Alfanar Restaurant invites food aficionados to savor the aromatic tapestry of Middle Eastern cuisine at its beautiful locale on El Cajon Boulevard. Each delectable dish is a masterpiece, meticulously prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, transporting diners to the bustling markets of the Middle East with every bite.
Fadi A.
Al Fanar Restaurant in El Cajon is absolutely amazing! The food is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor—every dish tastes homemade and perfectly seasoned. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality is top-notch.
The service is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere makes you feel right at home. If you’re looking for real Middle Eastern food in San Diego, Al Fanar is a must-visit. Highly recommended!
… moreAakash Kharel
Five stars for this El Cajon restaurant I visited last Saturday! I got the chicken tikka plate, and wow, the chicken was super juicy, packed with flavor. The crispy chicken sandwich was also fantastic crispy, flavorful, and just the right size. They even started me off with lentil soup that was so comforting. Total steal for the price, honestly everything was perfect. I’m already craving it, can’t wait to go back
… moreRod’s Channel
This is my first time coming to this place since mal al sham is closed for remodeling, I was craving middle eastern food (rare) and decided to stop in to give it a try. Place wasn’t empty but not busy at all. The plus is they have free tea and complimentary soup. The cons was the order was wrong, the food took forever to come out (over 40 mins) for some shawarma wraps lol and the food itself wasn’t good at all. I honestly will not come back
Did I mention people coming in after me received their food before? Yea sums it up
… moreHani Alqaji
Best middle Eastern place I’ve ever tasted inside San Diego. The meat source is grass-fed and finished amazing quality and taste.
There is one issue the owner need to pay attention to, Under staffing on certin days when they’re busy.
… moreSahand Shahoy
Got recommended to go to this place by a friend, couldn’t have been happier with my decision of going! The portions were great and tasted great, the service was also outstanding and I felt super welcomed! Can’t wait to come back for the dolma next time!
… moreSaif Abdal
Alfanar Restaurant truly feels like home. The food is full of soul, rich flavors, and real tradition. Every bite reminds you of authentic Arabic cooking made with care and love. Even when ordering to go, the quality is always perfect. This place never disappoints and always leaves you happy and satisfied. Highly recommended from the heart!
… moreEder
A hidden gem.
I spoke to one of the waitresses and she told me that they been there for a few months. Its a new restaurant.
This is a mix of Iraqi, Persian, Lebanese restaurant/cuisine.
Certain meals comes with free lentil soup and a mixed-plate of onions, tomatoes and pickles.
A lot of appetizers.
A lot of main dishes.
Fresh meats.
Soups.
Delicious side dishes.
The service is excellent.
Fresh salads.
Fresh made Arabic bread.
I am definitely coming back again.
In the pictures:
Qozi (meat) with rice and Ocra gravy.
Mixed appetizers.
Meat Shawarma tashreeb.
Edit: second visit
It’s better than expected.
Very satisfying.
I will be back to try the rest of the menu.
If they keep this quality and services, there will be soon another Al fanar restaurants in SoCal.
… moreRusty MU
I can’t find a word to describe my experience in this Iraqi Restaurant! It’s The beat in entire SD with no doubt! The food and the service is the best and I visit them every single time I go to SD.
… moreWendy Burnam
This is an amazing middle eastern meal, that tastes like a n amazingly home cooked meal. Very authentic, What a treat.
… moreA Doublefrogman
Tabbouleh to start, perfect, side bread was perfect, and the falafel sandwich is perfect, not the falafel i was used to but a grilled burrito style and done so well that i am now a convert. The server was great, so helpful and patient (i sometimes require patience, but hey so does serving in general right?) and the owner was very gracious when i enthusiastically praised the food. Highly recommend
… more