Food is good. Service is good. Value is amazing. Prices should be twice as much for the amount of food you get. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

The food here is delicious!!!! Always visit this place when we come to San Diego . Must have the hummus read more

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Excellent food with real Mediterranean flavor, very friendly staff, great place for large parties or family brunch. Has an Arabic sweets booth inside with great Collection of deliciousness sweets, including Dubai chocolate. read more

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A friend suggested having lunch here today. I had never heard of this restaurant but I'll definitely be coming back. I had the beef shawarma and my friend had the chicken shawarma. They were both absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned. I wish that I'd taken a photo of the lemon with mint drink. It was wonderful and even looked tasty. I'll be ordering that again too. The restaurant is bright and spacious. It had a welcoming feeling and friendly service. This restaurant is an unexpectedly great find. read more

Yesterday I was craving for Mediterranean food and we saw this place called "GATE OF DAMASCUS". The moment we came in we got greeted by this lovely young lady named HANAH . She asked us if we needed some help with their MENU, but we are Familiar with their Food since I've eaten at different Mediterranean restaurants. So we ordered: *FAMILY COMBO , for 3 PEOPLE - it has Rice , 3 Beef Kabab , 3 Chicken Kabab , 2 Beef Tikka , 2 Chicken Tikka and 2 Small Appetizers , we chose BABAGANOUSH and SALAD for appetizers, bread . *FRUIT SALAD - ice cream and mix fruit , chocolate syrup . The COMBO for 3 people can be for 4 to 5 people 'coz it a lot of RICE and MEATS . Speaking of Rice, I love the taste of the Rice that came with our Platter, it smells good too. The MEATS are very Tasteful. I didn't pay much attention to their Salad 'coz I was more excited to taste their BABAGANOUSH, I could really taste the Eggplant on it and Babaganoush is one of my Favorites. I look for babaganoush whenever I'm in a Mediterranean restaurant. The FRUIT SALAD was made by a SHAMAAN, it's really good, he made it with a perfect amount of sweetness , and this guy is very Friendly making sure the food taste good . The place has plenty of space, they also have a Bakery and a lot of desserts which I saw at the counter where you order. The Staff here are nice, but our only minor complaint is that it was kind of hot, I don't know if they have a Central AC or if it was just broken when we came 'coz it was hot inside, but at least they tried to make the place a little bit cooler by putting those small Portable AC . We also saw a lot of people going in and out ordering to go. We will come back again to try more of what's on their menu and their Pastries. read more

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This place was absolutely trash. They had the buffet which we didn't know about u til we arrived. It was a great idea for me as I wanted to try a bunch of different things. From placing an order to the service we received and then the food everything was horrible. She had tried to order a falafel salad which is ON THE MENU. The server said, "oh this is a mistake we can't make a falafel salad. It's not something we do." I said, "can you check because it's on the menu and many other places offer this too." The server checked and then came back saying they can do it. It was on the menu. Of course they can do it. I placed an order for a falafel sandwich, rice and garish salad. We had placed an order and I decided that I wanted to do the buffet instead. She canceled my order and the manager stepped in. A small statured, whiny man with light colored eyes. He didn't speak to her in English even though his English is perfect. He told her in their native language, which is fine but why wouldn't he just address me directly, that "you can't order buffet and she orders salad. Whole table has to order buffet or no one." The buffet was $30 and my order was $15. Not only is this poor business but what kind of policy is that?! The food at the buffet just sits out. Cold items are not held at proper temperature, theres no ice or cooling mechanism, the hot food is uncovered and without any sneeze guards, its just a plastic table with large amounts of food left out to spoil. We had to ask for water 7 different times and the tea I ordered at the beginning of my meal was not brought until I already started eating. The fatoush salad was soaked in a highly acidic dressing, the rice was so heavily coated in cumin and turmeric it was inedible, the falafel salad had no dressing at all, and the falafel sandwich was soggy and flavorless. This was the worst experience and we won't go back. read more

the food is so delicious and service is amazing. the restaurant is very clean and well organized. upon all that the owner welcomed us very warmly. highly recommended read more

The food, the service, and the atmosphere is really nice in this restaurant. Must try spot in El Cajon.

Adding some pictures from my incredible experience here! The food is delicious and definitely worth checking out read more

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Food was good and the portions were substantial for the price. The cashier didn't speak much English and had a bad attitude.

DELICIOUS food: the food here is amazing!! vegetarian and meat eater friendly the shawarma and kibbeh is really really tasty, the falafel is super flavorful and served hot, the yalanji was creamy and smooth, and tabouli is one of my favorite dishes and is so fresh here!! ambience and experience: beautiful restaurant!! staff is so kind you can get takeout or dine-in try the avocado mix juice!! delicious and unique for anyone that doesn't eat avocados sweet read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Okay we really did not know what to order when we ventured to a new place. We ended up with the chicken kabob plate that comes with rice. Also ordered the beef shawarma as a side with rice and hummus. The hummus was creamy and smooth. Not a huge fan of the chicken kabob. The beef shawarma was good but a little dry. The rice was light and good. Very clean and comfortable inside. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Beef shawarma and rice. - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Amazing food and great deals. we ordered family combo for five people. The salad, Hummus and appetizer was really fresh and tasty the meat the Shawarma marinated very well and cooked nicely. Just perfect. Love the place. read more

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I was excited to try a new spot and compare it to my favorite place far, far across town. The first thing I noticed is there was no menu posted and I was at a loss until an employee came by and offered me a menu. It wasn't very descriptive and I asked her some questions, but I could tell I was going to have to go in instinct. I opted for a plate and she recommended the beef. At 21.99 it seemed steep, especially considering my much cheaper fav place being by the beach. But whatever. When I went to pay I looked down at the machine before it went to the top screen and saw a figure they started with $30. Huh? I asked what ordered and she said the beef plate and when I started pointing to the menu so we could take a gander at the price she launched into something about the owners raising the prices, etc., etc. I considered leaving but I'd been thinking about food for too long and ended up downgrading to the chicken--still expensive but not starting with a 3. My hopes were high that even though it had t been specified I might get a few pickled root veggies or a salad. Nope. Just rice and meat. They were both very tasty, I must say, but in this case the price was not right. I took a picture of the "plate" with my hand for perspective. read more

I visited here a few days ago because I wanted to taste a chicken shawarma wrap. It was reeeaaallllyyyyy good! There was a little bit too much cream sauce inside, but the taste was delicious. And it was so moderately priced! I will definitely be back to try more things from the menu! read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Chicken shawarma wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Best customer service I been in ever restaurant in El Cajon I never seen customer service like here at the gate of Damascus and the food was so delicious !!!!! Everything it's excellent 10/10 very highly recommend it Thanks for everything I will come back all the time here.. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Mix plate taste so good - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Delicious food and wonderful service! The employees are very welcoming and friendly. All of the items I have tried are delicious!

Yum! Came across this by accident while driving thru town hungry and glad I did! Glad I didn't check yelp beforehand too because I'm seeing some poor reviews on here now! Our waiter was friendly and helpful with suggestions, we ordered the small appetizer sampler and with hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara, and grape leaves. It was HUGE and soooooo good! Super inexpensive too!! Pita was delicious, falafel sandwich was incredible everything was super fresh and the bill was shockingly inexpensive. I will be back for sure next time I'm in California! We paid something like $30 with tax for 2 sandwiches and enough dips to eat for days and days afterwards. (Compared to the $100 lunch we had the day before we were thrilled) Go support this spot! read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Small appetizer sampler - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

I asked for water when I ordered my meal. After I received my receipt I found out they charged me for water. And they handed me a bottle of water. They should have told me that was a charge. I was expecting a glass of water... read more

This is a new place in town. It was busy and definately slow, however the staff kept coming to us apologizing and explaining that they r running behind and they were very nice which I appreciate the most. I personally thought their fattoush, hummus and babaghanoug is really good. the fried chicken is good and the kids loved it. Their mashawee was ok. Also they did not have their manakeesh at night so cannot judge on that. Their pricing is very reasonable. The seating area is decent and def family friendly. Will def give it another try read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Fried chicken Prosted - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

They have the most delicious breakfast Everything on the menu is delicious Also a very tasty sweets I love this place soo clean read more

Absolutely DELICIOUS food and very authentic Syrian Arabic cuisine! Affordable, huge portions! And they serve complimentary hot tea and coffee! read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Shawarma sandwich - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

We eat here often. Delicious Syrian-style food (large portions, home cooked flavor), great staff, family friendly, lots of parking. Can occasionally be a bit chaotic with only one waitress, but who cares? This is the type of place where you can sit and savor your meal, finish with endless cups of tea and enjoy good conversation without feeling like they're waiting to move you out. The low star reviews appear to be quite old--from the previous restaurant, before name and management change--everything we've ever ordered at Tarbosh has been wonderful! *Please: Be adventurous and try something besides a kabob and hummus* They have an extensive menu with items that you won't find elsewhere, and they're all good. The new Hakmi Sweets located inside is another reason to visit--beautiful and tasty desserts that are not common on San Diego menus. read more

So unfortunately, their beef is a combination of beef and lamb. I hope for the sake of people with allergies understand this is a very serious thing. I had a serious illness to the meat. I also don't want to have to involve the health department so I hope they fix their menu is beef and lamb is lamb let's make clear of this. I told the owner and he assured me that it was only beef. It wasn't. I'm a chef. I know the flavor of lamb and I know the flavor of beef, especially being Lebanese chef I highly suggest that he changes his menu or purely write the truth. read more

Fantastic food!!! Great service, fair prices, and so delicious. Can't recommend it enough. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Honestly I ordered a quzi with beans soup, the order took like 20-25 minutes and here's my review about it, the rice have no taste at all and it wasn't hot , the lamb have no taste at all , the beans soup have no taste at all , even there's no salt and pepper on the tables, please add some spices to the food! The restaurant was super clean The bathroom was super clean The stuff is good read more

The BEST food, good prices, friendly and hospitable staff. we first tried the chicken & meat shawarma, lentil soup w/ lemon & some savory pastries. So Good! the best we've had thus far especially a good value for the money. I was surprised that they weren't busier. I hope they get all the business they need to keep prices down and stay open. we'll be gong back as often as we can. I want to try all their offerings. read more

Food tastes great. Great service as well. I've tried beef shawerma and jajkh. Really amazed. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Beef Shawarma Meal - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

It is one of the best restaurants I have visited in my life. It contains all the delicious Arabic food, in addition to sweets and healthy fruit salad. The cleanliness was great and the customer service was excellent. I advise all people to order chicken shawarma with hummus and tabbouleh. Good luck for them read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Fruit salad - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Authentic. Decadent. Delicious. Easy to order, amazing service, they really care. Will definitely be my new favorite go to for all take out and catering. So happy to finally find quality Syrian owned and operated restaurant. Because truly Syrian food is the best when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Beef shawerma meals - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I hope I don't get food poisoning with this chicken Tikka that I ordered. Very unprofessional. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Raw chicken tikka - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

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The service and people were good. The food isn't great. We ordered the chicken Tikka and kabob plates. The meat was too gamey for me and the chicken was pretty dry and tasteless even though it looked like there were a lot of spices on it. The jajik and bread were great. Chicken shawarma was ok. read more

Taking over from the old Speedy Falafel and Gilgamesh which didn't happen either. I came in hoping to get some special desserts, and they went all out. They had a giant wall of boxes for all different kinds of pastries, nuts, etc. The one I was so thrilled to try of course was the Knafeh (was written Kunafa here). I asked to speak with Ayman the owner regarding the old restaurant and he said they were in discussion and ultimately he and his Gate of DAMASCUS took charge for now. He was surprised because an Asian dude like me would familiar with baklava and knafeh. I told him I had knafeh before and showed him some pictures, he convinced me his knafeh would be completely different because his came from Syria and the one I tried was from Iran. And he was telling me the truth, I thought it would cost about $5 per order, so I ordered like 4, and the total came out almost $40, the reason was because of the portion, it was bigger than I tiny knafeh I had tried before. Anyway I would recommend this tasty creamy delicious treat, 3 layers, so fulfilling and not overly sweet. Enjoy while it's hot though. The only star I had to take down was the sign of Restaurant Meals Program which he said it was left by the former restaurant, I hope after today they will take that sign off, either that or they should be working on how to get that back because I almost wanted to buy my Mom some food here with her card, and they didn't accept it as they didn't get the machine yet, I really don't want it to get confused or false advertising. read more

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Love this place, got the best beef shawarma sandwich! I really recommend to dine in and try their food. Customer service is so good, they serve you with a good vibe. Prices are reasonable so is the wait time. read more

One of my favorite restaurant. Well done. Food is excellent and parking spots are plenty!

My first time eating at Gate of Damascus. The menu has limited options comparing to other middle eastern restaurants near buy and prices are okay I guess. We ordered the double chicken shawarma plate with fries for $17+ and it wasn't as good as other restaurants. We ask for water, but the only have bottles so we bought one for $1.50. Service okay but slow. It took a while to bring our order. When I asked for the check I was told to head to the cashier and mention my table number. Free parking available and street parking. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Double chicken shawarma plate w fries - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

We ordered Boiled lamb thigh dish with rice. The meat was cold as if it was in the fridge and they microwaved it. We also ordered Roasted chicken dish fries but they served us deep fried thighs/legs. Not sure if it was language barrier or a simple mistake. However, the Daal Soup was amazing & so tasty. The okra soup was good too. Overall I would give it 2 out of 5. I would NOT come back here again read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Lamb dish with rice - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

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We went for dine-in and the restaurant capacity was under 50% and no one from thier staff members seated us. We had to seat ourselves. finally we sat for about 5 minutes till the waitress showed Up to take our order. They seem to be understaffed. Few of the items that we ordered were not available and they did not inform us right away. After 20-30 minutes checking up on our order status that's when they informed us some of the items are not available. Here are my rating which are subjective The hummus 3 out 10 Baba ganoug 6 out10 Beef kabab 5 out 10 Chicken Tikka 5 out 10 Ground chicken 6 out 10 yogurt ( ayron) 5 out of 10 Chicken shawarma wrap 8 out of 10 Hot pitta bread 8 out of 10 Overall service was very bad, poorly managed,and slow. the food was mediocre not too close to a real Syrian authentic food ( in terms of flavor). And not worth the drive Hopefully they'll better with time read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Food was amazing! Very friendly atmosphere, owner even came by to say hello. Definitely a must try, especially if you like middle-eastern food! read more

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Worst food ever, everything wasn't good, specially the grilled stuff , and they didn't even bother them selves to fix it, NOT COMING BACK EVER. read more

Tarbosh Mediterranean Restaurant - Chicken tikka not cooked - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California