Jason Payne / Staff Photographer

The old Middle Eastern fable of Aladdin describes an adventure of a young man in a far-away land who finds a magical lamp after being tricked by a sorcerer, of whom he must later defeat. But for those who prefer to taste the cuisine of a far away land rather than risk life and limb at the hands of a sorcerer, there are other options.Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe, tucked away in the center of Hillcrest, is the bastion of San Diego’s Lebanese cuisine. Offering a wide range of foods and selections, Aladdin truly exemplifies its self-described motto: “Casual yet elegant.” The interior of the restaurant offers Lebanese furniture and art reminiscent of the Middle Eastern atmosphere. Ornate lattice-work on screens, tables and walls that give the restaurant a familial feel are not hard to find. If it happens to be a particularly warm, Mediterranean-like day, Aladdin offers patio service.To start off, any delicious warm and hearty pita bread with hummus is promptly served when appetizers are ordered. If you crave something else, Aladdin also offers lamb, vegetarian and cheese borak to begin your meal. Complimented by the enticing Lebanese music, the lively air of Aladdin is hard to miss.Whether ordering for yourself or a group, the entrees meet every need.The delightful Aladdin Meza Platter is sufficient enough to feed several people in your party and includes eggplant baba ghanouj, a Lebanese-style salad called tabbouleh, lamb and chicken, grape and leaf encased dolma, falafel and is topped with Aladdin’s own spicy concoction of hot sauce.Mediterranean wood-fired pizzas, basmati rice dishes, chicken salads and lamb kabobs also add great variety for any person seeking a familiar meal. For vegetarians, Aladdin offers a wide range of vegetarian foods and options to most dishes on the menu. Above all, Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe is a great authentic choice for anyone planning to venture into the realm of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine in San Diego.

Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe1220 Cleveland Ave.San Diego, CA 92103