Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
El Cajon's best

Authentic salad

Authentic ingredients make a simple salad feel like a real meal.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Al Awael Restaurant مطعم الاوائل image 1
Al Awael Restaurant مطعم الاوائل image 2
Al Awael Restaurant مطعم الاوائل image 3
View all

Middle Eastern restaurant offers a spacious, clean dining area with a modern yet cozy design and welcoming family-owned atmosphere. Soft music plays, creating a warm and inviting vibe suitable for casual or special occasions.

Fresh salads like Iraqi salad and fattoush offer a refreshing balance to richer dishes. Options such as Greek salad and tabbouleh come across as crisp and well-prepared.

Food offers rich flavor and stays true to 100% authentic Iraqi cuisine. Families find it a solid choice for authentic Middle Eastern meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, rich, and perfectly seasoned."

"The authentic Iraqi flavors here taste like home."

"The Iraqi salad was so refreshing and balanced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can accommodate gluten allergies; inform them to avoid gluten-containing ingredients.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

The place is very clean and well organized.

02
CRAVE Mediterranean Grill image 1

Small restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating offers a welcoming atmosphere and clean environment. The vibe suits gatherings of family and friends, with authentic Mediterranean cuisine that features large portions and flavorful dishes.

Salads feature crisp spring greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sharp red onions, and buttery Picholine olives. Dressings like the lemon dressing add a tangy, herbaceous kick, while options like the Creek Salad with shawarma bring a warm, savory depth making it a hearty meal.

Mediterranean dishes come fresh and packed with authentic flavors. The food stays true to traditional recipes and tastes excellent.

People are saying

"The shawarma makes this salad a perfect, full meal."

"The food here is delicious and unbelievably affordable."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking is readily available near the restaurant.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

03
Italia Pizza image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, simple dining room offers a cozy, lively atmosphere with inviting aromas of Italian food. The place mainly serves pickup and delivery, with fresh, made-to-order dishes featuring authentic flavors and generous portions. Prices stay reasonable, and daily specials add variety.

Caesar salad stands out and pairs well with wings. Salads come fresh and complement other dishes like pizza.

Food features authentic recipes crafted by the chef. Pizza offers a fresh-from-the-oven crisp with rich, balanced sauce and deep flavor.

People are saying

"This food is amazing, packed with rich flavor."

"The salad here is amazing and delicious."

"The authentic Italian food here is delicious and made with pride."

Good to know

1

The ordering process is seamless for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.

2

Italia Pizza provides customization with various toppings and crust options.

3

They have daily coupons and specials available.

04
Mr. Shawarma El Cajon image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a spacious, clean interior with an open kitchen layout and traditional Middle Eastern decor. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with lively music and enticing aromas creating a comfortable dining experience. Families frequent the place, enjoying authentic shawarma and falafel in a friendly setting.

Salads feature fresh ingredients with options like eggplant salad, beet salad, and tabouleh. Bowls combine salad with shawarma or beef for a flavorful mix.

Shawarma offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with satisfying Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes deliver delicious, genuine tastes throughout.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing and authentic."

"The Mediterranean Salad here is absolutely delicious and savory."

"The Mediterranean food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a special deal on Wednesdays that could save you money.

2

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for night owls.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but check for any additional fees.

05
Sahara Taste of the Middle East image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Modern, very clean Middle Eastern restaurant with cozy, culturally rich atmosphere and casual, family-friendly vibe. Space fills with pleasantly crowded energy and offers outdoor seating that adds fresh air to the experience.

Salads feature real beets cut into pieces, not canned, making them stand out. Options include a beet salad side, a grilled chicken salad with nuts and berries, and a cucumber and chickpea salad served with chicken shawarma.

Food offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like hummus, kebabs, and baklava. The menu features homemade Iraqi recipes served in a casual setting.

People are saying

"I believed it served the best Mediterranean food around."

"This lunch spot has great, filling food."

"I found the food to be authentic and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

They charge a $3.00 surcharge for credit card payments.

2

Expect hidden fees that can increase your total bill.

3

The portions are large but may not justify the price.

06
Mal Al Sham image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers authentic Middle Eastern vibe with cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful outdoor seating featuring water elements and umbrellas. The space feels warm and inviting, blending traditional scents and lively music that evoke a sense of traveling to Syria.

Food offers authentic Levantine flavors with dishes that are packed with rich, traditional taste. Meals deliver both quality and quantity reflecting genuine Middle Eastern cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The food here is so authentic and packed with flavor."

"I found the chicken salad here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Special meals are served on weekends, including Mansaf and Ouzi.

2

They serve special dishes during Ramadan.

3

The parking lot is small and often full; street parking is available nearby.

07
Opa Greek Restaurant & Grill image 1

Casual dining space with a family-style atmosphere and lively, welcoming vibe filled with Middle Eastern/Mediterranean patrons enjoying food and company. Music adds to the relaxed, comfortable setting. Known for freshly cooked, authentic dishes including standout gyros and kebabs.

Arabic salad features garbanzo beans and beets, served warm and fresh. Adding gyro meat on top enhances the salad unless avoiding meat.

Greek food offers authentic flavors with dishes that taste genuine and well-prepared. The atmosphere and language spoken add to the authentic experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"The beef kabobs were amazing and the pita bread was very good."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay an extra $10 for using a debit or credit card.

2

The menu is displayed on a digital board behind the cash register.

3

Chicken shawarma is not always available; check before ordering.

08
THE BURRITO CITY - San Diego image 1

Modern restaurant space offers a fresh, clean interior with colorful, unique design. Energy stays relaxed and enjoyable, suited for casual dining with self-serve salsa bar featuring multiple options. Regulars fill the place, drawn by high-quality Mexican food and a well-executed setup that feels like a franchise.

Taco salad stands out with its varied ingredients and solid flavor. The menu includes several salad options alongside tacos, bowls, and enchiladas.

Flavors and sauces match home cooking closely. This spot serves authentic Mexican food that feels genuine and traditional.

People are saying

"The burritos here are juicy, flavorful, and not greasy."

"I loved the touch of salsa fresca in the burritos."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here tasted like my mom's home cooking."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of easy parking available in the shopping center.

2

The menu includes a variety of items like tacos, burritos, and seafood.

3

The establishment is very clean and well organized.

09
Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant image 1

Spacious and beautifully decorated with a family-friendly and warm atmosphere, the restaurant balances cozy and stylish vibes. Authentic Mediterranean music plays, enhancing the relaxed and inviting environment. Large seating areas accommodate groups, making it suitable for casual or celebratory dining.

Salads here come fresh and pair well with perfectly seasoned meats and warm, fluffy bread. Grape leaves stuffed with rice add a tasty, traditional touch.

Rich flavors and authentic Lebanese cuisine define the menu. Chicken shawarma stands out with its very authentic taste and freshness.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and flavorful."

"I found the authentic Mediterranean food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"I loved the fresh, flavorful salads, tasting the quality in every bite."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch is available from 1 to 6 PM for $30.

2

There is a buffet on Sundays worth trying out.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during events with loud music.

10
Kabul Kabob House image 1
Afghan restaurant

Simple decor and unassuming setup create a cozy, peaceful atmosphere with warm hospitality and a traditional Afghan vibe. A prayer space adds a unique cultural touch. The environment stays calm, supporting relaxed meals.

Salads come as simple sides with meals like lamb chops and basmati rice. The buffet includes plain salad alongside dishes like fish soup and Koobida, often paired with kidney beans or pita bread.

Offers authentic halal cuisine with a menu full of genuine Afghani dishes. The Kabuli Pulao stands out as particularly authentic.

People are saying

"The Afghani food here is delicious, especially the kebabs."

"I had a really good, fresh lentil soup here."

"I think the Afghan food here is uniquely good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 100% Zabihah halal.

2

Portion sizes are generous and filling.

3

They offer complimentary soup as a starter.

11
Saray Restaurant Charcoal Grill image 1

Glass counters display unique cuts of meat alongside a kitchen with a live charcoal fire and shawarma towers. The atmosphere is welcoming and casual with a smoky air from charcoal grilling. Local families and food enthusiasts gather here for authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

Salads come with meals like the beef Kabob plate and beef Kebab dinner, offering a generous portion size alongside rice and flatbread. Some salads feel small compared to the price paid.

Charcoal grilling brings out an authentic Iraqi kabob flavor. The menu features authentic MidEastern cuisine with a distinct charcoal flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the authentic charcoal flavor and Iraqi kabob amazing."

"The beef kebab dinner's salad came with amazing rice."

Good to know

1

The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

Expect long wait times of 45 minutes to 1 hour for food orders.

3

Grilled chiles can be requested to add spice to your meal.

Discover more

El Cajon, California

Area guide
Loading Map...