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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of El Cajon

Food and soup

Made for those who find comfort in a bowl of soup and view it as a complete and satisfying meal.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Al Awael Restaurant مطعم الاوائل image 1
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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.

Complimentary lentil soup arrives warm or chilled, paired with warm bread. The soup serves as a comforting start and is offered freely before meals.

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 lentil soup here is so refreshing and divine."

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.

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Simple, spacious interior with comfortable booths and authentic decor like square tiles and pictures of gods creates a calm, cozy atmosphere. Quiet and relaxed environment suits those who prefer privacy. The place stands out for its peaceful vibe and affordable value.

Seafood Pho noodle soup stands out with a rich, flavorful broth. The P.1 soup offers a great taste that many find satisfying. Soups here match exactly what you want for a solid lunch.

Food comes out fast with a rich, deep, and flavorful stock. Dishes are fresh, authentic, and delicious with fair prices matching the quality of Vietnamese comfort food.

People are saying

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

"I found the pho soup here to have a good broth."

Good to know

1

The bowl size offers great value for the price.

2

Food is served quickly, usually within minutes.

3

Take-out orders are prepared in about 15 minutes on weekends.

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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.

Lentil soup stands out with its rich flavor and is a favorite dish here. Yogurt soup with lamb strings offers a well-seasoned twist, and Kubba hameth beef dumpling soup adds variety to the options.

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 found the food here to be tasty and delicious."

"I loved their lentil soup; it was my favorite dish."

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.

04
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Afghan restaurant offers traditional seating and modern outdoor patio with a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The space combines stylish decor and a family-friendly environment. It serves authentic Afghan flavors with dishes like Kabuli Palaw and lamb kebabs.

Slow-simmered with herbs and spices, the chicken soup comes as a comforting starter. It often arrives complimentary to warm up hungry stomachs.

Offers authentic Afghan food with a wonderful selection of flavorful traditional dishes. Meals come fresh and full of flavor, creating a delicious and satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"I enjoyed their rich, spiced chicken and lamb curry."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect a wait time during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has convenient parking available for visitors.

05
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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.

Tasty bean soup comes with aromatic rice featuring carrots and raisins. They serve delicious soup every day.

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."

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.

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Chinese restaurant with high-end decor and table linens creates a clean, classy atmosphere that feels relaxing and intimate. Spacious dining area features giant mirrors that enhance the sense of roominess. Soothing music plays softly, adding to the calm vibe.

Soups feature quality ingredients combined thoughtfully. The imperial soup blends shrimp, chicken, crabmeat, water chestnuts, and mushrooms in a light egg flower broth. Portions include balanced wontons, vegetables, broth, and meats.

Food stands out for its large portions and distinct flavors on each plate. Staff explain dishes and offer personalized recommendations while the dining area stays clean and well spaced.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Hot and Sour Soup here uses quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

Chins Gourmet offers a $10 gift certificate for mothers on Mother's Day.

2

Dinner times are usually busy, but no wait for a table is common.

3

Lunch specials provide good value, but portion sizes may be smaller than expected.

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Traditional Middle Eastern restaurant with authentic Iraqi atmosphere and ethnic tapestry and artwork at the entrance. The space feels warm and inviting with classical Arabic music playing in the background. It often fills with families and parties, creating a lively, communal vibe.

Lentil soup stands out with rich flavor and hearty texture. Huge bowls come with meals, often enough for leftovers. Iraqi soup includes stuffed intestines and lamb shank, adding unique depth.

Food offers large portions with authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Shawarma and other dishes come with excellent taste and good value.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the lentil soup here was the best I ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The feast for two feeds four people for under $60.

2

Ali Baba Family Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3

There was plenty of free parking.

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Old-school barbecue joint with 1970s nostalgia and cafeteria-style seating creates a relaxed, country music vibe. Family-owned atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, offering hearty portions and visible kitchen action. Regulars come early for well-regarded brisket and barbecue sauce.

Split pea soup and Navy bean soup come with sandwich combos like chopped burnt ends or brisket. The soup and sandwich combos offer budget-friendly and hearty options.

Good old-fashioned comfort food shines here with large portions and fair prices. Different sauces add variety, and the food stays consistently amazing over time.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious."

"I loved the navy bean soup with my burnt ends sandwich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

3

Expect limited menu items if you arrive late in the day.

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Small Vietnamese restaurant offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with a beautiful garden patio featuring lights, fans, and plants. Atmosphere stays calm and inviting with soft lighting and elegant décor, enhanced by piano music. Patio space suits large groups and is dog-friendly, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Pho soup features rare and well-done steak with a rich broth. Soup sometimes lacks vegetables but offers a solid, flavorful base.

Food stands out for being consistently very good and delicious. Appetizers and main dishes offer incredible taste at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and fresh."

"I thought the pho soup was flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a parking lot in the back for easy access.

2

Vegetarian options are available on the menu for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The total for a meal is typically around $42 for two people.

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Stonework, stucco, and hanging tin lanterns create an authentic hacienda atmosphere with quirky, unique décor. Live music fills the space on certain days, adding lively energy that can be quite loud. The crowd enjoys excellent Mexican food and a variety of margaritas in a friendly, inviting setting.

Albondigas soup stands out with its rich meatballs and a hint of spice. It comes in a large bowl and pairs well with dishes like chicken enchiladas and chile relleno.

Food features delicious Mexican dishes with consistent quality and well-made margaritas. Service complements the food well, creating a solid dining experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"The albondigas soup was a real treat."

Good to know

1

The brunch costs $36 per person for all-you-can-eat.

2

Happy hour specials are available, making it a great time to visit.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

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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.

Shrimp Consomé stands out with a rich, clear flavor. The miso soup varies, sometimes tasting sour and salty, unlike its usual mild profile.

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

"The Shrimp Consomé soup was chef's kiss!"

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.

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