The best restaurants in El Cajon

Fast-casual restaurant serving a variety of Mexican meals, including seafood, along with cocktails and wine.

2335 Roll Dr #11 (San Diego)

Bright, informal taqueria featuring a huge menu of familiar Mexican eats, plus weekend menudo.

5646 Lake Murray Blvd (La Mesa)

Busy Mexican joint serving carne asada burritos, pollo asado burritos & offering breakfast options.

8306 Parkway Dr (La Mesa)

Lively spot to grill your own steak or order prepared entrees along with cocktails.

7777 University Ave (La Mesa)

Sushi & Thai standards offered along with beer & wine in straightforward surroundings.

10251-B Mast Blvd (Santee)

Roomy grill serves Japanese plates in an eco-chic interior or on fireside patios.

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 106 (La Mesa)

Casual eatery offering vegan options and sushi platters alongside poké bowls.

1392 E Palomar St Ste 402 (Chula Vista)

Laid-back eatery for burritos and other staples, plus beer and sports on TV.

2990 Jamacha Rd #100

Casual joint offering pizza by the slice or pie, including vegan options, and calzones.

2295 Otay Lakes Rd (Chula Vista)

Chain outpost offering pizza & red-sauce Italian staples in generous portions.

13034 Campo Rd (Jamul)

Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.

5119 Jackson Dr (La Mesa)

Shopping-center standby for refined renderings of Italian cuisine in a posh, mural-filled setting.

5654 Lake Murray Blvd (La Mesa)

Sushi spot where plates of rolls move around the restaurant on a conveyor belt for diners to pick at will.

734 Otay Lakes Rd (Chula Vista)

Family-run venture dishing up Guadalajara cuisine in a bright red landmark with a low-key interior.

119 W San Ysidro Blvd (San Diego)

Chain outpost offering pizza & red-sauce Italian staples in generous portions.

10767 Woodside Ave (Santee)

Casual, family-friendly pizzeria serving up Detroit-style pies as well as smash burgers.

4253 Palm Ave (La Mesa)

Beach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.

130 Town Center Pkwy D (Santee)

Casual Mexican eatery for carne asada burritos & chiles rellenos served in a converted home.

8425 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.

8032 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Italian restaurant featuring pasta dishes such as cheese-wheel pasta and other classic dishes like bruschetta.

7200 Parkway Dr (La Mesa)

Casual eatery offering subs, pizza, burgers & down-home classics, plus a breakfast menu.

5620 Baltimore Dr (La Mesa)

Easygoing restaurant serving Mexican staples, including handmade tortillas & fruit margaritas.

8949 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Japanese restaurant offering sushi and other traditional plates, plus a full bar.

1730 E Palomar St (Chula Vista)

Neighborhood eatery featuring small plates and wine flights, plus outdoor patio.

8129 Broadway (Lemon Grove)

Friendly staff at a casual joint serving kosher-certified pizza, including creative pies, and calzones.

7406 University Ave (La Mesa)

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

265 Town Center Pkwy (Santee)

Counter-serve regional chain known for its California burrito offering fast Mexican fare.

10075 Mission Gorge Rd (Santee)

Humble, family-run restaurant specializing in familiar Italian food, such as pizza, pasta & subs.

5314 Baltimore Dr (La Mesa)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

9804 Mission Gorge Rd (Santee)

Popular Mexican spot known for its large burritos, carne asada fries, and other comfort foods.

7589 University Ave (La Mesa)

Casual, kid-friendly establishment dishing up giant pies, plus gluten-free and dairy-free options.

8790 Cuyamaca St Ste h (Santee)

Lively, family-friendly chain featuring Italian standards such as pastas & salads.

5500 Grossmont Center Dr Ste 420 (La Mesa)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

8285 Fletcher Pkwy (La Mesa)

Classic Japanese steakhouse inside a shopping center offers table-grilled mains & a sushi menu.

9720 Mission Gorge Rd A (Santee)

Breakfast, lunch and dinner spot offering burritos, tacos, tamales and quesadillas in casual surrounds.

7941 University Ave (La Mesa)

Casual restaurant serving up Italian fare such as pizza and calzones in a kid-friendly environment.

8528 Magnolia Ave (Santee)

Fast-food chain for Mexican standards like tacos, burritos & quesadillas plus breakfast.

9822 Magnolia Ave (Santee)

Tacos, burritos & other Mexican favorites presented in an industrial-chic setting.

9335 Airway Rd #112 (San Diego)

Charming eatery featuring a menu of familiar Italian dishes backed by a robust wine list.

323 3rd Ave (Chula Vista)

Santee chain outpost serving handcrafted pizza, pasta & draft beers in a sports-bar setting.

9828 Mission Gorge Rd Ste A (Santee)

Casual spot specializing in Mexican staples, like burritos, tacos and enchiladas.

8781 Cuyamaca St L (Santee)

Burgers, chicken, tacos & breakfast items fill out the menu at this fast-food chain.

9337 Mission Gorge Rd (Santee)

Intimate spot for elevated Mexican eats with a modern spin plus outdoor seating.

8325 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.

2650 Jamacha Rd

Longtime mom-&-pop eatery serving classic Italian cuisine in a cozy, old-world space.

8378 Parkway Dr (La Mesa)

Counter-service chain offering a big menu of San Diego-style Mexican eats including breakfast.

5550 Lake Murray Blvd (La Mesa)

Casual Mexican eatery serving traditional fare, including nachos, tacos & salsa.

5341 Jackson Dr (La Mesa)

Lively, family-friendly chain featuring Italian standards such as pastas & salads.

9800 Mission Gorge Rd (Santee)

Raw fare & cooked Japanese entrees are offered with beer & wine in a modern branch with a sushi bar.

2013, 2015 Birch Rd #1603 (Chula Vista)

Relaxed restaurant known for its super-sized burritos stuffed with various meats, as well as fresh fish tacos.

10769 Woodside Ave #105 (Santee)

Family-owned venue where warm service complements the homemade pasta, seafood and pizza.

5575 Baltimore Dr #104 (La Mesa)

Mexican chain featuring burritos, fajitas & classic cocktails in an informal setting.

5024 Baltimore Dr (La Mesa)

Fast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.

9714 Mission Gorge Rd (Santee)

Casual locale serving sushi rolls, nigiri, and teriyaki bowls, plus beer and sake.

3709 Avocado Blvd (La Mesa)

This cozy shopping center eatery offers Neapolitan pizzas, wine & salads, plus outdoor seating.

2322 Proctor Valley Rd (Chula Vista)

Traditional Mexican meals such as tacos, chilaquiles, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.

2493 Roll Dr (San Diego)

Mexican classics & fusion dishes are delivered along with cocktails in a comfy, colorful space.

5170 Bonita Rd (Bonita)

Elevated diner fare & gluten-free brunches served in a sleek, modern space inside a strip mall.

7389 Jackson Dr (San Diego)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

500 Mile of Cars Way (National City)

No-frills Mexican counter-serve joint featuring Tijuana tacos, mulas, loaded fries & more.

556 Broadway (Chula Vista)

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

512 H St (Chula Vista)

Refined Mexican-influenced seafood dishes & beer presented in a turquoise-&-sand, rustic-chic space.

4410 Bonita Rd (Bonita)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

9414 Mission Gorge Rd (Santee)

Chain for bagels and breakfast sandwiches as well as muffins, coffee and the like.

6302 Del Cerro Blvd (San Diego)

Local chain pizzeria offering pies, calzones & pasta plus American classics like chicken wings.

6230 Federal Blvd (San Diego)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

7160 Broadway (Lemon Grove)

Laid-back sandwich-shop chain for creative toasted subs, plus snacks & desserts.

4800 Art St (San Diego)

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

2980 Plaza Bonita Rd (National City)

Family-owned breakfast spot serving pancakes, omelettes and comfort-food entrees.

1000 N 2nd St

Casual, Western-themed eatery serving hearty portions of American eats including a half-lb. burger.

9741 Winter Gdns Blvd (Lakeside)

Straightforward outpost dishing up classic Filipino dishes & halo-halo desserts.

2720 E Plaza Blvd E (National City)

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

1908 Sweetwater Rd (National City)

Casual pizza spot featuring a selection of sandwiches and burgers.

7907 Cajon Rd

Since 1974, Por Favor El Cajon has been the neighborhood go-to for traditional Mexican plates, locally inspired flavors, and a lively…

148 E Main St

OB Noodle House & Sake Bar serves steamy pho, char-kissed Vietnamese BBQ, and crispy egg noodles, backed by a deep sake lineup, cocktails,…

2218 Cable St (San Diego)

Tasty Pizza keeps El Cajon weeknights easy with build-your-own pies (up to five toppings) and specialties that bounce from Mediterranean…

1109 E Main St

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill is your Rancho San Diego fix for bold Japanese fusion, from craveable rolls and ramen to party-ready catering. Order…

2986 Jamacha Rd

Viet restaurant for pho, spring rolls, soups and other fare, with friendly staff and a kid's menu.

12316 Poway Rd (Poway)

Cozy, family-owned restaurant with a health-conscious menu including vegetarian options.

745 Jamacha Rd

Italian spot featuring pizzas, pasta and sandwiches, plus a bar.

15244 Olde Hwy 80

Simple Japanese mainstay for a variety of sushi, including specialty rolls, plus teriyaki & udon.

1790 W Washington St (San Diego)

Handmade, gluten-free pastas and a menu of Italian comfort foods are served at this eatery.

3944 W Point Loma Blvd Ste G (San Diego)

Stylish eatery featuring locally sourced eats and drinks, plus scenic harbor and ocean views.

831 W Harbor Dr (San Diego)

Local draft beer accompanies smoked meats at this BBQ joint with a casual atmosphere and a weekend brunch.

751 Fourth Ave (San Diego)

Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.

535 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

722 Jamacha Rd

Unassuming & intimate Thai eatery dishing up spicy curries & stir-fries on disposable plates.

4646 Park Blvd (San Diego)

Neighborhood favorite serving inventive New American eats in a colorful space with a spacious patio.

8141 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Sleek restaurant serving creative local dishes, including seafood plates, steak & desserts.

376 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Casual spot for classic Italian dishes with a heavy emphasis on Roman cuisine.

644 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Longtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.

4445 Imperial Ave (San Diego)

Brisket, pulled pork, and other barbecue staples served in a laid-back setting known for friendly service.

4255 Market St (San Diego)

Laid-back venue spotlighting Middle Eastern cuisine in an expansive space that has outdoor seating.

388 E Main St

Cheery chain serving all-day breakfast, including Mexican dishes, plus sandwiches & burgers.

2963 Jamacha Rd

Counter-serve local chain that offers boneless & bone-in Buffalo wing combo meals.

6715 El Cajon Blvd (San Diego)

Laid-back Italian eatery with a large menu of traditional pizzas, panini & pasta dishes.

1438 Broadway

Steaks grilled over wood, plus seafood dishes, mac 'n' cheese and more.

5469 Casino Way

Beachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.

2441 Fenton Pkwy (San Diego)

Long-standing, family-owned restaurant serving traditional Italian flavors, pizzas & sandwiches.

14120 Olde Hwy 80

American and Italian grub such as pizza and pasta served in a casual eatery.

1588 E Main St

Large, modern pub with a New Zealand-themed menu features 100% organic burgers & cocktails.

1851 Bacon St (San Diego)

Hip chain serving creative, market-fresh American brunch & dinner fare, plus signature Bloody Marys.

3628 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Mediterranean dishes, plus live music, belly dancing and a bar specializing in cocktails.

143 E Main St

Spacious, modern restaurant serving imaginative New American fare & drinks in woody, arty surrounds.

2228 Kettner Blvd (San Diego)

Diners dig into traditional Italian fare at these romantic locales with exposed wood beams & bricks.

1947 Fern St (San Diego)

Casual eatery featuring pho, banh mi, vermicelli noodle dishes and a selection of other Vietnamese eats.

1771 N 2nd St

Relaxed eatery for fried chicken and shawarma with an acai bowl option, plus smoothies and juices.

8575 Los Coches Rd unite 10

Romantic sushi restaurant serving sake and small plates in a trendy setting.

634 14th St #110 (San Diego)

Long-standing landmark barbecue joint serving pulled pork, chicken & ham with traditional sides.

2388 Fletcher Pkwy

Casual ristorante featuring Italian classics and Sicilian-inspired mains alongside a wine list and bar selections.

2977 Upas St (San Diego)

Low-key burger diner using the freshest ingredients, featuring smash burgers, as well as truffle fries and crispy onion rings.

3715 India St (San Diego)

Spacious, outdoor mall features stores, restaurants, a movie theater and a circus.

1640 Camino Del Rio N (San Diego)

Casual restaurant specializing in wings, tenders, and garlic breadsticks, plus beer on tap.

522 N 2nd St

Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.

3940 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Family-owned pizzeria dishing up pies and Italian fare with vegetarian options in a casual setting.

2441 Jamacha Rd #104

Easygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.

1025 Fletcher Pkwy

Kitschy local favorite for giant burgers with an array of toppings, plus shakes, onion rings & more.

945 Broadway (San Diego)

Buzzy joint in a historic building, offering burgers, ribs, pizzas, and happy hour deals.

655 Fourth Ave (San Diego)

Expansive open-air shopping center with a supermarket, beauty & fitness services & casual dining.

8825 Villa La Jolla Dr (La Jolla)

Refined bistro with a wine list and outdoor seating, known for its corn soup.

1920 Fort Stockton Dr Ste C (San Diego)