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New Yorkers 1st Choice
El Cajon's best

Mediterranean sandwich spots

When you want a sandwich, you want the depth of flavor that only Mediterranean cooking provides.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
Sinbad Mediterranean Cuisine image 1
Sinbad Mediterranean Cuisine image 2
Sinbad Mediterranean Cuisine image 3
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Restaurant offers cozy, authentic Mediterranean vibe with warm, inviting atmosphere and beautiful, clean decor. Indoor seating is plentiful, supporting a relaxed dining experience. The setting feels like a vibrant corner of the Mediterranean, combining comfort with elegance.

Shawarma stands out as authentic and very, very good with kebabs also rated as amazing. The food delivers strong Iraqi and Mediterranean flavors with warm hospitality enhancing the experience.

Bold, flavorful spices define the Zinger sandwich, making it a standout choice. Beef and chicken sandwiches also feature amazing taste, with tabbouleh adding a fresh, vibrant touch.

People are saying

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

"The Mediterranean food here is flavorful and served in generous portions."

"You have to try the Zinger sandwich; it's so flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves Iraqi-style fast food in a unique Arabian nights atmosphere.

2

Expect a diverse and authentic menu with high-quality ingredients.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained environment.

02
Tappi's Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small cafe with a cozy, inviting atmosphere and chic indoor setting offers both indoor and outdoor seating with ample space. Energy stays lively even when full, with a diverse menu and a coffee bar featuring espresso drinks and health shots. Cold air conditioning balances the warm, welcoming vibe.

Shakshuka Special features grilled onions, peppers, Kufta, sunny side eggs, and a rich tomato puree with houseblend cheese and a house-made Bread dome. Chicken shawarma comes with juicy, flavorful meat served with pita bread.

Egg sandwiches stand out with rich sauce, crispy cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs. The Osaka sandwich features buttery avocado, turkey bacon, and guacamole on soft, fluffy bread.

People are saying

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

"The Osaka sandwich was loaded with turkey, bacon, and cheese."

"You have to try the Mediterranean food, especially the shakshuka with house-made bread."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu available with discounted drinks and food.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups due to limited seating.

3

Parking is ample nearby, making it easy to visit.

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.

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.

Chicken shawarma sandwiches come sliced fresh and are tender and tasty on Arabic bread. The chicken tikka sandwich offers a punch of flavor, and other options include chicken kabobs with hummus and jajeek.

People are saying

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

"The Mediterranean food here has super friendly service."

"The shawarma sandwiches here are perfect and tender."

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
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.

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.

Gyro sandwiches stand out with rich flavor and authentic taste. The Beef Kabob Sandwich offers a hearty lunch option with satisfying ingredients.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

05
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.

Falafel and chicken sandwiches stand out with generous portions and rich flavors. Shawarma sandwiches pack saucy, flavorful fillings that make every bite satisfying.

People are saying

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

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

"I had the best falafel sandwich I have ever had."

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.

06
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.

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

Shawarma sandwiches come fresh and well made with a great selection of sauces and sides. Some sandwiches can be a bit too salty, and fries come separately, adding to the price.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing and authentic."

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

"I found the shawarma sandwiches here to be fresh and well made."

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.

07
Alfanar Restaurant image 1

Clean and inviting interior with a well-designed seating arrangement creates a comfortable dining space. Atmosphere feels like living in Iraq, offering a homey and authentic vibe. Known for best Iraqi food, fresh kebabs, and warm tandoori bread, it serves complimentary tea and soup to enhance the experience.

Hummus stands out as exceptionally smooth and flavorful. Beef shawarma and kebabs deliver authentic, rich tastes. The falafel sandwich comes in a grilled burrito style that offers a unique twist on the classic.

Falafel comes in a grilled burrito style, different from the usual. Crispy chicken sandwich offers a crisp texture and balanced size. Beef sandwich includes a fat piece inside.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor."

"I found the Mediterranean food, especially the hummus, to be the best I've ever had."

"I found the falafel sandwich perfectly done, a grilled burrito style I loved."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards throughout the dining area.

2

Bottled water must be purchased separately as no water is provided on the table.

3

The restaurant offers complimentary bowls of lentil soup and pickled vegetables with meals.

08
Abn Al Sham - مطعم و فروج ابن الشام image 1

Small restaurant offers authentic Syrian atmosphere with a cozy, relaxed vibe reminiscent of Damascus. It serves highly praised shawarma and fried chicken known for their flavor and tenderness. The space feels like a hidden gem for Middle Eastern cuisine.

Chicken shawarma stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. Fried chicken also features prominently, paired often with a mango twist drink that complements the meal well.

Shawarma sandwiches come loaded with fresh ingredients and generous portions. They are flavorful and moist, often served sliced like wraps with garlic sauce and coleslaw.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the shawarma."

"The fried chicken here is super crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor."

"The chicken shawarma sandwich is so flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Parking is located at the back of the restaurant; front parking is for the store next door.

2

Shawarma prices are around $10 each, which is reasonable.

3

Expect a wait time of about 45 minutes, even if told otherwise.

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.

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

Shawarma sandwiches offer a protein-filled and cost-effective meal option. Chicken shawarma combos include a sandwich and come highly recommended.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the shawarma sandwich; it's amazing."

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
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.

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.

Gyro sandwich stands out with generous toppings like onion and tomato and offers a satisfying portion alongside fries. The chicken sandwich once considered a masterpiece now includes cheese and raw onion but is just okay, leading to a shift toward ordering half a chicken and salad instead.

People are saying

"The Greek chicken and gyros are consistently delicious."

"I thought their gyro sandwich was the best in town."

"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.

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