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✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Experience the rich flavors of Iraqi cuisine at Al Awael Restaurant, where tradition meets taste. This family-owned and operated establishment offers a culinary journey through the heart of the Middle East, with a delectable menu of authentic Iraqi and Mediterranean dishes. Our commitment to quality means every meal is prepared with 100% Halal ingredients, ensuring a wholesome dining experience for everyone. Come and gather with your loved ones to enjoy a memorable meal in our warm and inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where every dish tells a story of heritage and passion.
Hours
| Saturday | 12–8 PM |
| Sunday | 12–8 PM |
| Monday | 12–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1255 Avocado Ave suite 105-107, El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 938-4250
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Reviews
James Tamilio
This place is a total wow. After reading the positive reviews, I decided to give it a try and I’m glad I did. The food was absolutely delicious and fresh. I especially loved the lentil soup, bean stew, and meat skewers. The biryani rice was also amazing. This truly was one of the best meals I’ve had in the San Diego area. It’s worth the drive to El Cajon. Highly recommend.
… moreRashel Z
Delicious food!
We stopped by Al Awael Restaurant to try their Beryani, and it did not disappoint. We ended up ordering a few other dishes too, and honestly, EVERYTHING tasted homemade and so so sooo good. The place was clean, and the staff were wonderful. Super friendly and welcoming.
Definitely a 10 out of 10! Highly recommend.
… moreWe stopped by Al Awael Restaurant to try their Beryani, and it did not disappoint. We ended up ordering a few other dishes too, and honestly, EVERYTHING tasted homemade and so so sooo good. The place was clean, and the staff were wonderful. Super friendly and welcoming.
Definitely a 10 out of 10! Highly recommend.
Aakash Kharel
I recently visited Al Awael Restaurant on a Thursday night with my family, and it turned out to be one of our favorite dining experiences in the area. We showed up around 7:20 PM without realizing they close at 8:00 PM, but the staff was so welcoming and kind. They didn’t hesitate to seat us and made sure we could enjoy a relaxed meal without any rush. That genuine hospitality really made the evening special.
Our server, Pierre, was fantastic! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and thoughtfully recommended three different items that perfectly matched what we were in the mood for. We went with his suggestions, and everything was outstanding.
The chicken dishes were incredible & The lamb dish was the highlight, tender and falling off the bone, so soft and full of rich flavor. We paired it all with their perfectly cooked rice, which had that wonderful aromatic touch. The Iraqi salad was fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious, adding the ideal bright contrast to the meats.
The biggest win was my mom, who’s notoriously picky and rarely enjoys food from any outside restaurant. She loved everything: the rice, the salad, the tender meats… she cleaned her plate and even commented on how much she enjoyed it. That alone speaks volumes!
The restaurant itself is beautiful, with fresh new decor under new ownership in the last 8 months or so. It feels modern, welcoming, and cozy, perfect for a family meal. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.
If you haven’t tried Al Awael Restaurant yet, I highly recommend it! The authentic Iraqi flavors, friendly staff (big thanks again to Pierre for checking on us and making sure everything was perfect), and stunning space make it a standout spot. We’re already looking forward to going back. 5 stars all the way!
… moreOur server, Pierre, was fantastic! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and thoughtfully recommended three different items that perfectly matched what we were in the mood for. We went with his suggestions, and everything was outstanding.
The chicken dishes were incredible & The lamb dish was the highlight, tender and falling off the bone, so soft and full of rich flavor. We paired it all with their perfectly cooked rice, which had that wonderful aromatic touch. The Iraqi salad was fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious, adding the ideal bright contrast to the meats.
The biggest win was my mom, who’s notoriously picky and rarely enjoys food from any outside restaurant. She loved everything: the rice, the salad, the tender meats… she cleaned her plate and even commented on how much she enjoyed it. That alone speaks volumes!
The restaurant itself is beautiful, with fresh new decor under new ownership in the last 8 months or so. It feels modern, welcoming, and cozy, perfect for a family meal. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.
If you haven’t tried Al Awael Restaurant yet, I highly recommend it! The authentic Iraqi flavors, friendly staff (big thanks again to Pierre for checking on us and making sure everything was perfect), and stunning space make it a standout spot. We’re already looking forward to going back. 5 stars all the way!
Andreus Meza
One of the best restaurants in all of Southern California. The hospitality and the food is incredible. Definitely try all the meats you can. Each one is so flavorful. Great family run restaurant. Beautiful inside. Very clean.
… moreMadhavi Seth
Excellent food and service from Pierre! Even though this restaurant hasn’t been open long, this was an excellent stop for lunch: the atmosphere was warm, sophisticated and inviting. The falafel wraps were great, soft and crunchy, while the mango sauce was flavorful. The lentil soup and Iraqi cardamom tea were refreshing too. Will definitely be back here!
… moreAlaa Abu-Hantash
Amazing food and even better service. You HAVE to try the grilled beef kubba; it’s a game-changer. Everything felt authentic and high-quality. To finish it off, they provided complimentary tea, which was such a nice touch. Great food, beautiful space, and excellent hospitality!
… moreJeidy Redondo
First time coming to this restaurant and I got to say that the food was so delicious, the beef kabob was so juicy and tender with great flavor, the chicken was also so good. The black tea was simply so good. The service was amazing, our waiter really took care of us and was very attentive. Definitely will be coming back.
… moreRene Prado
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve tried a few Middle Eastern restaurants around town and Al Awael is one of the best I’ve had. I ordered the chicken tikka plate and honestly the chicken and the pickled veggies were my favorite part. The chicken was tender and full of flavor, and the pickled veggies were fresh and really good.
I’m Mexican, so I’m not super familiar with Middle Eastern food, but I like to try it once in a while. This place definitely impressed me. The restaurant was very clean and the blonde host was really kind and friendly. I even overheard her helping other people and she treated everyone the same way.
Overall, the food was great, the service was great, and the place just felt welcoming. I’ll be back whenever I’m in the area.
… moreI’ve tried a few Middle Eastern restaurants around town and Al Awael is one of the best I’ve had. I ordered the chicken tikka plate and honestly the chicken and the pickled veggies were my favorite part. The chicken was tender and full of flavor, and the pickled veggies were fresh and really good.
I’m Mexican, so I’m not super familiar with Middle Eastern food, but I like to try it once in a while. This place definitely impressed me. The restaurant was very clean and the blonde host was really kind and friendly. I even overheard her helping other people and she treated everyone the same way.
Overall, the food was great, the service was great, and the place just felt welcoming. I’ll be back whenever I’m in the area.
Jason Halabo
Absolutely incredible! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The meat was tender and juicy, the rice had amazing flavor, and the bread was soft and warm. You can really taste the quality in every bite. Amazing portions too! Highly recommend for Middle Eastern food.
… moreZara
We just ate here and it was amazing. We ordered the Tashreeb Laham and the Quzzi Laham, and everything was absolutely incredible. The flavors were spot on — perfectly spiced, perfectly cooked, and so rich and comforting. It’s hands down the best Iraqi/Arab food we’ve had in the U.S. so far.
The lamb was incredibly tender and full of flavor, and the Tashreeb Laham tasted like something straight out of a family kitchen back home. You can tell they truly care about authenticity and quality.
On top of that, the service was amazing — so warm, welcoming, and genuinely family-friendly. They made us feel completely at home. The restaurant itself was immaculately clean, modern, and beautifully decorated. The atmosphere and overall vibe were just perfect.
10/10 experience. Highly, highly recommend. We’ll definitely be coming back.
… moreThe lamb was incredibly tender and full of flavor, and the Tashreeb Laham tasted like something straight out of a family kitchen back home. You can tell they truly care about authenticity and quality.
On top of that, the service was amazing — so warm, welcoming, and genuinely family-friendly. They made us feel completely at home. The restaurant itself was immaculately clean, modern, and beautifully decorated. The atmosphere and overall vibe were just perfect.
10/10 experience. Highly, highly recommend. We’ll definitely be coming back.