Came from San Francisco to the San Diego zoo and this restaurant came up in my search. And I really do not regret it. Amazing staff- amazing food and service. The restaurant is clean- bathroom is clean. Staff is very friendly and smiling all the time. We were group of 15 and they got the food out in time. The owner was very very friendly and made me the best beef shawerma ever. I would recommend this place. And I am definitely coming back. Thank you everyone for everything. God bless you all. read more

I saw Al Awael on Yelp and the food looked so good. I wanted to check this place out. My party came to Al Awael later in the evening, after the Iftar rush. As a result, the restaurant was not crowded, but they were out of several menu items. The restaurant is spacious and very color coordinated. The armrests on the chairs are at a slightly odd height for me but very aesthetic. This restaurant is family-run by a father and son duo. The father was cooking while his son was on the front end of things. The service was super friendly and I really appreciated that he explained the menu thoroughly to us. They were out of beef kabob and chicken shawarma (my go-to). I opted for the liver plate with fries, and also tried a bite of beef shawarma. We were also served a complimentary lentil soup as an appetizer. The soup was DELICIOUS. Soft and warm and comforting, with vermicelli bits in it. It was incredibly flavorful and soothing, something I would crave on cold days, sick days, any days really. I will definitely be finding recipes and attempting to make this myself. Middle Eastern places always have the most delicious, freshly fried fries, 10/10 no notes especially with ketchup (sue me, I'm basic XD). My grilled liver hit the spot. I think my one critique would be that because the pieces were quite large, some parts were quite tough. The roast onions and tomatoes had a good smoky char, and the portions were generous. After I polished off my first cube, the son swung by and set a grilled jalapeño down in front of me, saying that his father recommended parting it with the liver. It's personal touches like this that make me really love a local, family owned place! And his father was definitely right about the jalapeño. That and the pickled cabbage were the perfect complement for the rich, earthy liver. Prices were fair and portions were huge. The service was standout here as well. I would LOVE to come back and try their lamb dishes, and I definitely anticipate updating to a 5 star review then. read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Complimentary lentil soup - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

We just ate here and it was amazing. We ordered the Tashreeb Laham and the Quzzi Laham, and everything was absolutely incredible. The flavors were spot on -- perfectly spiced, perfectly cooked, and so rich and comforting. It's hands down the best Iraqi/Arab food we've had in the U.S. so far. The lamb was incredibly tender and full of flavor, and the Tashreeb Laham tasted like something straight out of a family kitchen back home. You can tell they truly care about authenticity and quality. On top of that, the service was amazing -- so warm, welcoming, and genuinely family-friendly. They made us feel completely at home. The restaurant itself was immaculately clean, modern, and beautifully decorated. The atmosphere and overall vibe were just perfect. 10/10 experience. Highly, highly recommend. We'll definitely be coming back. read more

This is my favorite stop when I'm craving middle eastern food. I especially come here for their shawarma wraps when I'm craving it. I've had their trays and appetizers as well. Everything is delicious. The restaurant is beautiful with plenty of seating inside and it's always clean. The family that works there are friendly and welcoming every time. read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

The food is very amazing and good. The service is nice and good. I recommended for people to go and try them. They are very nice people and I love the food. read more

A new Iraqi place in El Cajon area close to a Chinese place I have been to a few times. They are still in a soft opening and some items on the menu aren't available yet. I have been 3x, and customer service has been great. Food comes out fresh and awesome. Their awesome items that I really enjoyed are the lamb dishes and the kebabs/kebobs are so flavorful. One of these days they will be adding some Iraqi desserts and then I hope to try those as well. For sure will be back. read more

See all

Best middle eastern food by far!!!! The food was so fresh and tasty. Elegant and amazing service. Highly recommend read more

See all

Tried Al Awael and it was really good. The food was fresh and full of flavor and the service was friendly. Nice spot if you want something quick but still quality. Definitely coming back. read more

this is one of my favorite restaurant in San diego and El Cajon the food quality made me feel I'm in Iraq with the best tradition taste I love how they treat you with welcoming I suggest you to come try their menu read more

Soft opening I gave 4 stars coz I know it is new and they need to figure things out Overall ambience is nice modern chairs and table Very loud though not sure if there is something in the wall but there was a lot of echo of the people talking Our waiter Rivan was nice helpful and very polite also the blonde girl in the front very nice We had our mother in law birthday and since they r new they do not have desserts yet and suggested to get a cake from Von next door for us to cut and eat so very helpful from that perspective Now the food Food was decent and looked fresh The salad platter was decent on the smaller size so as the Fattoosh salad. Amount is not big but not small either but I am comparing to the other Iraqi restaurant Salad and appetizers good liver was good mashee platter was good The fried crispy chicken was very good Parking is easy Overall I think just be patient as they r still figuring things out and yes they were slightly late in their service but I guess need to give them another chance Advice is yes go try it but be a little patient read more

See all

Sooo good delicious food and lovely friendly service. My friend keeps talking about this place, already planning to come back.

We went there last night and everything was so good! We ordered the appetizer platter, lamb Qouzi and chicken Tikka. The place is run by a father and two brothers and they are very gracious and generous. Just the kindest people! The restaurant is beautiful and everything was so nice. I wish them the best and hope to come back! read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Chicken Tikka was very tender and flavorful! - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Probably the juiciest kabob I have had ! Came here because I knew they are a new restaurant so I wanted to try. Came here with my buddies and we started off with their appetizers platter. Comes with 5 different appetizers so you get a little bit of everything. I got the combo plate chicken kabob and beef kabob with yellow rice. The kabobs were so juicy, the meat melts in your mouth. My buddy got the chicken shawarma wrap and love it. I had one of his wrap pieces and it was yummy. My other buddy got the kuzi with biryani rice and he said it was one of the kuzi he has ever had. I definitely need to come back to try their beef shawarma which I heard is amazing ! They make fresh bread daily and they have lots of seating inside. Restaurant was clean and our server Rula was also amazing! See you guys again ! read more

See all

Let me start by saying the food here is amazing! We've been a couple times now, trying different assortments of dishes and I can without a doubt the best in the area and that is saying something. Food is super fresh, well seasoned and large portions. Service was exceptional, a true family run atmosphere, you could feel the pride and attention to detail this establishment offers. I would recommend to anyone, looking forward to bringing some of my close friends and family soon. An outstanding addition to the community. read more

Hidden gem! We dined here with friends before going to a concert at the Magnolia Theater (just a short 5 minute drive from the restaurant). We were greeted with a warm friendly smile and seated right away. The meal started with a warm yummy lentil soup that was delicious. We ordered hummus and baba ganoush, both amazing. Tried the different warm bureks and each one was flavorful and delicious. We ended up getting one of the mixed grill plates with a rice combo, and we had so much food! plenty for to go bags and enjoyed for lunch the next day. Portions are generous, food outstanding and service is friendly and attentive. Do not hesitate to give this place a try. We live a good half hour away, but will be finding time to come back. read more

The way it looks everyone's complain and mine is the way of service of the food order is given out to the customer, you need to hire someone to help your restaurant organize the way the order is given to the customer, communication with server to the customer is important not after the main dish is served to tell the customer you don't have that or you ran out that's done at the time of ordering, appetizers do not come after the main food is served , when it's very simple like hummus, and the yogurt cucumber order that should come out fast and the bread we received looked like bread from a previous customer. Very disappointed. read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Our main dish was served with appetizers coming after our main dish. Hummus, fries, yougurt cucumber dish. - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

WHAT A Find ! They don't make restaurants like this anymore Family owned, Al Awael provided AMAZING FRESH food, beautifully presented. GREAT atmosphere and music, and most of all the service was above and beyond. ( they didn't miss any details even gorgeous immaculate bathroom) This Restaurant could teach other restaurants how things should be done. read more

Al Awael Restaurant - yummy - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Service was 10/10 - my server was angelic. Complimentary soup was amazing. The chicken shawarma was tender, filled with flavor - veggies were perfectly cooked and rice was the perfect compliment. Trying the chicken tikka next time. This is my new go to spot in east county. Highly recommend! read more

We ate at Al Awael Restaurant tonight for the first time. We are absolutely blown away at how amazing the food and service is at this restaurant. There are many middle eastern restaurants in our area but this one is the absolute best! It is family owned and operated. The father & mother & aunt do all of the cooking and prep work. The adult children do the rest. The service was absolutely perfect. The portions were so large we all took food home for tomorrow. I had the most moist chicken kebob that I have ever had. Prices are very reasonable. They generously gave us dishes to try and lentil soup and after dinner tea are included. We will be back often. read more

Very clean. Nice place, amazing food, great service!!!! very calm ambiance. Chickpea soup is yummy! read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Marinated chicken & lamb is amazing! - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

This is a an exceptional Middle Eastern restaurant. The food is truly delicious and the menu has so many choices. In addition, both the ambiance and the service are great. I highly recommend this place. read more

I never write food reviews but I want this new restaurant to be around forever and be popular! It is newly remodeled and beautiful inside. We happened to stumble upon this place on the way to Planter Paradise and I think it was meant to be! This place is probably the best SD restaurant I've had this year! From the second we walked in, Pierre was amazing! So welcoming and so helpful with food recommendations for our first time having Iraqi food. The star: Quozi Laham - a slow cooked lamb that was tender and falling off the bone over a bread that soaked its juices. I absolutely love lamb so this tasted like heaven. It came with "biryani rice" (which I am down with in every culture) but - WOW long grained, spiced, delicious potatoes/peas/walnuts/raisins within - I could eat that by itself any day of the week. To top of this delicious lamb/rice dish, it also came with side stews. MY DUDES - this eggplant/tomato side stew blew my mind. I cannot believe how flavorful and homey the flavors were and I grow tomatoes and eggplants in my garden!! I need the recipe to this to make this at home! Now, all 3 together mixed up on a plate was an exceptional mouthful. My mouth is watering thinking about it again. It felt like I was having a home cooked meal at a grandma's house. Comforting and delicious and I can't wait to go back. We also had fattoush - a delicious salad with pita chips. The dressing was olive oil and sumac so very bright and citrusy. Again, I am a home gardener and was shocked at house fresh and delicious the veggies were. We also received a lentil soup starter - I love yellow lentils so it was right up my alley, light but flavorful, perfect to start the meal. I'm definitely making a special trip back to El Cajon to eat here. I want to try their biweekly special - stuffed whole lamb... drool. I just love San Diego hidden gems like these where you can try a cuisine that is harder to find in other cities. Please come here! Especially if you are a stew/rice lover! read more

Delicious food, definitely recommend the Hindi Beef. Incredible service, the owner's son took great care of us. Enjoyed the restaurant's ambiance as well, very modern open kitchen feel. read more

First time trying this Al Awael for lunch! I met the owner Basil & Pierre, and treated me like family from the moment I walked in! This restaurant has very delicious middle eastern food from the Hummus, Chicken Tikka, and the salads are very fresh like it came straight from the garden! Great ambiance & hospitality, this restaurant is super clean and has great service! I will definitely be back with friends & family! Thank you for the great lunch my friends! read more

See all

One of the best restaurants in all of Southern California. The hospitality and the food is incredible. Definitely try all the meats you can. Each one is so flavorful. Great family run restaurant. Beautiful inside. Very clean. read more

See all

5/5 This place is amazing! As soon as you walk in, you notice how beautifully decorated and spotless everything is. I even complimented their chairs because they were so cute--the whole color scheme is just perfect. I don't eat meat, so I usually just pretend to like falafel... but I did not have to pretend here. It was truly incredible. I even told them it was the best falafel I've ever had. The hummus was clearly made in-house--so fresh, so smooth, so delicious--that I ended up taking extra home and even ordered more from the menu to go. Rula and her family are incredibly welcoming and generous. You can feel the pride they put into their food and their restaurant. I had such a great experience and will absolutely be coming back. Thank you for the wonderful meal--already looking forward to my next visit! read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Falafel and hummus - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

In Mexico they would call this is "comida con amor" (food with love). Delicious fresh nourishing. Absolutely one of the best spots in the city! Thanks for always making us feel like family, and always being so kind to the kids Pier! Can't wait to see you again! read more

See all

So glad we found ourselves Al Awael on Friday night! The restaurant was beautifully decorated for the holidays. The staff were so kind and very helpful. The food was fantastic! We ordered the cheese burek, fattoush salad, and potato chop to start. We then shared the Try It Tray so that we could easily sample a few different types of meat. Our meal ended with complimentary black tea which was a nice surprise. We really enjoyed our entire dining experience at Al Awael. We will be back again! read more

Food was delicious, and the service was excellent! They give you complimentary bread made in house, and tea after the meal. Would definitely recommend the Chicken Tikka plate with Biryani rice. 100% coming again. read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Black tea - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. The food is incredibly delicious,fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Every dish tastes like it was cooked with love. The service is just as impressive: warm, attentive, and welcoming. You truly feel valued as a customer, not rushed or overlooked. Being a family-owned restaurant really shows they care deeply about their guests and it reflects in everything they do. This is the kind of place you keep coming back to and recommend to everyone you know. read more

Great food and great service! Appetizer is delicious a must highly recommended . Love the soup as well. read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

Definitely make your next dinner trip to here at Al Awael. The service and ambience is impeccable. You will feel right at home! The food itself left me thinking about the next time I will be coming back. Ordered the Try-It platter and it was a perfect amount of food for 2-3 people depending on your appetite. If you're looking for top-quality middle eastern cuisine come here! read more

See all

My girlfriend and I came in for lunch today everything was delicious! To start we had an appetizer platter that was so yummy! Then we had the fresh bread brought over that was out of the oven definitely so authentic in iraqi food! Then we ordered this amazing dish called TASHREEB can't begin to tell you the taste of the lemon was so good! The kabob rice everything was sos o good! Service was also excellent thank you! I'll definitely be back!! read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Tashreeb - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

We ordered a family dinner for pickup last night and we were amazed by the quantity of food that came in our order and how absolutely delicious everything was! There was more than enough for our family of 6 with lots of leftovers. The entire family especially raved about the kebobs, chicken tikka, lamb and the pickles. We all agreed that this would be our new "go to" place for middle eastern food, and that we wanted to try dining inside next. Please patronize this lovely business so that they're here for many years! read more

Wow, what a great family run restaurant! To start, the place was immaculate, not even a scuff on the floor. I loved the modern decor, but let's get to the food! We were served complimentary lentil soup, so soothing going down. Add a squeeze of lemon and salt for an even more enhanced flavor. We had Iraqi salad, chicken tikka and Iraqi kabob. All were delicious. The chicken breast was so moist which is difficult to do especially on a kabobs. Don't miss the biryani rice! So good! To top it all off the family running the place was the sweetest ever! Its hard to make it these days. I hope with all my heart this family and business succeeds. read more

See all

AMAZING DELICIOUS FOOD. Serving is a lot. AUTHENTIC mediterranean food. I ordered the Iraqi Kabob.. Pierre gave me garlic sauce & garlic aioli sauce which is my favorite sauce. i have a headache and on my way home but got hungry & decided to stop by here then i had their LENTIL soup that made me feel better. PIERRE gave me a complimentary hot tea w/ honey on the side. Guys try this place, clean, amazing customer service & healthy mediterranean food. I will be back for sure !!!! read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Iraqi Kabob - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

Here is my honest review, was invited to have lunch there and got to try the restaurant for the first time. The menu had a lot of choices but i stick with shawarma most of the time. The shawarma was average didnt feel much different from other restaurants kinda salty for me. service was good, the restaurant is clean and has a touch of modern style. Would recommend for big groups read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Beef Shawarma Wrap - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

Love this restaurant!! Great food, ambiance, and customer service! Can't wait to return.

Absolutely stunning! The Turkish-inspired decor and seating transported me. Perfect for family gatherings, with amazing food and incredibly attentive service - they even brought lemon for my lentil soup without me asking! The chicken tikka was juicy and the brown rice was a hit. I'll definitely be back! read more

Al Awael Restaurant - Family platter - Middle Eastern Near Me - El Cajon, California

First time coming in for lunch let me start with my first impression of this place the decor very open space very clean and sleek beautiful ambiance Pierre greeted us as soon as we walked in he seated us and brought the menu with him he was very kind and warm and very welcoming. Everything looked amazing on the menu couldn't decide what to eat since I wanted all I decided with the beef shawarma on Arabic bread it was so delicious perfectly seasoned and I loved the fries that comes with it just the right crisp on it. my husband got the liver skewers with biryani rice he said it was amazing loved every bit of it. We will definitely come back and bring my family with me. This is a hidden gem in El Cajon give them a try you will not be disappointed so many any dishes to choice from. Very nice family run restaurant let's support small businesses. read more