Location: El Cajon
Top Restaurants in El Cajon
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El Cajon Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in El Cajon
El Cajon (/ɛlkəˈhoʊn/; Spanish: [elkaˈxon]) is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. In a valley surrounded by mountains, the city has acquired the nickname of "The Big Box." Its name originated similarly, from the Spanish phrase "el cajón," which means "the box" or "the drawer."
Things to do in El Cajon
1. Antica Trattoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Antica trattoria is a modern casual Italian eatery. Using organic and localy sourced Ingredients ,
Reviewed By kd_sachi - Chula Vista, California
We went here for my friends birthday a couple of weeks ago. I find it difficult to find really good authentic Italian food. This place is it. It is very cute inside and the staff is outstanding. The food is very fresh. This place can be a bit pricey but I don't mind paying for great food.
We started with mozzarella, moved onto a fantastic salad called Insalata Di Venere and then I had the gnocchi with braised short ribs as my entree. All of it was absolutely fantastic.
I always rate an Italian restaurant based off of the cannoli and I was not disappointed at Antica Trattoria. I love an authentic cannoli.
I liked this place so much I just made a reservation for 10 people to celebrate my birthday here!
2. Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By krosas - San Diego, CA
This place is great! The service is always wonderful. On our first visit there, we mentioned it was our first visit. Our waitress brought us three things to sample. Needless to say, we were sold and have been back several times. Tasty food and good prices.
3. Phil's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By cjhill95 - Chula Vista, California
After many stops at various "BBQ" places, we found a winner...for the area! Being from Texas, I am a bit of a BBQ/smoked meat snob, and so far this is the best place I have found. Tried the ribs and chicken platter, and the ribs were fall off the bone tasty, and the chicken was nicely smoked and not dry. We got our with the sauce on the side, as I didn't want the meat swimming in extra sauce. The sauce was OK, but I preferred the flavor of the meat without the added sauce on top. The baked beans were good, only warm int he bowl, would have liked them a little warmer temp when served. Also tried the onion rings...those were good! Overall, we will probably go back...it is a nice treat when we don't want to light up our own smoker.
4. Antonelli's Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Stephanie H - El Cajon
I heard a lot about this place so we finally went! The sandwiches were huge. I got the roast beef and the flavor really wasn't that over the top compared to other good deli sandwiches. Perhaps because it was a basic sandwich. My boyfriend got a different sandwich and he said it was excellent! Next time we would get the smallest size because they truly are HUGE sandwiches. Also get there early or not at lunchtime because they get very crowded and you can be waiting for at least 1/2 hour to get your sandwich. I do believe you can call in your sandwiches too.
5. Anny's Fine Burgers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Towne Center Shopping Center, just steps from the San Diego Trolley stop
Reviewed By Pentaxian - San Diego
A tasty casual dining restaurant in the Santee Towne Center, Anny's Fine Burgers has an amazing menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and fries. Order from the convenient menu posted on the wall, get your order number, find a seat and dig in when the food is delivered hot and fresh. Drinks are from the fountain and refillable. Anny's has ample parking plus is just steps away from the green line station for the San Diego Trolley.
6. Izzy's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By rovingruz - Cartersville, Georgia, USA
First but not last visit. Came with six others, we had a variety of breakfast items, had the stuffed croissant French toast, regular French toast, scrambled eggs, crepes, of course we shared to taste, everything was great. Food came out hot and tasted great. Lots of food, no need for lunch after this! Ordered crepes, got 5 large crepes. My friend had an omelet, couldn't even finish it. Loved everything!
7. Casa De Pico
Overall Ratings
4 based on 282 reviews
At Casa de Pico in La Mesa, guests can enjoy outdoor patio dining year-round, surrounded by trees, colorful flowers and splashing fountains. Rounding out the Mexican dining experience are the strolling mariachis and famous award-winning giant margaritas.
Reviewed By ccrowe3 - Lakeside, California
Our family recently dined at Casa de Pico in celebration of my son's birthday. We eat here a couple times a year and the food and service is always top notch. When it gets really busy it's kind of loud but that is the only...MoreHI good morning my name is Lino Rodarte. the casa de pico general manager . I wanted to Thank you for the very nice review about our food and service we hope to see you soon again !!
8. Brigantine La Mesa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By Josephine J - La Mesa, California
Do not like the remodel. Carpet removed just makes for a noisy warehouse atmosphere. Every course was served with the same wilted collard green-like garnish. The menu was solely over priced seafood, have done away with great steaks. Must have been a bad night because seemed like everyone was serving food including the manager but all of our orders were mixed up or missing food. Won’t be back. Way over priced too.
9. Greek Style Chicken
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By ronmiller0032 - santee
After searching for a great Greek restaurant, we found this place about ten years ago and have been going to ever since. They always provide great service, great food and always consistent in terms of quality of food. We have never had a problem with anything they offer, so i recommend everything on their menu starting with there Gyros sandwich which is very good and filling for the price. Their Greek Chicken and salads are also very good and the party trays are also good when hosting a party and you don't want to hassle with cooking.
10. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 115 reviews
Great for steak and so much more… Black Angus Steakhouse has built its reputation on providing a Genuine American Steakhouse experience to remember. Our Chefs are proud to serve only Black Angus steaks that are carefully aged, fresh-cut daily, and grilled over an open flame. Our other specialties include a variety of succulent seafood, fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs and our famous slow-roasted Prime Rib. Whatever you're craving, we pride ourselves at Black Angus Steakhouse for superior quality, friendly service, and great food. It's more than a tradition - it's our passion every day.
Reviewed By rovingruz - Cartersville, Georgia, USA
Stopped here for a late luncheon celebration, waitress was very nice though had trouble bringing the food ordered, perhaps she was busy elsewhere kept forgetting sides. Salads that came with the meal were fresh and good. We tried the strip steak, it was thin at one end and over cooked, normal thickness at the other end and cooked properly. Would have liked a bread refill. Overall atmosphere was pleasant, one did not need to shout to have a conversation. Chicken was cooked well, nice flavors. No room for dessert.
