If you think Greek food in El Cajon is just gyros and baklava, prepare to be schooled. This East County hub, with its sun-drenched Mediterranean spirit and tight-knit immigrant community, serves up everything from smoky grilled octopus and flaky spanakopita to family-style feasts that’ll have you shouting “Opa!” before the ouzo arrives.
Luna Grill Rancho San Diego
$ | (619) 797-4000 | WEBSITE
At this casual Mediterranean spot in Rancho San Diego, you’ll find plenty of tables for groups and families, with windows that bring in warm natural light while you eat. We really appreciate their dedication to fresh ingredients, almost as much as we appreciate their chicken kabob plate with tender meat that’s perfectly grilled. This welcoming establishment has a variety of healthy dishes that are served quickly, along with a great atmosphere that makes dining here a pleasure.
Beyond the kabobs, try some of their other Mediterranean favorites, which are also tasty and make for great leftovers to take home. Have lunch here before spending the rest of the day enjoying the neighborhood.
Elsa’s Kitchen
$ | (619) 464-6711 | WEBSITE
Elsa’s Kitchen is our go-to spot for casual Greek comfort food, where we ditch our usual dinner routines and indulge in hearty, satisfying meals. They do great traditional cheeseburgers and gyros, but the authentic Greek specialties are the ones to focus on.
Go for the beef and chicken kabob combo with generous portions and flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean, and the Greek chicken salad with its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing that you’ll wish you could recreate in your own kitchen. Also excellent are the popular pastrami burger loaded with delicious toppings and a side of hot, crispy fries that are perfect for sharing.
The cozy, family-run atmosphere makes it feel like home, so before your visit, swing by the nearby El Cajon Market for a bottle of crisp Assyrtiko to complement the savory meats, or pick up a six-pack of light lager from the corner store to balance the rich flavors.
Lemon Grove Cafe
$ | (619) 644-1031 | WEBSITE
When you’re looking for a Greek spot in El Cajon, someone will inevitably point you toward the popular places with flashy signs. But the real treasure is always better over breakfast, especially when it’s at Lemon Grove Cafe. The restaurant itself sits slightly off the main road, giving you the feeling that you’ve discovered a cozy neighborhood hideaway.
Besides the comfort, you come here for hearty dishes like tender chicken fried steak, flavorful omelets including the meat lover and chilaquilas, and the rich hazelnut creamer coffee, all of which have bigger portions than you’d find at other casual diners. They also keep the atmosphere calm and welcoming right when you walk in because, sure, this is a family-friendly spot with great food, but it doesn’t feel rushed or impersonal.
In and out Pizzeria
$ | (619) 303-2570 | WEBSITE
When you walk into In and Out Pizzeria, you’ll see the staff tossing fresh pizza dough behind the counter. We would definitely watch this daily if they set up a livestream, but we’re also here all the time—and so is everybody else in El Cajon. There may be a bit of a wait to get a table, but stick it out, because pretty much everything here is delicious.
Start with the jalapeño poppers and barbecue wings appetizer, and then tack on a gyro sandwich that’s piled with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions. While the sandwiches here are good, it’s the pizza that keeps us coming back, specifically the classic cheese and the pepperoni ones. After you eat, explore one of the shops nearby, and hit a post-lunch matinee around the corner at the local theater.
Greek Gyros II
$ | (619) 463-5509 | WEBSITE
“A hidden gem” is exactly how Greek Gyros II is described by regulars in the Grossmont food court. And you’ll have time to appreciate why as you join the line of customers waiting for some of the best Greek food in El Cajon. No visit here is complete without the lamb meat, and while newcomers should start with a pita, you can have it wrapped in warm pita bread, paired with chicken lemon soup, or as part of a healthy meal.
Add on some delicious pitas, sides like their signature pita bread, and the always-perfect chicken lemon soup. Located in the Grossmont food court, it’s the ideal lunch spot for a quick bite or a satisfying meal. After your feast, take a moment to chat with the warm, welcoming staff who make everyone feel valued.
Gyros House
$ | (619) 441-0483 | WEBSITE
The best word to describe Gyros House, a Greek spot in the Parkway Plaza food court, is welcoming. The staff here don’t just serve food—they’re attentive, helpful, and always ready to explain the dishes if needed, which makes it feel like everyone’s just enjoying good food together. Go for lunch when you can get things like the gyro sandwich with its hot, tender, well-seasoned meat and fresh, crisp vegetables, or the chicken shawarma plate with perfect seasoning and generous tzatziki.
They also have crispy, hot, salted french fries and proper pickles that round out the meal.
Luna Grill Santee
$$ | (619) 329-8282 | WEBSITE
It’s not easy to find authentic Greek flavors in El Cajon. This is why we love Luna Grill Santee, a casual spot that’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown. The lemon garlic chicken kabob alone is worth the trip, as you’ll get a generous portion of perfectly grilled chicken marinated in a bright, herbaceous sauce.
Settle into the clean, relaxed booths with friends and order one of their classic platters, served with things like fluffy rice and crisp Greek salad or some warm pita bread—our favorite of the sides that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s most flavorful dips.
Greek Chicken
$ | (619) 561-1972 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing like a sunny afternoon at Greek Chicken in east county to help you forget you’re in a strip mall parking lot. But this isn’t just your regular stop for gyros and salads—it’s one of the more satisfying Greek meals you can have in El Cajon, since the dining area spills out onto a patio with plenty of seating.
That means you can eat things like super tender lemon chicken as you watch sports on the TVs inside, or have a quick lunch of fried zucchini with ranch before browsing the vegetarian options for something sweet to finish. They also do great combos like the chicken and salad plate for around $15, plus lighter choices—go with the Greek salad with pita bread and a side of that lemony flavor everyone keeps talking about.
J-K’s Greek Cafe
$ | (619) 439-6892 | WEBSITE
When we’re talking about why we love J-K’s Greek Cafe, a Greek restaurant in El Cajon, it comes down to two words: grilled chicken. When the owner brings this perfectly charred platter to your table, it’s a full-on spectacle, leaving behind a trail of lemon-oregano aromatics and turned heads.
J-K’s Greek Cafe is perfect for pulling that comfortable outfit from your closet for a family dinner or reconnecting with your old neighborhood friends, especially if you want that cozy, welcoming atmosphere where everyone knows your name. Just know the tender, flavorful chicken paired with those must-try veggies almost always sells out well before the restaurant closes, so make a visit on the earlier side.
Gus’s Subs & Pizza Place
$ | (619) 462-4877 | WEBSITE
Don’t come to Gus’s Subs & Pizza Place expecting a quiet, intimate dinner—they usually have a steady stream of regulars chatting at the counter, and you’re gonna want to join in. While the subs and pizza are the main attraction, the fruit tart isn’t an afterthought. Try favorites like the hot pastrami sub with fresh ingredients and perfect balance, the sausage sandwich loaded with flavor, and pizza with dough praised for great taste and generous cheese.
Check their outside tables if you want to dine al fresco, but it’s also fun to grab a seat inside and see if today’s special is going to be a classic pepperoni pie or a divine fruit tart beautifully presented for gifting.
Patty’s Cafe
$ | (619) 462-1922 | WEBSITE
So yes, El Cajon has plenty of chain restaurants, but one of the enduring and comforting dining traditions is how many reliable local spots still thrive. The best of them by far is Patty’s Cafe, a great sit-down spot with a diner feel that serves satisfying spins on breakfast, Mexican-American, and Greek dishes.
Start with a bowl of homemade soup with layers of flavor, some tender scrambled eggs with country gravy that can be made sausage-free, and always get one (or more) orders of blueberry pancakes that are served with a light syrup. They also have a wide variety of salads and bread, and there’s no better way to wrap up a meal here than with a Carne Asada burrito or a 1/2 lb Sirloin burger.
Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie
$ | (619) 287-2373 | WEBSITE
You know those rare spots that are good for a quick lunch, a family dinner, a post-workout refuel, and everything in between? For the people of El Cajon, that’s Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie, a welcoming Mediterranean grill in the heart of the city. The space has a clean, casual aesthetic, and they do consistently fresh food featuring bright Mediterranean flavors.
There’s the standout chicken kabobs with tender grilled chicken, gyro sandwiches praised for their juicy meat, and tasty lentil soup made with love. Pair it all with one of their highly recommended smoothies without sherbet or sorbet, a freshly squeezed juice, or a hot beverage from their variety of options. Everything is reasonably priced, with two gyro sandwich combos running about $30 including tip, and it all comes out of a real brick oven.
The atmosphere is pleasant, the service is excellent, and the portions are generous—it’s that kind of place.
Troy’s Greek Restaurant
$ | (619) 281-7741 | WEBSITE
Whenever we’re craving a meal that feels like a warm embrace, we think about Troy’s. That’s because it’s one of the best family-friendly spots in El Cajon, where you’ll want to bring the whole crew to share their menu of Greek classics. Enjoy fresh, flavorful, homemade dishes like gyros platters, spanakopita, and moussaka, and weekly specials like BBQ chicken and Greek green beans.
The space is a cozy dining room where plates overflow with crispy fish and chips, chicken breast salads with pita bread, and glasses of Greek wine and beer, and the indoor and outdoor seating serves as gathering spots for the various Sunday brunch options. Walk in, take a seat on the patio, and spend the evening swapping stories instead of screens with your family for once.
Petrinos Greek Restaurant
$ | (619) 741-7721 | WEBSITE
Some day, we’d love to write a guide to restaurants named after Greek islands. When we do, Petrinos is going to be at the top of the list. This El Cajon spot is a must if you enjoy housemade gyros, pink lemonade with rose petals, and a vibe that’s similar to Greek tavernas—simple wooden tables fill the space and the scent of grilled meat hangs in the air.
Go heavy on the classics like the massive chicken pita with a drizzle of garlic sauce, some juicy beef kabob plate with tasty sauces, and a hummus that’s nicely balanced with a generous side salad. The straightforward menu is perfect for a quick meal where you can share everything with a friend—even though once the plates start arriving, you’ll want to hoard it all for yourself.
Opa Greek Restaurant & Grill
$ | (619) 441-9708 | WEBSITE
Opa Greek Restaurant & Grill in El Cajon is all about the trifecta of gyro plates, spanakopita, and tsatsiki. They’ve somehow figured out how to make flavorful chicken kabobs even more delicious by serving them with thick and creamy tsatsiki, feta-covered fries, and herb-infused potatoes. The gyro plates are excellent and just substantial enough (see: either the chicken shawarma with good-sized portions or the gyro plate with crispy fries).
And the spanakopita, which is noted for being light and delicious, will teach you about the difference between heavy pastries and this delicate version that mixes spinach and phyllo. The restaurant itself is pretty straightforward, with just a handful of tables below the simple Mediterranean décor and a long counter, making it better for a casual lunch than a big group dinner with your entire extended family.
Santorini Island Grill
$ | (858) 693-8300 | WEBSITE
Santorini Island Grill is comfort food at its most reliable, or at least a welcome escape from the ordinary in El Cajon. This casual spot has some of the best parts of Greek dining under one roof: plates like the Cali Burger with avocado and bacon on a great bun, heaping portions of the Greek Salad with grilled chicken, and the Fish & Chips with its flavorful grilled fish and tasty fries.
In addition to all that, it’s a weeknight dinner or family meal go-to where you can relax with a Chicken Pita packed with fresh ingredients at one of the comfy tables that are lit by pleasant lighting. Always consider calling ahead, because the Santorini Pack with chicken, skewers, and all the fixings is often ready in about 20 minutes.
Tak Grill Fresh Mediterranean Food
$ | (619) 825-9033 | WEBSITE
Tak Grill in El Cajon makes incredible Mediterranean food, with generous portions and vegetarian options. Primetime here is lunch on weekdays, when the smell of fresh grilled meats and warm pita hits you right as you walk in—focus on their chicken kebab signature plate or one of their popular items like the sliced gyro pita or chicken shwarma on pita. The Gyro combo or Chicken kabob plate are perfect to share, as are the large servings, all known for their tasty flavors.
There is a simple, no-frills interior with basic seating, though most people prefer to take their orders to go for convenience. Have a meal of their fairly priced, flavorful food, cooked to order with care, before heading out to enjoy the easily accessible parking and kid-friendly atmosphere.
The Groovy Greek
$ | (760) 410-3159 | WEBSITE
El Cajon has plenty of dining options these days, but one thing that never changes is how much this community loves hearty, satisfying food. The best spot to experience this craving in action is at The Groovy Greek Truck, a Greek food destination. The truck has been serving the area for a while now, and crowds have been gathering consistently ever since.
They do generous portions of flavorful Greek classics served with fresh accompaniments and equally impressive sides, like fluffy rice, crisp salad, and warm pita bread. The gyros have become our regular choice, but if it’s your first visit here, go all out and try their standout lemon chicken with honey mustard glaze to get the full experience.
