Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ciya in Half Moon Bay was an unforgettable dining experience. The food was absolutely outstanding — beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and clearly made with passion and high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere felt warm and charming, and the service was genuinely welcoming. This is the kind of place that makes you want to come back the moment you leave. Highly recommend — truly a standout in Half Moon Bay.

I would totally recommend this restaurant to anyone driving up the coast! Super cute and cozy the vibe is very homey. I'd like to add the service is spectacular. Not sure if the gentleman who took our order was the owner but he took initiative like he was!! Very kind and pleasant. I would give the salmon wrap a 7.5 due to the paper wrap being wrapped into it. Also the salmon wasn't even distributed to both side of the wrap and I ate the "end" side first. I personally would have liked a lil more. My boyfriend also said a lil more meat would have been nice and a thicker sauce. I love good service and that was 10/10 for sure!!! I'd come back! :)

This is seriously one of the best Mediterranean spots I've ever found! The food is incredible,, so fresh and authentic, but the hospitality is what sets Ciya apart. Hasan (owner) and Oktay (chef) and their whole team are the best! They make you feel genuinely welcome. Fast, friendly service and amazing portions. Highly recommend stopping by! You won't regret it.

What an incredible restaurant! On Christmas Day, the power went out in part of half moon bay, and our prime rib was a goner! We called, and Ciya was able to accommodate 8 adults for Christmas! We shared two bottles of wine, two appetizer plates, multiple lamb shanks, and other delicious plates! The food was absolutely incredible, quick, and the service was amazing. We are so thankful to Ciya for taking care of our group on Christmas and highly recommend this restaurant. ☺️

We had an amazing dinner at Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine in Half Moon Bay! Everything looked and tasted incredible — beautifully plated, fresh, and full of flavor. The kebab was perfectly grilled and juicy, the rice and hummus were delicious, and the salad added a refreshing touch. The lamb shank was tender and rich, paired so well with the bulgur and vegetables. You can really tell that everything is made with care and quality ingredients. For dessert, we tried the künefe with Turkish coffee, and it was the perfect ending to the meal — warm, sweet, and comforting. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the staff were friendly and attentive. It felt like a real Mediterranean experience right here in Half Moon Bay. Definitely one of the best restaurants in the area — we’ll be back soon!

I went to Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine recently and was honestly surprised by how authentic and flavorful the food was. I almost never finish my entire meal when I eat out, but this time I didn’t leave a single bite behind—that’s how good it was . The flavors tasted homemade and truly Mediterranean. The service was just as impressive. The staff were incredibly kind, welcoming, and made the whole experience feel comfortable and genuine. Overall, amazing food and amazing people. I’d definitely go back and recommend it to others.

We didn't expected that our choice to have a luch in this beautiful place will be so exciting. Every thing was in great harmony. Delicious, really unforgettable food, top level service and fantastic atmosphere of kindness and hospitality. Thank you very much, and we will be back!

I figured that many 5 star ratings on Google couldn’t possibly be wrong and well, they are not. Food was excellent all around. I particularly liked the kofte, and the hummus was some of the creamiest I’ve had. Staff was exceedingly friendly and helpful. Sadly they were all out of a lamb shank special and the feta rolls, so we will definitely be back.

Have been to Ciya many times since they opened and can say with confidence that this is one of the best restaurants in HMB. The food is great, they have reasonable and affordable prices, and the service is fantastic. Every time I visit I am greeted with a smile and extremely friendly and prompt service. My favorite dishes to get are the hummus appetizer and chicken gyro plate, both are very fresh and flavorful. Definitely recommend.

Food is delicious every time and they know hospitality! Highly recommend the Alexander Kebab and the Lamb/Beef Gyro plate.

This is the most amazing Mediterranean restaurant. You are so warmly welcomed and made to feel that you are among friends. The food is beyond amazing.

I had a great experience at Ciya Mediterranean in Half Moon Bay! The hummus was fantastic, and the spicy Ezme was absolutely delicious. I'm usually not a fan of baba ghanoush, but theirs was so flavorful and enjoyable it completely changed my mind. The beef, shish, and lamb were all wonderful. I also tried the homemade lemonade. While it was okay, it didn't quite meet my expectations, as it didn't really taste homemade to me. Overall, the food was excellent, and I'd definitely return for another meal. Highly recommend for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine!

Amazing food and friendly staff! Our server Cansu and the owner were both super nice and welcoming! We really enjoyed the lamb shank and adana kabab! Had a great time and can't wait to go back!

This was our first visit, and we had to wait a bit for a table. It's a small, cozy restaurant, and it was quite busy during dinner time. I'm not sure if they accept reservations, but the wait wasn't too long. Guests seemed mindful about not lingering too long after their meals, which helped keep things moving. The owner, a friendly and welcoming gentleman, was present and seemed to know many of the customers--always a good sign! We ordered the chicken and beef sheesh kebab plates. The chicken was incredibly moist and flavorful, while the beef was a bit on the dry side. Each plate came with a refreshing salad, perfectly seasoned hummus, and a delicious rice pilaf that tied everything together. Wishing the owner continued success--hope this place thrives, so it's there when we visit next time.

This was our 2nd time at this restaurant. We were warmly greeted by the owner, Hassan. Felt at home right away. We ordered the same thing as the last time except we did not get the spanakopita. Instead we tried the spicy Esme. Omg! It was so good. It was served with some pita bread and we absolutely inhaled it! The other entrees we had were the chicken kebabs, shrimp kebab and gyro wrap. The rice pilaf was so yummy! All were delicious as the last time. Happy to see that the food is consistently good. We did not have room for dessert. Maybe the next time. Definitely a must visit whenever we are in HMB!

"Welcome friends!" You're welcomed in immediately and given drinks. Ciya Mediterranean is a casual stop to refuel if you are short on time or if you have hours to hang out. There are vegetarian , gluten free, and vegan options on the menu. We ordered and with a few sips of our drinks, food came out fast and hot. Food: *The sampler appetizer had nibbles of everything. My favorite were the spreads. It tasted fresh, light, and full of flavor. *The lentil soup was brought out very hot. I absolutely dislike soup that comes out luke warm or microwaved. This soup was boiling and I really appreciated it. It warmed my soul after being out in the wind all day. *The chicken gyro was gobbled up. I was told it was really good. It was stuffed with chicken. *The falafel plate had a bed of hummus and several falafel balls served with a fresh salad. Everything was tasty. Service was prompt and very kind. We were welcomed as friends but left feeling like family.

Excellent falafel plate. I will continue to crave the falafels. Friendly and warm service. Dog friendly.

ordered delivery for our first meal from here and everything was packaged beautifully. ordered: 2 veggie falafel wraps + chicken wrap + greek salad + vegetarian platter w/ pita + spanakopita triangles + dolmas + baklava. Everything was pretty great! Felt it all could have used more seasoning and some "oomph" to take it to the next level but really loved the flavors and presentation of the vegetarian platter. Falafel wraps toppings were a bit unevenly distributed and portions were on the smaller sides, aside from salad and wraps. Would love to come back in person to try their seafood offerings!

We wanted to go to our usual place but it was closed. This Ciya received 5 stars out of almost 400 reviews so I was curious. We brought our dog and Ciya has a backyard patio. Waitress seated us quickly, when I asked for recommendation she suggested chicken shish. We ordered 1 appetizer feta roll, chicken shish, Alexander kebab, chicken gyro. Finished them off with baklava and Turkish coffee. The chicken shish is awesome! The Alexander kebab is more of gyro meat, instead of kebab, on top of pita bread, quite delicious and the wrap is also good. Baklava is perfect. Kenafeh was not available. We had the patio to ourselves. Lunch crowd on Friday at 1:30pm was on the quiet side. We will come back. Owner Hassan is very friendly.

Ciya Later Small, locally-owned Turkish restaurant located in Downtown Half Moon Bay that serves up lots of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites, like kabobs, hummus, and, of course, some ''put some hair on your chest" Turkish Coffee. The Good: *Service from the owner was delightful *Great location along the main drag in DTHMB *Lots of options for Veg-heads. Unfortunately the menu doesn't specify if the items are vegan, or not. So be sure to ask! *Small but decent selection of beers on the bottle *Their hummus, which is the standard I judge Middle Eastern restaurants by, was delicious. Creamy, smooth, and a good flavor. The Meh: *Tried to order the Knefeh and they were out. :( *Street parking only but at least it's free. *Small outdoor seating area *Their rice was utterly fantastic and was like 98.764321907642% like my mom's. *Beef Kofte was cooked nicely and had a nice char from the grill on it. The Ugly: *Salmon on the Grilled Salmon Salat was dry and the skin was completely charred. Not sure how something like this left the kitchen, but it did. Conclusion: Solid spot worth a look if one is trying to decide where to eat in DTHMB.

We received wonderfully warm service and delicious food for lunch today. Highly recommend their Adina Kebab!

After a long day of whale watching and beach hikes, we were ready for a really nice, relaxing dinner. In all the years, we've visited the beaches in this area, we only now discovered a strip of restaurants somewhat hidden on Main Street. The menu at Ciya grabbed our attention and the dishes did not disappoint. We thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp kebab and mezze sampler and shared them as entrees for two. For dessert we had warm, baked kunefe (shredded phylo dough with mild cheese, syrup, and crushed nuts) and it was deeelish. The ambiance, service, and management were all very warm. We look forward to returning.

It's always a pleasure to eat here, I highly recommend the Chicken Shish. The staff is really friendly and the restaurant is a cute part of town. Main Street is a beautiful location. I definitely dine in.

The food here was really good, however, everything was super overpriced for the small portion that it is! I'm not sure if the restaurant purposely raised the price for the pumpkin festival, but a very small dish was around $30, we weren't even half full! The restaurant itself is very, very small, and the bathroom is not so clean! and the service was honestly not that great, they weren't even willing to give us free water and was going to make us pay for a bottled water only!! I'm not sure it's because we came during the pumpkin festival and maybe there were too many people there and they wanted to make extra money?

I've been to this spot twice now, came across Ciya while looking for some quick Eats in Half Moon Bay. I ordered their Grilled Salmon Plate, this comes with rice, salad, few grilled veggies, and Pita. Grilled Salmon was 5/5 very flavorful and nice portion of salmon, the Rice they give you is very tasty. My only Gripe is I wish they added a bit more Grilled Veggies with each plate. I could count the amount of grilled Veggies came with my order. The Staff was very friendly and good, I came about 20 min before closing time they were willing to let me dine. But I opted to take my Food Togo and eat my food in car. This spot is definitely a gem in Sleepy Half Moon Bay and will for sure be back again.

The food was amazing. Desserts were amazing. Ambience was great love the music the best food in the bay area hands-down. But the kadayif was amazing. It was crispy sweet melts in the mouth.

Extra 5 stars for service. So friendly and helpful! The owner is very friendly, without being pushy or nosy. Portions are huge. The hummus is great - super creamy and rich without being too dense. The soup was perfect - hot and fresh tasting. Had the chicken plate and it had a ton of food on it - rice, salad, pita, etc. But what really stood out was the most amazing walnut baklava. I think it may have been the best walnut baklava I've ever had. Not too much syrupy sweetness, perfect flakiness, and just enough of the filling. Parking is easy on the street (when we went; not sure if that street in downtown HMB gets crowded sometimes). Clean and cozy and casual inside. Nothing too romantic or over the top. Would definitely come back.

Hassan and his staff provide above and beyond customer service, meanwhile the food is to die for!!! By far one of my favorite cuisine's in the Bay Area. If you're thinking about trying it, this is your sign to try them out. You won't be disappointed!

The food is delicious and the service is just top notch! Hard to find the combination of the two. Highly recommend if you visit the area. A must have experience here! Hasan and Cansu are just wonderful, so warm and inviting! Every time we visit Half Moon Bay, we come here to eat :)

You have to try CIYA !! This is probably our sixth or seventh time here and we always look forward to it. You feel like you're walking into a friendly home. We're always greeted so warmly and the food is amazing. I'm vegan and the falafel, platter is great .Definitely the best falafel I've ever had. The spicy azme is a must to start. My son loves the vegetarian Mussaka. My husband loves lamb and either gets the lamb shanks or the lamb and beef gyro entree. Turkish coffee is great and their hot tea. The absolute BEST part of our dining experience here is the service. This time, and our last visit , we were blessed with Cansu as our waitress!! She is amazing and kind. Very attentive and checking to make sure all is good with our meal. All the men are wonderful too...from the owner to the waiters. You must try Ciya!! You will not be disappointed!!

First time at this restaurant & I really liked their food. It was really flavorful and it was served with good quality. My favorite was the Prawn Guvec since it was freshly cooked and I like how it was still super hot. The ambiance is nicer inside than the outside seating since it looked like they put in more effort inside rather than their patio seating. The only downside for me was their service since they sat us outside, and it felt like they forgot about us at some point. We had to go in to ask for a refill of water and I didn't like how we had to walk up the counter to pay for our meal since it made the whole restaurant experience feel so awkward since I'd rather order AND pay beforehand on the counter rather than doing it after. Parking was a little challenging on a Sunday. The quality of their food made up for their service. Maybe just ask to be seated inside rather than the patio for better service.

The restaurant is very cozy and is setup to accommodate smaller groups in an intimate atmosphere. This is a great place to take your special someone and if they enjoy Mediterranean cuisine then there is no better place in my opinion than this. We flew across the country for this place! Well, that is a stretch we flew across the country for an amazing adventure and this restaurant was a part of that adventure. My wife loves Mediterranean cuisine but I am usually a hard sell in this regard but when on an adventure I am always up for something new and this place checks all the boxes. The service was beyond expectations and the food was 10/10 in all regards. We tried everything from the sampler appetizers to the shish plates and it was all amazing. Also, did I mention the service l? Literally as we are getting ready to leave the owners (maybe owners adult children) came over to help my wife put on her coat. Next time we fly across the country for an adventure in this area we will 100% be returning to this amazing establishment.

On a bustling Sunday night around 6:45 p.m., my partner and I discovered this lively spot. Surprisingly, we managed to secure the last table on the inviting back patio. Finding parking was straightforward, with ample street parking directly in front. I opted for the fries, enticed by their golden crispiness, while my partner, mindful of her allergies, chose the beef kebab. The kitchen's flexibility to accommodate her dietary needs impressed us. My selection, the beyti kebab, was a delightful new flavor experience I'd highly recommend. The homemade lemonade I ordered was refreshingly good, albeit a tad sweeter than my usual preference. The patio setting, enhanced by warm heaters, created a cozy atmosphere. The service stood out for its efficiency and warmth. The entire staff, including the owner Hasan, who personally greeted us with hugs, made us feel incredibly welcome. Chatting with Hasan about our mutual appreciation for Turkey added a special touch to our evening. This establishment isn't just a restaurant; it's a highlight of Half Moon Bay, thanks to its exceptional food and the genuine warmth of its staff. Whether you choose to dine inside or outside, be mindful of the dinner rush. It's a place I eagerly anticipate returning to for more culinary adventures.

I loved the Branzino fish I ordered. Food is cery healthy and tasty! Great service!!! Owner was very attentive and friendly.

This place is a gem and is as authentic as it gets! So grateful my sister and I stumbled upon this spot when looking for somewhere to have a late lunch. As we walked in, we received the warmest welcome and was seated quickly. Because we were both hungry and weren't quite sure what to choose, we decided to go with the appetizer sampler and the Adana Kebab plate (per their recommendation!). Now here's the best part of the review...THE FOOD!!! When the food arrived, our eyes were delighted by the presentation and then our taste buds were overjoyed by the balance and harmony of the flavors and absolute freshness of the ingredients! You know a place is excellent when good food sparks fond memories! The quality of the food was reminiscent of our travels to Turkey - where Mediterranean cuisine truly made a lasting impression! It's safe to say this place is a new favorite!

Patio seating in the back is great for a warmer day. If you're visiting with a pup, they'll bring a water bowl as well. Food is pretty good but I recommend skipping the yogurt drink unless you know what you're getting yourself into. There isn't table ordering however, you'll have to go up to the counter first.

What a wonderful discovery! After spending a fun afternoon at Half Moon Bay, we were starting to feel the pangs from having skipped lunch. So we walked into Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine to pick up an afternoon snack to tide us over until dinner. Immediately upon entering, we were very graciously greeted by a gentleman who seemed sincerely interested in our having a good meal and an enjoyable time. Having observed that a couple customers seated out at a sidewalk table were enjoying some very large gyros, my wife persuaded me to split a gyro with her. I hesitantly agreed, thinking that might not be enough to satisfy me. After a few minutes, our waiter returned to our table, holding with two plates, each with half of a chicken gyro, along with a little bowl of tzatziki sauce (for dipping). I soon realized that at this establishment half a chicken gyro would be plenty. Shortly after my wife and I had taken our first bites, we both proclaimed that our gyro tasted wonderful -- the meat seasoned and cooked to perfection. As we left, we both felt excited about having discovered this really special little restaurant in Half Moon Bay. We enthusiastically assured our waiter that we are already planning to eat there again ...and again, and again.

This place was great! The salads were much bigger than we thought! We were offered great service, and the food came out quickly. There was no wait for us to be seated, and the food tasted great! It's pretty nice inside, with about 10 or so tables? You can also come in to the front and order to go, as there is a huge menu up front.

This place is run by the nicest people! And the food was just as amazing. I recommend the Ciya wrap and the chicken gyro plate.

Sooooo we came across this restaurant and the guy was so nice and inviting! He asked us to come over and looked through the menu even though we were not planning to eat anything at the time. However, I looked at kunefe in the menu and I knew I had to come back after walking around! Ordered kunefe, and when we ordered the cashier introduced us to rice pudding that was just freshly made so we felt like we must get it! Disclaimer: they both were REALLY GOOD that my husband, who is lactose intolerant, can't stop eating both of them. The restaurant was really crowded at the time, but the crowd dies down after some time. We will surely go back again to try their dishes!

A marvelous experience, coming to Ciya! First, the welcome is like a greeting by my warmest relatives. Consu shook my hand with both of hers. And quickly filled my order. I had Chicken gyro that comes with delicious sides, warm rice, salad, yogurt sauce, pita. And I ordered my favorite, rice pudding, so fresh in a crock. I look forward to Hasan greeting me and taking care of everything so warmly. My highest recommendation.

I absolutely adore this place. It is quiet and intimate and would be great for a date with a loved one. They have great options and offer specials. I was torn between the fish or lamb shank but the server was telling me how delicious they both were. I went with the lamb shank and was not disappointed! It was so tender and flavorful. The vegetables were also buttery and seasoned perfectly. I wished the Turkish coffee came after I finished my meal but oh well. I can't wait to return.

We were celebrating my wife's Birthday and looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, when Ciya popped up on Yelp as a 4.7 rating. We decided to give it a go as we do like some good Mediterranean food. Needless to say EVERYTHING was fantastic, from the appetizer sampler to our main dish. The host and waitress were very attentive and friendly so service could not have been better. The place is small but comfortable and in my opinion a perfect place to enjoy a meal for 2. I will definitely recommend Ciya to anyone that enjoys Mediterranean cuisine, and we will for sure go back as well. ENJOY!!!

Pretty standard Mediterranean fare. Restaurant was in the middle of downtown, and the servers were nice. We had the hummus which was good, kabob which was decent but a bit dry and the shrimp on rice which was also dry and overly salted. Three stars for service and waitstaff but wouldn't go back for the cuisine.

This is a wonderful addition to Half Moon Bay's dining scene, downtown. Simple, yet innovative flavors and healthy Mediterranean options are on the menu. Interesting space that felt open, even though on the smaller side. Service was warm and friendly and food arrived quick. The line was out the door, even during that in between lunch and dinner time of the afternoon. Seems popular and I hope they stay open for a long time. I got the falafel salad and it was so nicely presented and had colorful, fresh ingredient. Came with a side of pita. Servings are generous with enough to take home some leftovers.

Looking for a late afternoon spot and came upon this place, perfect with great choices and food. Extremely friendly staff was a huge plus.

It was Soo good! The people are so friendly. Such a cute restaurant. Loved it so much!

Food Service Ambiamce The owner and his staff are very nice . We had the sammle plate, the Gyros wrap and Adana Kebab plate; everything was very authentic and delicious

Probably the best Mediterranean cuisine experience thus far in the Bay Area. Amazing food with a cozy but great ambiance. And to top it off, Cansu our hostess deserves a 5-start rating for her service (she should get a raise :-))

My husband and I had a really nice experience at Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine. We were welcomed at the door and were given a table almost immediately. We ordered the sample platter and two vegetarian dishes. Everything was really good. Really yummy. I know. I know the sample platter is that..a sample. However, I do wish the portions were a little bigger. The spices in the different foods were had were great. There was also bread to go with our food. We decided to order baklava at the end and that did not disappoint! It was not too sweet, which was great for us. We are definitely stopping by again next time we go to Half Moon Bay. The service was great by the way!

4.5 stars. Hummus here is smooth like melted butter and so easy to spread on the pita bread. It's very tasty also. If you like to try a little of everything, they have an appetizer sampler with a good variety of items for taste testers out there. I enjoyed the beef shish. Meat was very tender and flavorful. A few others at the table ordered the shrimp shish and chicken shish. All were solid. Very friendly and courteous wait staff. Casual dining. This restaurant is located on Main Street along with many other restaurants. Street parking.

What a great place! We came in here on a whim and it did not disappoint! There were 10 of us in my party and we had space for all of us to sit together. My husband got the chicken wrap and it was good but a little on the smaller size. I got the gyro plate and it was really good. I've never had the meat chopped up the way they serve it but it was still very good! The portion sizes were great too and I think it was a good value for what it was. We finished it off with getting a baklava and that was very tasty. Everyone that worked there was so kind! Highly recommend trying our this place if you're in town!

What a gem in downtown Half Moon Bay. The Turkish family that runs this eatery are so nice. When we first walked in, it looked liked a take out spot with tables but it's just how it's set up to order first at the counter and then your food is delivered to the table. Nice casual interior and nice warm tones and about 10 tables with room for about 40. All the food is made fresh to order and we could see them bringing out fresh baked goods as well. They have traditional yogurt drinks, and delicious homemade lemonade. We ordered the falafel plate to share as it comes with hummus, 3 falafel pieces and fresh soft pillows of pita bread. The bread is amazing and the hummus was deliciously soft and creamy. The Pita is not the thin and dry but quite the opposite. The falafel had that incredible crunchy golden brown outside with fantastic "toasted" notes and a delicious soft hot center. This was a 5 out of 5! The lamb and beef schwarma wrap was fantastic. Served with a great tahini sauce, I kept wanting more of it as I drizzled it across every bite. This was a perfect lunch for two that left us very satisfied but not overly stuffed. The prices are reasonable and you get a great value for your money. We will be back to try other things on the menu. 5 out of 5 stars

Just had lunch with a friend and her dog. And the restaurant was so inviting. They had a back patio with heater for us and the dog to enjoy our meal. They brought my friends dog some water and made us feel welcomed. I got the kufta plate and it was presented so nicely but tasted even better! If you're in town, stop by. Parking is free and they have a great menu options.

Great food and easy atmosphere. We like dolmas, spanakopita, as well as the rice pudding.

This was the first visit for me and Blondie, and we were relieved to find such a delicious and reasonably priced place right downtown. We didn't have reservations, but were seated immediately. It's a Mediterranean menu, and I had the falafel wrap, while Jamie got a salad with chicken. When the food arrived, we were both impressed with the portions, and had plenty to take home. Definitely bargain for the money. We also had a dessert so good that the lady from the next table had to know what we ordered, since Blondie has no poker face, and practically swooned. It was the rice pudding. We also got a visit from a friendly man who I assume is the owner. He stopped to engage with everyone, with a big personality. I mention him because he had to do something weird that we witnessed. Two men with bikes came in, looking for a place to plug in what I believe was an electric bike battery. There was no outlet available. The men suggested that the decorative lights could be unplugged for them, and were politely told no. Then they went outside, climbed on a chair, and tried to plug their battery pack in an outlet by the outdoor lamp. The owner had to shoo them away, much more politely than I would have. I write all this just in case these two entitled clowns write their own negative review.

There is a reason this place has a five star rating. The food is amazing ! I went with my daughter and son-in-law Saturday afternoon. to experience this well rated restaurant . The Homemade hummus, and Taziki were delicious along with the fresh pita bread. Crisp French fries were shared by all of us. The chunks of grilled chicken and the crisp salad and moist flavorful rice on the chicken shish plate were prepared to perfection Give this place a try you will be glad you did. Bon appétit.