughter loved it. Will be back to try again soon.
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Ahmad Juharji
I had a delicious experience at this Somali restaurant. They offered a fantastic variety of dishes, all of which were tasty. I tried the recommended items and was not disappointed; I will definitely be visiting again. The service was excellent as well. The server, Qasem, was really kind and answered all my questions thoughtfully.
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Cero Grubs
Man ! First time having Somalian food and it was amazing ! I came here with my buddy and we started off with mango drinks and Sambusa ! Super good both a must try. We got the platter for two and the portion was huge ! We got half rice and half pasta for our base, with a half chicken and goat mendi as our proteins. Then I got the beef suqaar plate and that meat was so flavorful. My buddy got the beef bisteeki fries( similar to carne asada fries ) which he loved ! We both finished off with Dubai chocolate! Definitely coming to this spot to try some items ! Restaurant was clean! Service was great !
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Samuel La Rosa
First time trying Somali food, and OMG, it was awesome!!!!! I had the Calooley and believe me best introduction to this cuisine; my wife had the Chicken Suqaar, it came with a side of rice, it was nice and flavorful, the chicken was also delicious.
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Redman2020
Bisbas Restaurant is hands-down the best Somali spot in San Diego! From the moment I walked in, the warm, welcoming vibe and the incredible aromas pulled me right in. This place truly transports you with authentic flavors that are bold, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

I ordered the half chicken with rice, and wow—it was a masterpiece. The chicken was marinated in rich Somali spices, grilled to juicy perfection with that beautiful char, and served in a massive, shareable portion (though I didn’t want to share!). The rice was fluffy, fragrant, and mixed with veggies, and that creamy green bisbas sauce on the side? Absolute fire—spicy, herby, and addictive. I couldn’t stop dipping everything in it!
The service was top-notch—friendly, attentive, and happy to explain the dishes. I also tried the Somali spiced tea (shaah), which was the perfect sweet finish. Everything felt homemade and made with love.

If you’re craving real Somali cuisine, big portions, and a genuine cultural experience, Bisbas is a must-visit. I’ll be back soon—5 stars all the way! Highly recommend to everyone in SD!
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