Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of El Cajon

Mediterranean food and salads

A salad that actually feels like a Mediterranean meal rather than a side dish you have to settle for.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
CRAVE Mediterranean Grill image 1
CRAVE Mediterranean Grill image 2
CRAVE Mediterranean Grill image 3
View all

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.

Beef and chicken shawarma stand out with their tender, juicy texture and rich, well-spiced flavor. Hummus is light and creamy, and baba ganoush offers a flavorful introduction to Mediterranean dips.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and unbelievably affordable."

"The Mediterranean food's shawarma is tender, juicy, and full of flavor."

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
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.

Hummus with tahini stands out as a signature dish here. Chicken shawarma, beef shawarma, and kabob offer delicious, authentic flavors that define the Mediterranean menu.

People are saying

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

"The Mediterranean food here has super friendly service."

"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.

03
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 stands out with its amazing flavor and consistent quality. The beef shawarma and baklava are notable highlights that keep people coming back.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing and authentic."

"I found the baklava to be delicious, juicy, and full of flavor."

"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.

04
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.

Fresh ingredients and authentic flavors define the Mediterranean dishes here. The menu features spicy harissa hummus and a couscous and vegetable salad that stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

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

"I found the Mediterranean food to be fresh and delicious."

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.

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.

Chicken shawarma stands out with tender, flavorful grilled meat served over rice. The falafels rank among the best, paired well with exceptional hummus and fresh salads featuring cucumber and chickpeas.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has great, filling food."

"I loved the beet salad with cheese and cranberries."

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.

Chicken shawarma stands out with its Syrian style and rich flavor. The falafel sandwich and hummus with beef shawarma offer authentic Mediterranean tastes that often surpass expectations.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be the best."

"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.

Phenomenal kebab stands out alongside a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes. Hummus, baba ganoush, and lentil soup add variety, though chicken shawarma may not always be available.

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.

08
Greek Chicken image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers authentic Greek decor with a drive-through and takeout setup. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with fresh, consistently delicious chicken and gyros. Dining area is simple and can be uncomfortable due to limited air conditioning.

Salads come fresh and generous in size, with the Greek Chicken Salad standing out as a favorite. They pair well with chicken or lamb, and the medium portion can last for two meals.

Falafel stands out with its great flavor. Juicy kebabs carry a smoky taste. Sides shine, especially the creamy tzatziki sauce that adds a tangy kick to dishes.

People are saying

"The Greek chicken and gyros are consistently delicious."

"The chicken salad here is huge and really fresh."

"The Mediterranean food's Greek chicken is charbroiled, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

There are two disabled parking spots available.

2

The drive-through is considered one of the best in San Diego.

3

Waiting outside during lunch time can result in significant delays.

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.

Chicken shawarma stands out for its authentic and delicious flavor. The menu also features qwzi, falafel, and a buffet with fresh pastries.

People are saying

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

"The Mediterranean food, especially the shawarma, is delicious."

"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.

Discover more

El Cajon, California

Area guide
Loading Map...