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    Al Rafidain

    3.9 (75 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Al Rafidain Takeout or Delivery

    Al Rafidain Photos

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    AL RAFIDAIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Al Rafidain

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    Front of the store
    Josue P.

    Food is delicious and affordable Taste very authentic "Mom and pop" kind of place They're might be a language barrier/difference of culture. The customer service felt cold or guarded. I'm not sure. Overall delicious food and I continue to keep coming back.

    2 beef kabobs and Iraqi bread
    Joseph B.

    Forgot to bring lunch to work today and was hungry af and wanted to try something new/different. Looked up kabobs and this place popped up. Checked out the menu online and called in a order of 2 beef kabobs w/rice and an Iraqi bread. There was a language barrier but we got it done-teamwork. Guy told me 15 mins, and I arrived on filipino/mexican time in about 25 mins. Cool market type vibe, left is restaurant and right is groceries etc. They had to make my order unfortunately but only waited about 10 mins. $10.61 was the total, damn cheap if you ask me BUT they forgot the rice. Now food time DAMN this was DELICOUS talking about 10 out of 10. The size of that Iraqi bread is literally 2'x2'!! No need for rice at this point lol. Came with 2 juicy beef kabobs with some bread tucked under to catch all the juices (I tasted of hint of lamb in the meat which was ), onions, grilled tomatoes, regular chopped tomatoes, and some yellow peppers. All this mixed with their garlic and spicy green sauce was flavor in every bite and made me respect their culture even more. Definitely would go again and try the rest of the menu. Big for me.

    Combo kebab
    Suat A.

    I've been eating here for many years. The reason why I change my way to come here is the authentic cooking and the smell when you check in, just like home. They cook fresh for you using daily meats. Best of all they serve the kebabs with freshly baked large pita breads. While they're cooking your order you can finish your grocery shopping. They have some space to eat inside and outside if you cannot wait until going home. This time I ordered ground beef kebab and beef stew kebab, came with free sides of pickles. Totally delicious.

    $30 tray with 4 different types of Rice, Chicken Kabob, Beef Kabob, and Lamb great taste .
    Angelina T.

    My family and I were hungry and saw this market that also offers food, we asked for the Menu and a nice gentleman asked us if we wanted to get a tray that would have more food for a cheaper price rather than buying 3 combo plates. So glad we went with the tray it was delicious and lots of food. Also the bread they gave us was delicious and lady was making it fresh . Highly recommended this place to eat we will definitely be ordering from them in the future.

    Kabob and beef shawarma mix
    Mary K.

    I'm middle eastern and I know my kabob very well! There is kabob on every street being sold all over El Cajon... but I gotta say, this is in my top 5 of best kabob I've ever had. A lot of my family members told me I had to give this place a try, so I did. Walking in, I was a little taken back. It's definitely a hole in the wall. They have a kitchen on the left side of the place and a small amount of produce being sold on the right side. I walked up to the kitchen, waited there for 15 minutes before someone acknowledged me. Right off the bat, there was definitely an attitude problem. The first thing said to me was "yes?" I'm here to order some food sugar plum!! Why else would I be waiting??? Anyways, I placed my order and walked around the place to see if they had any spices I liked. They had a small selection of produce including, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, jalapeños and bell peppers. They weren't the best looking so I stayed away from them. I didn't find any spices I liked, but I did see one of my moms favorite sodas she loved back in Iraq called Vimto. My food was handed to me in a very thin aluminum tray, piping hot! The cook had oven mits on, but I did not! I kindly asked him to please place the tray in a bag and he did. I payed for my stuff and I was on my way out. I definitely wasn't a fan of the service, but I will admit they are serving some of the most delicious kabob ever! Seasoned perfectly, cooked to perfection and some really good quality meat. They kept the meat juicy and flavorful, a lot of places lack this. My theory is that they're using some kind of lamb fat in their mix to keep the kabobs from drying out. Kabob usually has a decent amount of sumac on it, something they didn't do here, regardless, it was very yummy. The shawarma was also tasty. Not overly salty and again, not dried out. I'm a fan of the food! Prices are a little higher than the competitors, but the food is well worth your money. Hole in the walls are where the good stuff is at. Service needs some work, but the food does not! Give this place a try.

    Grilled fish

    The food was so good, and the people were amazing .. it was our first time visiting San Diego and everyone loved it

    Gyro meat plate

    Came here for lunch two days in a row, love the food here. Might take a while for them to make it but it tastes really fresh and flavorful

    a tray of food on a table
    Rasha B.

    The best market ever and yummy food the kabobs is amazing and the sammin is so good god blessed you

    Shawarma and Kabob.

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    8 years ago

    Dirty place , awful customer service. Waited for 20 min and hadn't been served. Better go somewhere else .

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Rude , horrible customer service! My perception of this place is that you have to be Arabic to be serviced!

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Good cheap food. What wouldn't you like about it? I recommend the beef kabob!

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    8 years ago

    Not clean at all, I recommend everyone to avoid it. Just look outside near the backyard and the entrance and you will believe me.

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    11 years ago

    This is the worst resturaunt in el cajon. I got food poisining and had to go to the hospital because of them.

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    11 years ago

    Dont order any food from them there food old and nasty. I ordered yesterday a chicken but it was just cold and old.

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    Page 2 of 2

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    Ralphs - Always a good sale

    Ralphs

    3.3(74 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    From photos I believe i have the correct location, the one In rancho san diego, if I do not please…read morepass it forward. Last night I was one of the last customers prior to closing at 1am. Your store only had 1 female cashier open. The store is kind of dark and I mentioned it to her. Anyway, I watched as custo.ers came up for final purchases. She smiled at everyone, gave kind and courteous service to each and every person. My mind said simply AMAZING... its 1 am and I have insomnia and am restless but I am very alert and saw her professionalism and unique talent, not to mention she is beautiful, and through her talent aline I could see into her heart. It was just last night so Id appreciate if you sought her out, sat her down and give recognition as talent like that can only be praised from a person such as myself. I usually drive around 2nd street when im awake and there is a curfew woth no grocery stores open that late. I simply turned left and went down Jamachs where I found friendly and professionally talented customer service at Ralph's. 5 stars and then some. Sorry I didn't catch her name but I will return to let her know that this review is for what she represents.

    I never buy reduced priced food before. So I picked up some lunch meat. I opened the package and my…read moresense of smell and taste ain't that great. So my wife tried a little and it was spoiled. I will NEVER buy reduced priced food from anywhere now. Caught food poisoning once and it wasn't pleasant. Lesson learnt.

    Photos
    Ralphs - Maybe this will help find who she is

    Maybe this will help find who she is

    Ralphs - Her name

    Her name

    Ralphs - Butcher has rack of lamb

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    Butcher has rack of lamb

    Albertsons

    Albertsons

    3.0(112 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    We went around 3:00 PM, went down the midway. We stopped at the CHEVY DEALERSHIP. Gonzalo got a…read moreshirt and bag. We rode the SKYRIDE, back and forth. We went to the GAMES, we played at the CA LOTTERY, eventually winning over $125. I went to the inside booths, and my partner went to the animals. WE CONCLUDED WITH THE STANDS OVERLOOKING THE RACETRACK, for the buffet. All-in-all a fun day AT THE FAIR, utilizing a RENTED ELECTRIC SCOOTER!!!

    This review is for Susan, I believe she works in floral and for everyone I've had for my drive up…read moreorders, Hunter, a few others I can't recall also but I do it weekly and see new faces and always wonderful. On Mother's Day Susan helped me put together a bouquet in my budget and with what I wanted and today buying corn she overhead me discussing not knowing how to tell which is good and she helped me. Everytime I see her she is so overly helpful and beyond what usual care is. Same with the pick up order crew, EACH ONE, and I wish I remember their names, I come with my dachshund in my car, and they all interact with me and help me. The way they're so gentle with my stuff and helpful and make small talk is unheard of now adays. I love doing drive up because of those interactions when my day is hard - which has been often lately. They make my day even better. SUSAN tho, I joked and said I felt she ran the store. She is so helpful. Knowledgeable and more.

    Photos
    Albertsons - Friendly staff, well stocked quality food.

    Friendly staff, well stocked quality food.

    Albertsons
    Albertsons

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    Food4Less - Front of Food 4 Less

    Food4Less

    2.5(72 reviews)
    1.1 miBostonia
    $

    08/17/2026. Stop hear to pick up some things. Been in this food 4 Less before. Have some good…read moreprices on food and drinks. The staff is outgoing professional and polite and helpful out when needed. Store was clean and well stocked. 5 stars . I will recommend them. Buy 3 12 packs of soda for 11.99 get 3 free. Yes I would recommend . Them and I be back

    Ok my visits here are few far and in between and I only come because they stay open later than most…read morestores. In the past you use to be able to come here and get pretty good deals but that seems to be long gone. Came here could barely find a basket to shop for food. The produce seems to be pretty fresh. There are some hotspots here and there that some of the produce could be a little bit fresher, especially with the tomatoes and the avocados. The other fruit and produce seem to be pretty good. They do have a smaller section of organic produce that seems to be fairly stocked well but price a little higher than normal. The staff is always friendly here. I've never had any issues with checkout. The parking lot could be a little cleaner as there is a lot of homeless that are in the front of the store and on the side of it. They also have security so that's good. This is not my typical store that I would go to, but I have and will when I'm in a crunch.

    Photos
    Food4Less - Hatch peppers, jalapeño, Roma tomatoes, bell pepper & potatoes

    Hatch peppers, jalapeño, Roma tomatoes, bell pepper & potatoes

    Food4Less - I was charged 10 cents for a bag   that I didn't want need request or vote for.

    I was charged 10 cents for a bag that I didn't want need request or vote for.

    Food4Less

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    North Park Produce - Large size and rich, caramel flavors of Medjool dates!

    North Park Produce

    3.2(107 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $

    $9 - sandwich It was a little before 9 a.m., everyone in the…read moreworking world was in full swing. But not me, I was inside North Park Produce as a customer. I hadn't expected to be swooned before breakfast, but I was. It started with a glance at the deli counter. Behind the glass counter you can see the glistening meats turn slowly on the spits. I knew it was early, but I asked for a chicken shawarma wrap. "Five minutes," the man replied. And just like that, he was gone. After five minutes a woman appeared in his place, calm and unreadable. She told me she couldn't make a shawarma, but she could make me - and then she said something in her native language and made a motion with her hands. These were words I didn't recognize. Not even close. "I'm sorry, what?" I asked. She repeated it, as if I didn't hear her. I listened again, and I still didn't understand. There was a pause between us, but I was completely captivated. She said, "It's a sandwich". I nodded and smiled. "yes, chicken, please." Then it began, she went to the baker, giving him instructions, he began shaping a fresh loaf just for me. I watched, transfixed, as the dough came to life in his hands before disappearing into the heat of their homemade tandoor oven. Moments later, it emerged, warm, blistered, and perfect. She was there to catch it, like it belonged to her all along. She took it and split it open, gently, then added the chicken carved straight from the spit, as it was still turning. On to fresh cucumbers, crisp onions, a generous smear of garlic and yogurt, a dusting of spices. Nothing was careless but she was mechanical and every movement deliberate. As I watched, I know that she made the sandwich with a quiet care and with her hands as if every step mattered. When she finally pressed the bread together and wrapped it, there was intention in it. That was something made just for me. I didn't see any like it written on the menu. I took it in my hands. It was still warm. I could smell it and decided I wasn't going to wait long before first bite. Sitting at a table outside a coffee shop, the first bite was everything at once, juicy meat, crisp veggies, rich yogurt. The warm bread pocketed with the great flavors unfolded in a way that felt balanced and complete and brought the whole experience alive. It filled me in a way I hadn't expected, like a fleeting connection that somehow lingers longer than it should. The whole experience felt almost intimate, because she had taken it upon herself to make it truly satisfying. Each bite was unconscionably shaped with thought and attention. While it wasn't love, it was more like a morning fling. Definitely one I didn't plan and the kind you don't question. But it's the kind that leaves you full, a little dazed, and already wondering if you'll ever find your way back to something so satisfying. That particular store may seem a bit offsetting for some. It might be its location. Or the decor. It is shaped more by culture than design trends. There is a lived-in charm to it where authenticity matter more than polish, and every corner feels like a small piece of home. The workers communicate in generous, full voices of their native language in an open way. It's not an angry or offsetting way, but they are very open and at ease in their environment. I also really enjoyed the $9 a la carte lamb shank and the French Feta-style cheese if very rich and creamy. Both get thumbs up!

    Disappointing Customer Service Experience…read more I've been coming to this restaurant since the day it opened, which is why this experience was especially disappointing. Earlier today, I ordered 40 shish beef kabobs and spent nearly $400. After driving six hours back to Las Vegas, I opened the tray and discovered that all 40 pieces were chicken kabob instead of beef. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the chicken, so I contacted the restaurant hoping they could help resolve the mistake. I first spoke with a woman who I believed was a manager, but she was unable to assist me. I then asked to speak with a manager and was connected with a gentleman named Nazzar. Instead of listening to my concern and trying to find a solution, I was told that I was essentially lying because he claimed the kitchen had not sold chicken kabob that day. I was very frustrated by that response, especially after spending nearly $400 and driving six hours home. I sent pictures of the food along with my invoice as proof of my order. Only after that did the conversation change, and I was told that he was not the manager. I asked to speak directly with Sarmad, the owner, because I wanted to address the situation with someone who could actually resolve it. I understand that mistakes happen. What matters is how a business handles those mistakes. Unfortunately, the way this situation was handled was far more disappointing than receiving the wrong food. Being questioned about whether I was telling the truth rather than having someone simply listen and help left me feeling extremely disrespected as a longtime customer. I'm not writing this review to create an argument. I'm sharing my experience because I genuinely believe customer service should be just as important as the food. After being a customer since the restaurant first opened, I expected much better. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and uses it as an opportunity to improve how customer concerns are handled in the future.

    Photos
    North Park Produce - Patries and food

    Patries and food

    North Park Produce
    North Park Produce

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    Albertsons

    Albertsons

    2.7(110 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Deli Department has the most rude older white/grey long hair lady and a stocky short older white…read moreman, OMG, I'm not sure if this was a racial issue or just really bad customer service of older employees. My sister, my mother and I just trying to buy Fried Chicken for 4th of July, they Ruined our day for the most part, we realized that 50 piece order are only done ahead of time, so then we went down to 30 pieces, Negative they both were lecturing us about how its 4th of july and everyone wants to buy chicken and they would run out, isnt this the point? sell sell sell, the whole display was full full of fried chicken, so on top of denyin us the chicken order we were given a lecture Yeesh, my poor mother was all we want is to buy chicken and go enjoy our pool party. I spoke to the manger of the store, very very nice lady the best, she offered us the 30 pieces free of charge I declined and said no thank you, this is not about the Chicken anymore, its about the service. who knows what those people would of done to our free chiecken. lol i will never shop at the DELI anymore.

    * The store offers a wide range of services under one roof: fresh produce, a bakery, deli trays, a…read morefloral department, a pharmacy, and even delivery and pickup options. * The produce section stands out for its commitment to freshness and locally-sourced items, with a "guaranteed fresh or your money back" promise. * The floral department appears well-staffed and attentive -- a nice touch if you're shopping for more than just groceries. * Hours are generous (6:00 AM to midnight) making it convenient for early runs or late-evening errands. * Heads-up for: Specialty orders (custom cakes, large party trays, event-specific deli orders) -- verify in advance to make sure service meets your expectations. * The store displays a clean, organized appearance: produce is promoted as "guaranteed fresh" which gives an impression of a cared-for space. * Friendly service seems to contribute positively to the vibe: reviewers cite helpful staff which tends to make the environment more comfortable. * Because it's open early to very late (6:00 AM to midnight) it gives a convenient, reliable feel--less stressed than smaller hours might impose.

    Photos
    Albertsons
    Albertsons
    Albertsons

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    Al Rafidain - mideastern - Updated September 2026

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