While the name has changed, ownership and operations have not. The Hillcrest location has been owned and operated for the past 22 years by Camille Bsaibes and has always functioned independently from the separate Aladdin Mediterranean Café in Clairemont.
“My father Camille Bsaibes has owned and operated Aladdin Hillcrest for the past 22 years,” wrote Chef Mark Bsaibes in a statement to SanDiegoVille. “We have always been separate entities and have had no connection to Aladdin Clairemont other than sharing the name.”
Founded in 1998, the Hillcrest restaurant was purchased in August 2004 by Bsaibes, a native of Zahle, Lebanon, a region widely regarded for its mezze traditions and deeply rooted culinary heritage. The original owner retained the Clairemont restaurant under the same name, resulting in two similarly branded but separately owned establishments.
Under Bsaibes’ leadership, the Hillcrest restaurant expanded in 2006 after strong early success. The family-run operation emphasized traditional Lebanese recipes passed down through generations, with family members contributing in both the kitchen and front of house. The restaurant maintained Middle Eastern décor and positioned itself as casual dining presented in a fine-dining atmosphere.
The rebrand coincides with a generational transition. Chef Mark Bsaibes, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, Napa Valley, is stepping into day-to-day leadership as his father begins scaling back operations.
“This year he has decided to start stepping down,” Chef Mark wrote. “I will be taking over the day to day operations from my father in conjunction with a name rebrand. You will find the recipes unchanged as we can never change them. They are our pride and joy handed down from generations.”
According to Chef Mark, the new name reflects that transition.
“The new name Maïsa reflects the coming of age of the son taking over the heritage and business from his father and grandfather,” he explained, noting that updated menus will soon include the story behind the name.
The restaurant has also recently undergone interior remodeling, though its core menu remains intact, continuing to feature shawarma, kebabs, falafel, mezze plates, garlic sauce, and other Lebanese staples that have defined the restaurant for more than two decades.
The Hillcrest location previously clarified during spring 2025 that it had “no connection” to a salmonella outbreak investigated at the separate Clairemont Aladdin Mediterranean Café. County officials confirmed at the time that the health investigation was limited solely to the Clairemont branch.
Chef Mark reiterated that the two restaurants shared only a name.
“We are a Lebanese family whose recipes have been handed down from my grandparents,” he wrote. “My father is well known in Hillcrest and it has been his honor to be hospitable to all who have come through our doors in search of delicious and authentic Lebanese food.”
Maisa Lebanese Cuisine now operates at the former Aladdin Hillcrest location at 1220 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 101, in San Diego's Hillcrest community. For more information, visit aladdinhillcrest.com.
Originally published on February 17, 2026.
