Ali Baba's Cave (Sorrento Valley)

Ok, it's not worth a long drive - there's certainly better Middle Eastern food in the county (Sultan Shwarma, you have the tastiest, freshest, most authentic felafel in these parts!). But for a reasonably yummy lunch in which the toddler stays put long enough for mom and dad to eat....it works! Orientalist kitsch all over the walls, a fountain and caves all provided enough entertainment. The felafel sandwich was about a 6 out of 10, but yummy middle eastern pickles added a special something to it. The best feature was a very authentic middle eastern lentil soup (the place has a mixed persian and middle eastern menu - the soup was much more western levantine, earthy, thick, perfect for a rainy day). With views of the highway and the train tracks across the street, it's perfect for lunch with a toddler. (at night it is supposed to become non-kid-friendly, hookah bar atmosphere, but at lunch on the weekend we were the only customers, which was good for us).