Village Kabob Mediterranean Grill
Authentic Mediterranean Flavors with a Southern California Twist
“Great food has a way of bringing people together, no matter where they come from.”
Tucked away just off Grand Avenue in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Village Kabob Mediterranean Grill is one of those places that locals love introducing to friends.
From the outside, it’s easy to miss.
But step inside and you’ll discover a welcoming family-owned restaurant where Mediterranean traditions meet Southern California freshness.
Whether you’re craving perfectly grilled kabobs, creamy hummus, or freshly baked pita, Village Kabob offers authentic flavors in a relaxed atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.
It’s one of Carlsbad Village’s hidden culinary gems—and one of our favorite stops on Carlsbad Food Tours.
Meet the Owner
Chef Gaetano Cicciotti’s Vision
Following the success of Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana & Seafood and Cocina del Rancho, Chef Gaetano Cicciotti set out to introduce another culinary experience to Carlsbad Village—this time celebrating the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.
Inspired by the rich traditions of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Chef Cicciotti envisioned a restaurant where guests could enjoy authentic recipes prepared with fresh ingredients in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
To bring that vision to life, he assembled an experienced culinary team whose passion and expertise are reflected in every meal.
Today, Village Kabob has become another successful chapter in Chef Cicciotti’s commitment to creating memorable dining experiences in Carlsbad Village.
Meet the Culinary Team
The People Behind the Experience
Every great restaurant depends on a talented team, and Village Kabob is no exception.
Leading the kitchen is Chef Fouad Choker, who brings more than 40 years of culinary experience preparing authentic Mediterranean cuisine. His decades of experience, attention to detail, and respect for traditional recipes ensure that every dish reflects the bold, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.
Working alongside him is Kitchen Manager Berkay Jason Cetinkaya, whose leadership helps maintain the restaurant’s consistency and high culinary standards. Together, Chef Fouad and Berkay ensure that every guest enjoys the same exceptional quality, whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth.
Welcoming guests into the restaurant is General Manager Ilayda Maltaci, whose warm hospitality and attention to detail help create the inviting atmosphere Village Kabob is known for. From greeting guests to ensuring every dining experience runs smoothly, she plays an important role in making visitors feel like family.
Together, Chef Gaetano Cicciotti, Chef Fouad Choker, Berkay Jason Cetinkaya, and Ilayda Maltaci have created a restaurant where authentic Mediterranean flavors and genuine hospitality come together in the heart of Carlsbad Village.
The Restaurant Story
A Hidden Gem in Carlsbad Village
Located at 550 Grand Avenue, Village Kabob has quietly built a loyal following among both locals and visitors.
Its cozy dining room, warm hospitality, and consistently fresh food have made it a favorite destination for anyone looking for something beyond the ordinary.
Unlike many larger restaurants, Village Kabob offers a more intimate dining experience where quality, freshness, and personal service remain the focus.
It’s the kind of neighborhood restaurant you discover once—and then return to again and again.
Signature Dishes
Village Kabob’s menu celebrates the bold, fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Some guest favorites include:
- Beef Kabob (Our Must-Try Dish)
- Chicken Shawarma
- Hummus
- Baba Ghanoush
- Falafel
- Grilled Salmon
- Char-Broiled Shrimp
- Fresh Mediterranean Salads
- Baklava
One of our favorite tastings on Carlsbad Food Tours is the Mediterranean Mezza Sampler, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy several traditional flavors in one delicious experience.
It’s the perfect introduction to Mediterranean cuisine.
Behind the Scenes
Fresh Ingredients, Timeless Traditions
Mediterranean cooking is built on simple ingredients prepared with care.
Fresh herbs.
Olive oil.
Lemon.
Garlic.
Grilled meats.
Vegetables.
Whole grains.
These timeless ingredients have been part of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries and continue to inspire healthy, flavorful meals today.
Village Kabob embraces that tradition while adding a Southern California influence through fresh local produce and a relaxed coastal dining experience.
Why We Love Them
Village Kabob has been one of our favorite restaurant partners because it introduces guests to a cuisine that many haven’t experienced before.
Our guests are often surprised by how fresh, colorful, and satisfying Mediterranean food can be.
Beyond the wonderful food, the restaurant embodies what Carlsbad Food Tours is all about:
Family-owned businesses.
Authentic hospitality.
Fresh ingredients.
Community connections.
Those are exactly the kinds of stories we love sharing.
If These Tables Could Talk…
“I’ve welcomed first dates, family dinners, celebrations, and travelers discovering Mediterranean cuisine for the very first time. Every meal shared here reminds me that food speaks a language everyone understands.”
Cherimarie’s Reflection
One of the things I enjoy most about introducing guests to Village Kabob is watching them discover Mediterranean food in a whole new way.
Many guests arrive expecting something familiar and leave talking about the creamy hummus, perfectly seasoned meats, and incredible freshness of every bite.
It’s one of those restaurants that quietly earns loyal customers through consistency, quality, and genuine hospitality.
That’s exactly why it’s become such a wonderful partner on our tours.
Then & Now
Then
Mediterranean cuisine has been bringing families together for thousands of years, with recipes passed from generation to generation throughout Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and neighboring countries.
Now
Village Kabob continues that tradition in Carlsbad Village, introducing locals and visitors to authentic Mediterranean flavors while blending them with Southern California’s fresh, relaxed lifestyle.
Did You Know?
- Village Kabob is a family-owned restaurant located in the heart of Carlsbad Village.
- Mediterranean cuisine is recognized around the world for its fresh ingredients and heart-healthy cooking style.
- Olive oil, herbs, garlic, fresh vegetables, and grilled meats are staples of traditional Mediterranean cooking.
- Village Kabob is one of the featured tasting locations on the Taste of Carlsbad Food Tour.
- The restaurant’s Mediterranean Mezza Sampler is one of our guests’ favorite tastings.
Restaurant Quick Facts
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Chef/Owner: Cicciotti
Location:
550 Grand Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Known For: Authentic Mediterranean cuisine, kabobs, shawarma, hummus, fresh ingredients
Carlsbad Food Tours Stop: ✔ Yes
Family Friendly: ✔ Yes
Vegetarian Options: ✔ Extensive
Gluten-Free Options: ✔ Available
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome
A Seat at the Table
If you could invite anyone—past or present—to share a traditional Mediterranean meal at Village Kabob, who would it be and why?
Food has always been one of the world’s greatest connectors. This question reminds us that every shared meal has the power to create conversation, build friendships, and celebrate cultures that have been gathering around the table for generations.
Our Legacy
Restaurants like Village Kabob remind us that Carlsbad’s culinary story is enriched by cultures from around the world.
By sharing authentic Mediterranean flavors with our community, this family-owned restaurant has helped broaden our appreciation for global cuisine while creating a welcoming place where people gather over good food and great conversation.
Their story reflects one of the things I love most about Carlsbad—our diversity, our hospitality, and our willingness to celebrate different cultures through food.
Explore More Carlsbad Stories
Continue exploring Carlsbad’s rich culinary heritage:
- Carlsbad Village – Discover the heart of Carlsbad’s shopping, dining, and historic district.
- Gelato Love – Experience authentic Italian craftsmanship through handmade gelato.
- Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana & Seafood – Discover traditional family recipes from Naples.
- Carlsbad Strawberry Company – Learn how local agriculture continues to inspire Carlsbad’s restaurants.
- Historic Highway 101 – Explore the roadway that helped shape Carlsbad Village’s restaurant scene.
- Carlsbad Boulevard – Journey along one of Southern California’s most scenic coastal roads.
- Carlsbad Food Tours – Experience these stories firsthand on an award-winning culinary walking tour.
Discover Carlsbad with Carlsbad Food Tours
History is best experienced where it happened.
Join Carlsbad Food Tours for an award-winning culinary walking tour through Carlsbad Village, where you’ll enjoy locally owned restaurants while discovering the fascinating stories, historic landmarks, public art, and hidden gems that make our coastal community so special.
Eat Like a Local. Feel Like a Local.
Collection
Restaurant Storybook
Reading Time
5 minutes
Best For
✔ Food Lovers
✔ Families
✔ Healthy Eaters
✔ First-Time Visitors
✔ Locals
Location
Carlsbad Village
Why We Love Them
Village Kabob has been one of our favorite restaurant partners because it introduces guests to a cuisine that many haven’t experienced before.
Our guests are often surprised by how fresh, colorful, and satisfying Mediterranean food can be.
But what truly makes Village Kabob special is its people.
Chef Fouad’s decades of culinary experience, Berkay’s leadership in the kitchen, and Ilayda’s warm hospitality create an experience that feels welcoming from the moment guests arrive until the last bite.
Those are exactly the kinds of people we love introducing our guests to on Carlsbad Food Tours.