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Food and salad in El Cajon

Made for those who demand that their greens be as substantial and thoughtfully prepared as any hot entree.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
CRAVE Mediterranean Grill image 1
CRAVE Mediterranean Grill image 2
CRAVE Mediterranean Grill image 3
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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.

Food comes fresh and full of flavor with chicken shawarma standing out as a highlight. Staff offer thoughtful touches like pita and hummus for kids, and portions deliver good value for the quality.

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 really tasty and well-balanced."

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.

02
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego image 1

Rotating meats sliced tableside create a unique dining experience in a spacious, modern setting with a full bar offering standout piña coladas served in pineapples. The atmosphere stays relaxed and family friendly, with a clean and inviting environment that accommodates large groups comfortably.

Great food pairs with friendly service in a lively setting. The dining experience feels top-tier and consistently satisfying.

People are saying

"The salad bar had a wide variety of options."

"The food here is amazing, especially the juicy meats and salad bar."

"The salad bar had so many great options."

Good to know

1

Expect no wait time during weekday dinner hours.

2

Parking is easy and plentiful near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant offers over 18 different meats, including beef, chicken, seafood, lamb, and pork.

03
Al Awael Restaurant مطعم الاوائل image 1

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.

Mediterranean dishes stand out with delicious flavors and consistent quality. Staff provide excellent service in a welcoming environment that complements the food well.

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.

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.

Food features excellent Middle Eastern cuisine with consistently super delicious flavors. The menu offers a fantastic dining experience with great service.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing and authentic."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

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

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
Luna Grill Rancho San Diego image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a cozy, elegant dining area with tasteful décor and calm, welcoming atmosphere. The space feels more like a sit-down restaurant than fast food, with ample seating and a relaxed vibe. Families find it accommodating with amenities like coloring for children.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and distinctive dressings that stand out. Options like the peach burrata salad and Greek salad combine unique flavors with quality produce.

Generous portions and immaculate food stand out here. Service matches the food quality, making every meal consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with your salad."

"The Greek food, especially the gyro plate, had tender lamb and fresh vegetables."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free from Monday to Thursday with an account through the app.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly and offers healthy options for children.

3

Expect a clean environment with spotless restrooms.

06
Executive Friendship Deli image 1

Deli offers fresh sandwiches with soft bread and flavorful meat and cheese at excellent prices. Atmosphere feels like home, creating a comfortable and inviting vibe. Lunch is quick and satisfying, with deals available after 1 PM.

Salads here look fresh and appetizing. They come alongside delicious sandwiches and pastas.

Prices stay excellent and the food comes out especially fresh. Sandwiches, cold salads, and pasta stand out as best options.

People are saying

"Vicky's service made my sandwich feel like home."

"The owner Vicky made me feel like a friend."

"The staff here are so friendly, it makes the salad experience great."

Good to know

1

Prices are excellent, with sandwiches starting at just $3.

2

Discounts are offered after 1 PM for lunch orders.

3

Expect a quick service, perfect for a lunch break.

07
Sweet And Green image 1
Restaurant

Clean, well-organized space offers healthy options with affordable prices. The atmosphere carries good vibes and a focus on fresh ingredients. It serves both meat eaters and vegetarians with daily specials and quick meals.

Fresh and crunchy textures stand out in the house salad. Fruit salads vary, sometimes including cottage cheese or unexpected ingredients like coconut, with mixed quality in the fruit used.

Food offers great value with top-notch flavors that encourage trying new tastes, including some mild spice. Quality stays consistent across dishes, making it worth returning for the amazing variety.

People are saying

"I found the healthy options here to be delicious and cost-effective."

"They drove to my house with a new fruit salad and smoothie."

"The food here was amazing and top-notch."

Good to know

1

They accept cash, card, or EBT.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, but there's space in the back.

3

They offer a variety of sandwiches, smoothies, juices, and desserts.

08
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 here shows authentic Italian recipes made with care and pride. The dishes taste consistently delicious and homemade, reflecting a deep passion for Italian cuisine.

People are saying

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

"I thought Italia Pizza served the best pizza in town."

"The salad here is amazing and delicious."

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.

09
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.

Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine shines here with dishes like hummus, kebabs, and baklava. The food stays consistently flavorful and quality-driven, making it a solid choice for Mediterranean fare.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has great, filling food."

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

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.

10
Hilltop Deli (Amy's) image 1

Deli offers large sandwiches with generous sides and inside and outside seating for sun lovers. Atmosphere feels friendly and cheery, welcoming guests in a clean, nicely decorated space. Morning visits bring a family-like vibe with a focus on hearty, well-priced meals.

Salads come made in-house with no prepackaged ingredients. The pasta salad stands out with a smoky creamy sauce and generous portions, while the potato salad offers great flavor and texture.

Food here is fresh and flavorful, made with clear care. The owners and staff show genuine attention to the dishes they serve.

People are saying

"You get your money's worth with these huge sandwiches."

"The bread here has a perfect fresh-baked feel."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and made with care."

Good to know

1

Breakfast foods are no longer available after 11 AM.

2

There are no outlets near any of the tables.

3

Every sandwich comes with a side, like salad or potato salad.

11
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.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors and sauces that match home cooking quality. Burritos arrive hot and fresh, consistently delivering delicious taste.

People are saying

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

"The burritos here are large, juicy, and flavorful."

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

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.

12
Greek Chicken image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant combines fast food style with fresh, well-prepared Greek dishes like gyro and chicken salad. The space feels clean and remodeled, with some booths offering privacy and TVs showing sports. It attracts a busy lunch crowd, creating a lively, noisy atmosphere.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and dressing served separately to avoid sogginess. The medium chicken salad features perfectly cooked chicken on a Greek salad and is filling and mostly healthy.

Food arrives fresh and fast with large portions. Service is consistently friendly and attentive.

People are saying

"The food here is great and consistently good."

"I loved the gyro sandwich; the Greek Food here is excellent."

"I thought the chicken salad was fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, which may limit menu options.

2

Expect cleanliness issues as some areas may not be well-maintained.

3

Prices are higher than average for similar restaurants in the area.

13
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 here stands out for its authentic Middle Eastern flavors and high quality. Dishes are consistently delicious and satisfying, making it a reliable spot for Arabic and halal 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.

14
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.

Food here tastes like it comes from a home kitchen heaven with authentic Greek flavors. Dishes arrive freshly cooked, simple yet full of distinctive taste and great value.

People are saying

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

"I had the best gyro sandwich I've had in years."

"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.

15
Yi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with chill music and a quaint, mellow setting. The place draws diners seeking fresh, high-quality sushi and standout rolls like baked dynamite and spicy tuna. It balances affordable prices with generous portions and a calm vibe ideal for quiet meals.

Salads come with crisp textures and ginger dressing that pairs well with main dishes. They add a fresh, flavorful touch alongside items like gyoza and chicken karage.

Food here is consistently fresh and of great quality. Creative chefs prepare dishes like the Bulgogi Bento box with generous portions and precise rolls made to order.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, rich, and melts in your mouth."

"I found the Japanese food here to be well-made and delicious."

"The food, especially the sushi rolls, looked beautiful and tasted delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 7 pm with items starting at $3.

2

Parking is plentiful and convenient for visitors.

3

The bento box provides excellent value for the price.

16
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.

Food here is authentic Afghan and consistently delicious. Meals are light on the stomach and offered at a good price.

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.

17
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.

Food offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with large portions and many vegetarian options. Dishes consistently taste great and deliver strong value for the price.

People are saying

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

"The buffet had authentic Iraqi and Syrian dishes, with many healthy options."

"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.

18
Xtreme Wings image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Chicken wings restaurant offers a mom and pop style atmosphere with a quiet lunch vibe and occasional enthusiastic comments. Generous portions and a variety of sauces distinguish the menu, especially the buffalo fries and homemade ranch dressing. The owner is hands-on and well-regarded, contributing to a consistent and welcoming environment.

Salads often feature Buffalo chicken with medium heat and come in large portions. Homemade Ranch dressing is available, but croutons can be stale.

Food comes out fresh and delicious with a variety of sauces and options. The small shop focuses on crave-worthy wings and quick service.

People are saying

"The buffalo fries here are always fresh and impressive."

"I loved the Buffalo chicken salad with medium heat."

"I thought the buffalo wings were the best I had in a while."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of wing sauces and food options.

2

Expect generous portion sizes that can feed multiple people.

3

Ranch dressing is available for an extra fee.

19
Tropifruit Juice Bar image 1

Open concept space features upbeat graffiti and plenty of seating, creating a casual atmosphere. Fresh fruit is prepared on site with large portions and a great variety of choices. Service pace can be slow due to layout inefficiencies, but food quality remains a highlight.

Fruit salads include chamango and acai bowls with fresh fruit. Some fruit salads have grapes that can be moldy. Preparation can take a while, especially for tortas, smoothies, and fruit salads.

Food tastes consistently fresh and well-prepared. The tuna sandwich stands out as delicious, and overall dishes receive high marks for quality.

People are saying

"The food here is so good and fresh."

"I couldn't wait to go back for another delicious sandwich."

"I can make my salad faster at home."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times for food preparation, especially during busy hours.

2

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes offered.

3

Fresh fruit is prepared on-site, with no precut options available.

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El Cajon, California

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