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Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill

4.2 (97 reviews)
Open • 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill Photos

Business Info

SULTAN BAKLAVA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Outdoor seating
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill

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Dolma
Ray B.

Update Jan 2025: still keep coming back for amazing Turkish breakfast. My favorite will always be the Socuk (Sojouk). The portion here is larger than most other restaurants with 5 eggs, sunny side up, while most others use only 3 eggs and hide that fact by serving them scrambled. They did cut back their hours and are open from 9am to 2pm only. They dinner menu, which I always enjoyed at the old Gaslamp location with my beloved Et Sis, Köfte and Adana Kebob, has been suspended as dinner is not as popular in El Cajon. The service is still friendly and the restaurant clean. The cafe next door by the same owner is open until 9pm and great for rice pudding, Turkish coffee and signature baklava.

Baklava Coconut cream
Narissa M.

It was confusing on whether to grab a seat upon walking in or wait to be seated. There was no one at the door, only a sign above the register all the way in the back that said "Order Here." My group walked to the back, and the gentleman standing there directed us to sit anywhere we chose and gave us menus. The food came out fairly quickly and was very good. I ordered the Moussaka, Falafel, and Turkish coffee. We also shared some pita. The tzatziki and hummus were delicious paired with the pita and falafel. The moussaka came with slightly buttered and seasoned white rice on a separate dish. It did not look like traditional moussaka with a layer of bechamel sauce on top; but rather, it was a bowl of seasoned meat with sauce and bits of eggplant underneath It was flavorful and not too salty. I would have liked to see a lot more pieces of eggplant, however. The coffee was hot and strong and had prominent citrus notes. My friend did not enjoy his soup, saying it was way too oily. The service was alright. He was very attentive up until we received all of our food and drinks. After that we were left alone. We had to get his attention in order to ask for to-go boxes. We were one of two groups in the dining area. After our meal we went next door for baklava and desserts. This place was where it's at! I ordered a blackberry cake slice to eat there, and a red velvet something and a coconut cream filled chocolate baklava to go. Absolutely fantastic! I loved the blackberry cream cake. Fluffy, creamy, and exactly blackberry tasting. The red velvet thing was heaven. I didn't get the name of what it was called. Red velvet crumble outside, and a chewy nougat inside. Yum. The chocolate coconut baklava was outstanding as well. I loved all the textures going on, the flaky outside, the creamy inside, the coconut crunchy flake, and the chocolate made for a perfect three bite dessert. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here, I'd come back - especially for the coffee and desserts!

Christine A.

Absolutely delicious food (even down to the rice)! My personal favorite from this place is the kebab. Generous portions as well. You can also enjoy some Turkish beverages and baklava right next door; owned by the same family! Side notes: - Restroom available - Plenty of parking even on the weekend

Order area
Paul D.

Located next to Sultan Baklava just before the park. It has outside tables on the side. There are about 10 tables inside. Open for breakfast (until 2), lunch, and dinner. They offer a variety of dishes including kebabs and lamb and moussaka. Espresso drinks and Turkish coffee are well made. You order at the register. The service matches the excellent level I am used to next door. The one dish I ordered, essentially gyros over rice with pita and veggies, was good. The meals are served in to go containers rather than with tableware. The owner explained that the kitchen area is too small for commercial dishwashing and the city would not approve enlarging the space. Somewhat pricey but very pleasant and clean.

Spanakopita and pistachio latte
Julie K.

The best Pistachio Latte on earth! Wonderful baklava and I adore the Spanakopita. The interior is so cute as well and the girls working there are very nice.

The best baklava in the world
Jim V.

More to come. This was a wonderful gift for our Sunday family dinner. Fresh and moist.

We order babakanush, dolmas Yogurt lamb and chicken
Lorena V.

This is the best Turkish cafe I've been in good taste traditional and customer service on point on weekends and supper time can be crowded. Everything is clean and neat the ambiance is great noisy as any traditional Turkish place must be. Restaurant is amazing as well best Mediterranean food I've had in years.

Best baklava!
Ryen T.

Best baklava! Had Turkish coffee, treats, and sat for a slow morning. Absolutely delish. Can't wait to come back for the beautiful desserts for an event! We need to come back to eat next door too! The owners are working with their staff and genuinely so grateful to have you. Feels like you're visiting Turkey! I went years back and it made you feel like you were right back there.

#7 Lamb meal
Jessica Y.

I saw this place on Instagram and I knew I had to try it! Firstly they give you hot Turkish tea when you sit, they also provide you the food menu, and my fave part is they include pictures on their menu so you know what you're getting! Next you actually walk to the counter to pay and immediately order, the staff still will bring the food to you but you pay when you order. The food comes out on to go platters which is simultaneously brilliant but also you lose some of that restaurant magic. Next door is their cafe which has LOTS of different kinds of baklava and desserts and you can order from the cafe and take your items back to the restaurant because they have tons of indoor and outdoor seating. They have a wonderful atmosphere that's welcoming and the owner will ask how you enjoyed your food and make sure you had a lovely time.

Feast
Sean M.

This restaurant means a lot to me. I remember when this restaurant used to be on the corner of Jamacha and Main (near the Little Caesar's). I remember when it moved Downtown by Horton Plaza. I am so happy it's here and that I can eat this delicious food again. I've tried so many restaurants from El Cajon, to Downtown, to Escondido, to Chula Vista, and it is easily still the best tasting Mediterranean or Middle Eastern food to me. I could happily eat this food every week. This restaurant is why I have such a love for kebabs, black tea, and baklava and a greater appreciation of Turkish culture and history. Anyways... When I come with my family, we normally get the feast. So you get bread, cacik (yogurt), baba ghanoush (my fave), and hummus as an appetizer. Then you are given a huge tray of rice, tavuk sis (chicken), et sis (beef), adana kebab (ground beef), if they have döner they will serve that or they will substitute with something else, and grilled tomatoes and peppers. It's so much food that I get to have leftovers for Monday's lunch and maybe Tuesday too. And I don't know what it is, I think they just season everything exactly how I personally like it. If you go for breakfast, try the menemen, it is so full of flavor - I love it. I also highly recommend the iskender kebab if you go by yourself. The owner and staff are very hospitable. Sir Shevat is a good man and his family are very accommodating.

#5 chicken plate

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1 year ago

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2 months ago

Pistachio Latte and Baklava is the best. Very fresh high quality desserts. The atmosphere is also really nice.

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5 months ago

The food was delicious, I had the chicken Kabob & the portion was good. Would definitely recommend and come back soon

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Best baklava, Turkish delight, cakes and coffees in Main Street! Don't eat all the baklava cheesecake (save me some).

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2 years ago

One of our favorite places to get kabobs, falafel, hummus and baba ghanoush...and of course BAKLAVA!!!

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1 year ago

There is nothing I could say here, place is great and I highly recommend if you have a sweet mouth, great and friendly service.

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Ask the Community - Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill

I'm so confused because I hear mixed answers. Are they serving dinner right now October 10 or are they remodeling?

I was across the street this morning for breakfast but was parked in front of the Sultan and all of the windows and doors had paper covering them on the inside of the glass. I hope they're opening up again since we really liked their food and… 

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Mal Al Sham -The Taste Of Damascus - Chicken Shawarma (with fries)

Mal Al Sham -The Taste Of Damascus

4.2(688 reviews)
0.2 mi•Cajon Heights
•$$

This is the one spot I gate keep. The food is sooo good. You can't go wrong with ordering anything…read moreon the menu. The food is cleaned. Their service is great. You can see when they cook the food so you know what they're putting in it. Very clean place. I also DoorDash from here and the food is consistently delivered as well. During Ramadan, they give this tamarand tea. It's sweet and sour. At the same time. I have never taste it. Anything like it. It is amazing.

I ordered a shawarma sandwich, but instead I received a shawarma plate cut into pieces (Arabic…read morestyle). When I politely explained to the cashier that I had ordered a sandwich, not the cut-up version, her response was extremely rude and unprofessional. She said, "Okay, just eat it. It's going down your throat anyway. Same sandwich, same taste." I have never seen this cashier before, so I assume she may be new. I don't know her name, but her attitude toward customers was completely unacceptable. The owner later spoke with me and apologized, which I genuinely appreciate. My complaint is not about the owner or the food, but about the cashier's disrespectful attitude. My advice to management: When hiring new cashiers or employees, please make sure they understand basic customer service and how to speak respectfully to customers. If someone is in a bad mood and cannot treat customers properly, they should not bring that attitude to work.

Photos
Mal Al Sham -The Taste Of Damascus - Mal Al Sham a taste of Damascus, Syria cuisine in El Cajon.

Mal Al Sham a taste of Damascus, Syria cuisine in El Cajon.

Mal Al Sham -The Taste Of Damascus - Platter for (3 People) ( beef shawarma swapped out with chicken cream chop)

Platter for (3 People) ( beef shawarma swapped out with chicken cream chop)

Mal Al Sham -The Taste Of Damascus - Leftovers from two meals

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Leftovers from two meals

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Look for this Sign

Ali Baba Family Restaurant

4.1(927 reviews)
0.2 mi•Cajon Heights
•$$

Every time we like mediterranean food, Ali Baba is our first choice. food is great, service is good…read moreand the staff is friendly.

Haven't been here in years, decided to take a trip to El Cajon to have lunch at this mom and pop…read moremiddle eastern restaurant with my mom and pop. They definitely invest their time on the taste of their food and serving large portion sizes instead of fancy tables and decor. It's not upscale fine dining... the interioir looks the exact same for past decade. Although a little dated the place is very clean and fits large or small groups. Not a date night spot -- more a friends and family stuff your face kind of place. They have a dedicated parking lot with plenty of spots. We ordered a ton of food to share. Half roasted chicken with side of fatoush salad, beef kabob plate with side of rice, lamb tikka with side of fries, a large plate of hummus, and an order of falafel (Best Falafel in SoCal). EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! I personally didn't like the lamb tikka but everyone else destroyed that plate. We ordered a pot of black tea (mint flavored) and they brought our large pieces of steaming hot fresh bread. Service was very friendly and fast. They modified any order to your liking. They also thanked us for coming and meant it when they said it -- Mom and Pop shops are The Best! Highly Recommend if you're looking for good quality middle eastern food with large portions.

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Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Feast for 4!

Feast for 4!

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Pita Bread the Size of a Pizza

Pita Bread the Size of a Pizza

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - From the newly renovated parking lot =D

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From the newly renovated parking lot =D

Shawarma Guys - Chicken California Shawarma Wrap

Shawarma Guys

4.7(1.1k reviews)
3.5 mi
•$$
Kid friendly
Casual dining

I can for the viral Wagyu Shawarma Cheesesteak. It was very tasty with a mix of peppers, onion…read morecheese and sauce. Whatever sauce they used gave it a bit of spiciness. I went at 3:30 pm on a Saturday and was surprised that it was pretty busy at that weird time The sandwich was huge ( probably 12 inch sub) so depending on how hungry you are, you could easily split it. I loved the fries. Whatever seasoning they used gave is perfect

Man I really wanted to like this place due to all the rave reviews. Our first experience was mixed…read morewith some meats being great and others dry beef bits that weren't very tasty or appealing. Our second experience we got the chicken shawarma Brian's way. Everything was cooked well, but I guess although I like pickles, I'm not as big a fan of Mediterranean pickles. The first bite or two were actually good, but subsequent bites the pickle tanginess was overwhelming and just not so pleasant as I finished it. I thought maybe I'll get it without the pickles next time. However, after eating I got an unexpected headache that usually comes from ingestion of MSG. The fries were tasty... maybe there was MSG in those? Not sure. I've honestly had much better phenomenal shawarma in San Joes CA. I have yet to find a great Shawarma here in San Diego. Feel free to recommend.

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Shawarma Guys - Ordering counter

Ordering counter

Shawarma Guys - Wagyu beef and chicken shawarma plate, hummus and pita bread. All tasted so good!

Wagyu beef and chicken shawarma plate, hummus and pita bread. All tasted so good!

Shawarma Guys - The combo wagyu beef & chicken shawarma !

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The combo wagyu beef & chicken shawarma !

Al Azayem Restaurant - Biryani

Al Azayem Restaurant

4.0(240 reviews)
0.3 mi•Cajon Heights
•$$

Husband, myself and 18m daughter came to this restaurant after church. I've been craving…read moreMediterranean food for a while and my cravings were satisfied!! My daughter LOVED the bread and hummus. I got the beef kebab plate and my husband got the chicken and beef kebab plate. We also provided with a plate of fresh and pickled vegetables and a soup that was delicious!! I saw a handful of people come in and pick up catering orders so you know that's how good it is! There is another Mediterranean restaurant down the street but if you want a mom and pop feel show this restaurant some love. Their food and customer service was exceptional. We will most definitely return :)

I think this is a Iraqi and Chaldean restaurant...but I'm absolutely certain you'll get delicious…read moremiddle eastern food for reasonable prices! There is not much atmosphere, no fake smiling service employees but they'll be efficient and attentive if you get their attention. All meals come with a warm creamy yellow lentil soup...delightful! $16 Chicken Schwarma plate...HUGE! A humongous generous portion of juicy, succulent, tender, seasoned chicken on top of seasoned rice. Some lovely, garlickly, fluffy bread is served along as a carb buddy, alongside some tomatoes and pickled cabbage(Iraqi Kim Chee Saurkraut?). $16 Roasted Chicken Plate...half chicken, crispy skin, moist and succulent meat, yum! Came with a tomato bean soup. Food came out extremely fast, yet seemed very fresh and prepared expertly! Great place to eat before a show at the Magnolia, so long as you don't need ambience and Applebees/Chili's/TGI Fridays style service.

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Al Azayem Restaurant - Chicken and beef shawarma

Chicken and beef shawarma

Al Azayem Restaurant - Eggplant Salad

Eggplant Salad

Al Azayem Restaurant - A lot of great to go options

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A lot of great to go options

Ney Restaurant - Baba Ghanoush! Best in town!

Ney Restaurant

4.6(381 reviews)
3.6 mi
•$$

I was told this is the best place for Mediterranean in town by a very nice man on a plane ride home…read moreto San Diego. I think they are specifically an Iraqi style restaurant. Not quite casual, a little fancy but not really elevated dining or anything. Nice ambiance and polite, attentive service. We ordered the spreads combo platter that came with spicy Turkish baba ganoush, regular baba ganoush, hummus, and tzatziki. It was served with piping hot pita. This was delicious, worth coming for on its own. It was my first time having Turkish baba ganoush, it was delicious! The hummus and tzatziki were excellent. I especially love the addition of a unique crunchy garnish for each dip; chickpeas on the hummus, olives on the Turkish baba ganoush, pomegranate seeds on the baba ganoush, and coarser chopped cucumber in the tzatziki. Presentation is also beautiful, with all the color and each dip smoothed in a nice pattern. My only wish is that the baba ganoush is a little smokier. We also had the Ney classic grill which came with beef shawarma, beef skewer, chicken skewer, 2 lamb kofta, and breaded chicken. The menu claims this serves 2-3, but we probably only ate half between 4 relatively light eaters after our spread combo. I really enjoyed the shawarma; the chicken and filet mignon is a little light on the seasoning but the flavor is otherwise good; the kofta could be more tender in my opinion. I rarely see chicken cream chop in grill platters, but it was well executed. The platter also comes with pickles and rice and biryani, all of who I enjoyed. The biryani comes with almonds and raisins and everything has a nice sumac flavor. They also include garlic sauce and tahini; the garlic is really punchy. The jalapeno was crazy spicy. Everything is served on a bed of lavash, but it gets a little soggy under all the meat. If I were to give feedback, I would prefer the shawarma a little less salty and the grilled filet mignon and chicken a little more salty. Not sure why it's so disparate. For the amount of food, the price is very reasonable for a seated dining experience. One note is that they really blast the AC, so dress a little on the warmer side if you run cold. Come with 4-6+ people, order the spreads platter and the grill platter, and enjoy!

I loved this place! The night before coming here for takeout, I had Mediterranean food down at…read moreSeaport Village. It was tasty and satisfying... but this place BLEW MY MIND. The moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted and asked if I wanted a table for one. I said no, I was hoping to order takeout, and she kindly invited me to sit at the bar while I looked over the menu. Right away, the atmosphere felt welcoming, beautiful, and relaxed. I ordered my food, sipped my water, and honestly didn't think I had ordered that much. Then she came out with multiple filled brown bags of food! First of all, the prices were amazing. Second... the food was TOP NOTCH and completely different from what I had the night before. Everything was packed with flavor without being overloaded with salt. Fresh, vibrant, rich, and incredibly satisfying. The waitress/hostess was knowledgeable, friendly, and gave great recommendations on what to try. You can tell the staff truly cares about the experience. I will absolutely be back the next time I visit San Diego again. And not that I recommend eating while driving ... but the next day on my drive back to Ventura County, I spread out my leftovers and happily snacked on hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolma all the way home. That alone says everything about how good this place was.

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Ney Restaurant
Ney Restaurant - Filet Mignon Tikka with Baryani - delicious too

Filet Mignon Tikka with Baryani - delicious too

Ney Restaurant - A hidden gem, look for it.

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A hidden gem, look for it.

Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill - Fried catfish and saffron rice. Super delicious, super fresh.

Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill

4.2(189 reviews)
1.1 mi
•$$

You're here for the food, not the upscale dining. I had the fried catfish filet with saffron rice…read more Fantastic. It's not unusual at all, it's just really fresh and good. Just a hint of spice in the fish and some saffron rice and veggies. There was one guy working. Slightly gruff but friendly. He beamed when I told him how much I was enjoying the food. Super fresh, delicious, and highly recommended. Parking on the street and in the shopping mall, where the corner restaurant is located.

Hmm, I really don't know about this place. All I know is that the great article/story/review in…read moreFacebook that brought me and my friend here does not match up with this place at all. Funny because while I was there, 2 other people came in because of the Facebook post. First thing, there is not a fresh fish tank where you can scoop out your fish and have it grilled in front of you. Instead there is a refrigerator case where you can select a fish. The price is a moving target, that is the price per pound does not match what it says on the menu, and as I watched him quote prices for myself and two other parties I realized that he was not really giving us each the same deal. He also said he couldn't speak English so it made it difficult to understand each other. One of the customers who also came for the first time offered to translate for us. The prices seemed to be at least twice as much as what the post indicated, and it seemed that there might also be further charges beyond the grilling of the fish. After you select the fish, he takes it to the kitchen in back and will prepare it and serve it with rice and maybe some vegetables. It might have been good, but the restaurant was very hot and there were a lot of flies around. In the end we opted to try another place this time. Something a bit more straightforward and up front across the street. I just think it's hard to do business when you can't communicate exactly what you'll charging and what the customer is getting. Also the story and pictures in FB was completely unrelated to what was going on in this restaurant. And the guy was not very friendly and seemed impatient. I see some nice reviews here, so maybe I'll be back one day when it's not so hot and give it a try again.

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Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill - Inside

Inside

Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill - 28. Falafel Sandwich

28. Falafel Sandwich

Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill - Sign Facing the Street

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Sign Facing the Street

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - mediterranean - Updated October 2026

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