Village Kabob Mediterranean Grill — Restaurant in Carlsbad

The food is so bland. The falafels are dry and taste sweet from too much cinnamon. The hummus is oily. The baba ganoush tastes horrible and has a gross consistency. But above all, the service is the worst part. We’ve given the place a try several times and they have fouled up almost every time. Once we brought family friends in at 8pm, when they didn’t close till 9pm, and they told us they couldn’t serve us. We had to convince them and they changed their mind. Tonight we asked for a larger order of the red pepper hummus, and she told us it’ll be more, we said fine, then she said actually they can’t do it bc they don’t make enough of it. And they are always sweeping around tables where people are trying to eat, which obviously kicks up dust and dirt in the air and into your food. They are more concerned with trying to close early than with the customers there while they’re still open! Tonight the woman at the counter was almost hostile to my boyfriend, repeatedly saying “as I said” when we were asking basic things about the menu and then the toast app/point systems, which by the way never seems to work. When it didn’t show the points on their system that he had earned ($15), she just went on and on about how it works for “all of my customers”. Well hello, we are your customers right now and it’s not working! Then she pressed something on her side and it suddenly worked. Ughhh. Going out to eat shouldn’t involve people sweeping around your table and being defensive and rude at the counter. We are not coming here again and will strongly discourage anyone from going. We love lots of places in Carlsbad, our hometown and this place needs a new...

Update 8.2025.

Back in town. Had to visit again. ~3 years later, still as good, still amazing decor, still love. THANKS C-bad for keeping this place open!! Still 5 stars for me.

Original review

This place was a complete surprise. Having lived in Carlsbad many years but visiting before Christmas, I didn't know this place even existed. Located in a cute location off of downtown, I thought maybe it was a restaurant I had missed before when I lived here. I learned it has only been open for about 6 months. But boy, what an excellent surprise.

My wife ordered the shawarma plate, and I ordered the kabob. Both were superb. I think I actually liked hers better. The helpings were large, and the flavors were amazing. They cook their pita kind of like a fresh made tortilla right there at the counter. Those pitas with fresh hummus and baba ganoush were a delight. We got an extra pita for good measure.

In fact, I'd like it so much, while there are many wonderful restaurants to eat in the area, we opted to go again a few days later. This time I had the beef shawarma and it was outstanding. Such a wonderful find. Do try this local Mediterranean place, and keep it in business. It's been hard for these Folks during the covid. The local guys really work hard to stay alive with those dynamics. I hope they are here next time I visit Carlsbad.

Well done village kebab, may you always have a home...

I was genuinely excited to try this place after a long day at work and having just moved to the area. I walked in from about a mile walk hopeful and ready to order yummy food, but the experience took a turn quickly. I accidentally said one thing wrong ordering a kabob when placing my order and, despite mentioning it was my first time and saying sorry, the woman who seemed to be the manager made me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. There was no warmth or welcome — just tension from her.

Ironically, after she left just a few minutes later, I overheard staff saying she was “tired and needed to go home.” The mood immediately shifted. The energy behind the counter became vibrant and fun, and I watched as they treated other guests the way I had hoped to be treated — with smiles, enthusiasm, and kindness.

The staff (after she left) were actually lovely, and it’s clear they enjoy being here when they’re allowed to be themselves. I really wanted this to be a new favorite spot, but that first impression was tough to shake. The food was alright but I don’t think I...