Restaurants in El Cajon

Restaurants with Delivery

Outdoor Dining

Online Reservation Available

24 Hour Restaurants

Pet Friendly Places

Takeout Restaurants

Drive-Thru Restaurants

Cheap Eats

Best Restaurants

Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant 14120 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon
Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant
Italian • $$

Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant

14120 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon

Best anchovy pizza I've ever had, maybe the best pizza period! Everything here is a step above: the garlic bread, the antipasto salad, the pasta, the hoagies... new favorite neighborhood place!

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb810 Reviews4.8
Janet's Cafe 1696 Greenfield Dr, El Cajon
Janet's Cafe
Family • $$

Janet's Cafe

1696 Greenfield Dr, El Cajon

Always a comforting and laid back place to eat out with a friend or family member. I come with my mother in law on occasion and food is always delicious and servers are always polite. Come here if you want some yummy biscuits and gravy ?

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb576 Reviews4.8
The Barbecue Pit 2388 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon
The Barbecue Pit
Barbecue • $$

The Barbecue Pit

2388 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon

So, I've been to the bbq pit a bunch of times over the years. I usually get the beef plate with a couple of sides. I believe it's beef shoulder. It's typically tender and juicy.Tonight I went in and there was a sign advertising "brisket". This is the first I'd heard of them making brisket. I decided to give it a try. The word "brisket" should be used loosely in this case. It's not real brisket like you might think. It looks and has the same the texture as their beef shoulder plate. The brisket didn't have a smoke ring, not much discernable bark and there was no difference between what was supposed to be the point and flat. Some of it was really dry and some was overly fatty.I've cooked dozens of briskets in my life and unfortunately, this isn't brisket. I gave 4 stars because the people are nice and the normal beef and ham plates are good. Their pork ribs are typically good also.One other thing I'd recommend to them: Serve the dinner rolls warm. They serve them cold and it's not appetizing. A warm roll with some melted butter would be an amazing side to their plates. Same for the corn bread, serve it warm.Baked beans are good and mac salad is good. I'll still be a regular here, but the "brisket" needs a lot of help.

  • Take-Out
  • Superb541 Reviews4.8
Crafted Greens 745 Jamacha Road, El Cajon
Crafted Greens
American • $$

Crafted Greens

745 Jamacha Road, El Cajon

This place is sooooo good! Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious. My favorites are the Chicken Club sandwich, the tomato basil soup, the mashed potatoes, brussell sprouts, the blueberry mint lemonade, and their new wagyu burger! Not only is the food great, but the customer service is AMAZING! The workers are always so kind and accommodating, work quickly and efficiently. They offer indoor and nicely shaded outdoor seating :) This is easily one of my favorite places to have lunch and the only regret I have is not finding it sooner!

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb399 Reviews4.8
Hooleys Public House 2955 Jamacha Road Suite 21A, El Cajon
Hooleys Public House
Irish Pub • $$

Hooleys Public House

2955 Jamacha Road Suite 21A, El Cajon

We tried this place on a whim and have been back several times since, always great food and service! Good drinks, good specials, unique dishes you can't get elsewhere. Large, shareable portions and great happy hour deals. We celebrated my birthday here and can't wait to go back and try more dishes on the menu. I'd recommend the Irish Stew Boxty, bacon red cabbage, and bread pudding.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb546 Reviews4.7
China Panda Garden 1788 E Main St, El Cajon
China Panda Garden
Chinese • $$

China Panda Garden

1788 E Main St, El Cajon

Awesome food and friendly, fast service. Everything I've had here over the years is good, but I especially recommend the salt and pepper chicken wings and the cashew chicken.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb454 Reviews4.7
Antique Row Cafe 1185 E Main St, El Cajon
Antique Row Cafe
Cafe • $$

Antique Row Cafe

1185 E Main St, El Cajon

We wanted to try this restaurant for so long. The service it was perfect 10 out 10, fast & friendly. The food was ok though it wasn't my favorite I always try eggs Benedict on so many restaurants and the Benedicts form Antique Cafe didn't pass my test of taste. The hollandaise sauce need some improvement as well the muffin they use.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb360 Reviews4.7
Pancho's Mexican Restaurant 2257 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon
Pancho's Mexican Restaurant
Mexican • $$

Pancho's Mexican Restaurant

2257 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon

I've been eating here since I was 5 years old a few times a month and it has not gotten old (I am now 21). By far the best Mexican food, service, and environment in east county. Highly recommend this place to anyone.If you have something bad to say about this place, it's not the restaurant; it's you.

  • Take-Out
  • Superb320 Reviews4.7
Buckboard's BBQ & Brew 975 Greenfield Dr, El Cajon
Buckboard's BBQ & Brew
Barbecue • $$

Buckboard's BBQ & Brew

975 Greenfield Dr, El Cajon

Great BBQ joint! Wish it was open 7 days a week, but it's not.. and that's how you know it's legit.. Great beer selection (not too many or too little). Everything I've tried so far has been amazing, especially the beef ribs and fried Mac&Cheese balls.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb352 Reviews4.6
Antonelli's Deli 1354 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon
Antonelli's Deli
Deli • $$

Antonelli's Deli

1354 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon

Always great food. Your worker Donald is always so welcoming and helpful always has a smile on his face! Always makes my day better!!! Thank you for your awesome service!

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb329 Reviews4.6
Mamma Rosa Italian Restaurant 1773 E Main St, El Cajon
Mamma Rosa Italian Restaurant
Italian • $$

Mamma Rosa Italian Restaurant

1773 E Main St, El Cajon

Our first time dining here and wondered why it took us so long to try this excellent Italian restaurant. Service was great and friendly. Food was delicious and hot temp wise. We got the Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and the Angel hair pasta. Calamari was excellent. Portions are plentiful and prices reasonable.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb277 Reviews4.6
Izzy's Cafe 1252 Broadway, El Cajon
Izzy's Cafe
Cafe • $$

Izzy's Cafe

1252 Broadway, El Cajon

Best breakfast in El Cajon. The pancakes are my favorite here. Great buttermilk flavor. The breakfast menu is great. The omelets are good too. I always enjoy the hashbrowns, pancakes and omelets. Good service.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb264 Reviews4.6
Gillespie Field Cafe 2015 N Marshall Ave, El Cajon
Gillespie Field Cafe
Cafe • $$

Gillespie Field Cafe

2015 N Marshall Ave, El Cajon

We love this place! Where to start? Food great always fresh and tasty. The staff and management are super friendly and courteous, always welcoming and genuine. I can't say enough. Last but not least they are most honest Americans. I lost my wallet and they retrieved it. It is rare today to find such good people. God bless you all for your hard work and integrity. Highly recommend...Kid-friendliness: Large family tables ringside seats on Gillespie Field fun to watch airplanes landing taking off. Breezy pleasant atmosphere and fun decor inside the restaurant too.Parking: At leat 20 plus spots directly in front and more surrounding. Never had any parking issuesWheelchair accessibility: No stairs or steps all wide entry outside patio or inside.Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating will offer any needed variety

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb254 Reviews4.6
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs 15505 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs
Barbecue • $$

Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs

15505 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon

This place is fantastic. Would have given 5 stars all around but they ran out of both entrees my wife and i went there for at 4pm (Tri tip/links) on a holiday weekend. That being said, staff is great, atmosphere is relaxing and fun and there are plenty of great food and drink options.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb373 Reviews4.5
Dolci Cafe Italiano 2650 Jamacha Road #121, El Cajon
Dolci Cafe Italiano
Italian • $$

Dolci Cafe Italiano

2650 Jamacha Road #121, El Cajon

Tony is an awesome server! Excellent recommendations and very attentive. Everything was delicious! I will always return when I'm in the mood for great service and amazing Italian cuisine.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb312 Reviews4.5
Happy Time Mediterranean Restaurant 2441 Jamacha Road #106, El Cajon
Happy Time Mediterranean Restaurant
Mediterranean • $$

Happy Time Mediterranean Restaurant

2441 Jamacha Road #106, El Cajon

Great food, especially the rap that they are adding and creating different flavors and kinds like the kebab one. My favorite is the beef rap though. Also, they have gigantic hamburgers that are different from the American style. The hamburger will take you to Iraq and the taste is the

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb263 Reviews4.5
Junction Bar & Grill 777 Jamacha Road, El Cajon
Junction Bar & Grill
Bar & Grill • $$

Junction Bar & Grill

777 Jamacha Road, El Cajon

Haven't been since 2018, and I love it! Nice redo! Our server was great, the food was delicious, and the ambiance was delightful!Definitely coming back real soon! Miss the Prime rib!

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb385 Reviews4.4
Urbane Cafe 120 Fletcher Pkwy #115, El Cajon
Urbane Cafe
Sandwich Shop • $$

Urbane Cafe

120 Fletcher Pkwy #115, El Cajon

Food was simple, straight forward, tasted fresh, and just really good. Nothing to ride home about but its definitely a good place to get quality food. Its not bad and you won't hate it. Better than most especially if you are trying to find healthier/cleaner options to enjoy.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb241 Reviews4.5
Burning Beard Brewing Co. 785 Vernon Way, El Cajon
Burning Beard Brewing Co.
Brewery • $$

Burning Beard Brewing Co.

785 Vernon Way, El Cajon

Pretty cool place for the hip and exciting, but I’m neither so when I went in I didn’t quite fit, call it old age, and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But it is a nice brewery with some terrific ales, what was neat are each of the brews were named for music titles.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb170 Reviews4.6
Bonny's Cafe 596 Broadway, El Cajon
Bonny's Cafe
Cafe • $$

Bonny's Cafe

596 Broadway, El Cajon

I'm from Texas and love finding small local cafes with good people, and this is exactly what I got. It's like the woman taking care of the tables knew me when I walked in the door. She was super friendly, knew everyone's names. She was very genuine and even asked if I wanted French vanilla creamer right off! I ordered Huevos Rancheros, and it was amazing. Tasted just like home cooked. Perfect portion and the coffee is perfect. Refilled my cup several times, too! The restaurant had clean bathrooms, the conversation was something out of a movie where men were talking about the world's problems and thanks the waitress as they went about their day.Highly recommend if you want a clean and comfortable home cafe with good food.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb225 Reviews4.5
Marechiaro's 2nd Street 854 N 2nd St, El Cajon
Marechiaro's 2nd Street
Italian • $$

Marechiaro's 2nd Street

854 N 2nd St, El Cajon

I came here twice with a very good friend of mine and had wonderful experiences both times. The waitresses were very kind and attentive and the food was amazing ! I absolutely love this place!

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb223 Reviews4.5
Testo Pepesto Italian Restaurant 221 E Main St, El Cajon
Testo Pepesto Italian Restaurant
Italian • $$

Testo Pepesto Italian Restaurant

221 E Main St, El Cajon

I ordered a Lobster Mac and cheese and a pesto chicken pizza. The mac and cheese is really good but the pizza was too oily and not much chicken. It was my first time here, I can go again but I will prefer to try any other Italian restaurant.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb326 Reviews4.4
Thai Time 762 N Johnson Ave, El Cajon
Thai Time
Thai • $$

Thai Time

762 N Johnson Ave, El Cajon

Really elegant plates when eating in. And the food tastes as good as it looks. The service is quick and efficient. Say hello or thank you in Thai and get the royal treatment. Order a Singha beer and they will know you know Thai. And DANG the food is good. Seriously stretch a little and try the Tod Mun (fish cakes) and the Pla Rad Prik (deep fried tilapia in chili sauce). Sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy are the Thai flavors and they're all there!

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb268 Reviews4.4
Busy B Thai Cafe 330 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon
Busy B Thai Cafe
Thai • $$

Busy B Thai Cafe

330 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon

Had the BBQ Thai Chicken with Thai Iced Tea, excellent, best thing I've eaten all week. I will for sure come back and try more things on the menu. Only thing not to my liking was an optional chilli sauce in a small jar, but I was expecting more of a sweeter sauce, which the dish did come with.Vegetarian options: Lots of potential options, says it's recommended by HappyCow on the door.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb264 Reviews4.4
Sahara Taste of the Middle East 2990 Jamacha Road, El Cajon
Sahara Taste of the Middle East
Middle Eastern • $$

Sahara Taste of the Middle East

2990 Jamacha Road, El Cajon

You don't go here for the atmosphere! You go here for the food, because it's one of the best middle eastern places to eat. Everything is so so good! I don't even like lamb or beets, but I do there! Amazing food with amazing sauces!

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb360 Reviews4.3
California Fish Grill 120 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon
California Fish Grill
Seafood • $$

California Fish Grill

120 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon

Food is really good but our delivery driver never rand the bell or texted that our food arrived and when we found it on the porch everything needed to be reheated.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb353 Reviews4.3
La Cresta Restaurant and Caffé 1331 La Cresta Blvd, El Cajon
La Cresta Restaurant and Caffé
Mexican • $$

La Cresta Restaurant and Caffé

1331 La Cresta Blvd, El Cajon

Hidden Gem of El Cajon Crest! On the mountain you don't need to go far for yummy food, great service, and consistency. Quality is always great. We always get la Cresta Burrito, Meatlovers Burrito, 5 rolled tacos, 2 Floutas #8 Chili relleno two cheese enchiladas rice and beans. Tip: get your Burrito "wet".

  • Take-Out
  • Superb79 Reviews4.8
Executive Friendship Deli 1935 Friendship Dr, El Cajon
Executive Friendship Deli
Cafe • $$$

Executive Friendship Deli

1935 Friendship Dr, El Cajon

Discovered this deli while working in the area. I ordered a Cobb salad and it was delicious. The owner is so nice. Looking forward to adding this place into my go to lunch spot stops.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb78 Reviews4.8
Creative Creature Brewing Company 110 Magnolia Ave B, El Cajon
Creative Creature Brewing Company
Brewery • $$

Creative Creature Brewing Company

110 Magnolia Ave B, El Cajon

Cute little place. Visited on Sunday and unfortunately they were having issues with their CO2 so only cans were available. But still was delicious. Love the Yodale lager.

  • Take-Out
  • Drive-Through
  • Superb143 Reviews4.5
Ali Baba Family Restaurant 421 E Main St, El Cajon
Ali Baba Family Restaurant
Middle Eastern • $$

Ali Baba Family Restaurant

421 E Main St, El Cajon

Woww we had such a feast. I came as a birthday gift for my friend and colleague and he lived it. I have always loved the baba ghanoush here. I tried in other places hoping it would be the same but no. These people are the kings of it. The plate was amazing. We had to take food home. I think we got a bit too excited. I totally recommend it. I have been here at least three times before with different people. All had a positive experience.

  • Take-Out
  • Delivery
  • Superb316 Reviews4.3

Frequently Asked Questions about El Cajon

What are the best dog friendly restaurants in El Cajon?

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What are the best gluten free restaurants in El Cajon?

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What are the most popular restaurants in El Cajon?

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