The new restaurant debuted recently inside the Park 12 residential tower at Park 12, located at 201 Park Boulevard just steps from Petco Park and within walking distance of the Gaslamp Quarter. Surrounded by high-rise residences, offices, and entertainment venues, the location is positioned to serve both neighborhood residents and visitors heading to Padres games or downtown events.
Founded in 1997 by entrepreneur Mike Rafipoor, Panini Kabob Grill has grown into one of Southern California’s most recognizable Mediterranean dining concepts. The company began as a single restaurant in Corona Del Mar before steadily expanding across the region with a menu focused on fresh ingredients and made-to-order preparations. Rafipoor, who continues to serve as the company’s president and CEO, has maintained full ownership of the brand as it has grown, avoiding franchising in order to maintain control over food quality and service standards.
The East Village restaurant continues the company’s “true scratch kitchen” philosophy, where dishes are prepared to order using ingredients delivered fresh throughout the week. Signature menu items include charbroiled chicken kabobs, beef koobideh, Atlantic salmon, grass-fed lamb, and jumbo shrimp skewers, alongside vegetarian options such as falafel plates, vegetable kabobs, and tofu dishes. The menu also features paninis, wraps, salads, pastas, and house-made appetizers like hummus and tzatziki.
According to the company, meats served at Panini Kabob Grill are antibiotic- and hormone-free, and produce is delivered locally up to six days per week. The brand has built its reputation around Mediterranean cooking that emphasizes fresh vegetables, grilled proteins, and simple preparations designed to highlight natural flavors.
“We are truly excited to bring our fresh Mediterranean flavors to another San Diego neighborhood as Panini Kabob Grill continues to grow,” Rafipoor said in a statement announcing the opening. “Our team’s passion for Mediterranean cuisine and commitment to quality, freshness, and healthy eating is unmatched.”
The Park 12 location features approximately 64 seats in the dining room, an eight-seat bar area, and a large patio capable of accommodating nearly 100 guests. The restaurant offers dine-in service as well as takeout, delivery, and catering.
The opening represents the first step in what the company says will be a year of significant expansion. Panini Kabob Grill plans to open as many as nine new restaurants during 2026 as it continues to grow throughout California and into new markets including Arizona and Nevada.
For downtown San Diego, the addition of Panini Kabob Grill adds another fast-casual dining option within East Village’s rapidly expanding residential corridor. The Park 12 development alone houses hundreds of residents, while nearby office buildings and Petco Park events bring thousands of visitors into the area throughout the week.
Panini Kabob Grill is now open at 201 Park Boulevard, Suite 123, in San Diego’s East Village. For more information, visit paninikabobgrill.com.
Originally published on March 11, 2026.
