Every time we like mediterranean food, Ali Baba is our first choice. food is great, service is good and the staff is friendly.

Haven't been here in years, decided to take a trip to El Cajon to have lunch at this mom and pop middle eastern restaurant with my mom and pop. They definitely invest their time on the taste of their food and serving large portion sizes instead of fancy tables and decor. It's not upscale fine dining... the interioir looks the exact same for past decade. Although a little dated the place is very clean and fits large or small groups. Not a date night spot -- more a friends and family stuff your face kind of place. They have a dedicated parking lot with plenty of spots. We ordered a ton of food to share. Half roasted chicken with side of fatoush salad, beef kabob plate with side of rice, lamb tikka with side of fries, a large plate of hummus, and an order of falafel (Best Falafel in SoCal). EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! I personally didn't like the lamb tikka but everyone else destroyed that plate. We ordered a pot of black tea (mint flavored) and they brought our large pieces of steaming hot fresh bread. Service was very friendly and fast. They modified any order to your liking. They also thanked us for coming and meant it when they said it -- Mom and Pop shops are The Best! Highly Recommend if you're looking for good quality middle eastern food with large portions. read more

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6/27/25, Friday. My first time here. We ordered a pick up for the family of 2 because it looks so big. They told us about 15-20 minutes. Arrived in 20 and it was ready to go. Very Heavy and hot to carry out. Arrived home and oh wow! This can feed 4-6 people. No way this is for 2 people to eat. So much food and deliciousness. Will come here again. A party of 3 ate this and we just finished about 1/3 of it. Truly left overs for lunch and dinner Sat! Total price was $63. 2 amazing breads as well. I wasn't expecting this. Amazing. read more

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I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a number of years, but never pulled the trigger on it until last night. I took my mom out on a date and we had a phenomenal meal that was served by such a kind and wonderful staff. We ordered a family meal for two, which will probably feed us through the weekend. I will be returning here regularly, it's a shame I put it off for so long. read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Family Meal for two - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

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The location is right on the corner you can't miss it. They have their own small parking lot. There is a lot of similar restaurants in the area that we have tried. They just don't compare. The quality and flavors are out of this world. The inside is very cute. it is clean and welcoming. We enjoy lunch dates and dinner here as a family. The owners are very friendly. Definitely recommend the lunch for 2. FYI it feeds 4 people easily. Dinner for 3 feeds 6-7. Large portions. The hummus is soooooooo good. Pro tip: ask for extra olive oil. Give this place a try! read more

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I would definitely recommend this place to anyone, especially for a group/family setting. The portions are huge, the food is delicious, and the fresh warm bread is a great addition. We got a family dinner for 4, but there was plenty of food leftover. read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Family dinner 4 - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Great service and excellent dishes! Came here with the family and ordered a family meal. They quickly brought our drinks as well as a salad, bread and hummus. We all really loved the cream chicken chop it was super juicy and tender. My favorite was the chicken tikka skewers. So flavorful! It's reasonably priced and our whole family enjoyed our meal. We will be back read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Family platter - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

We ate here for dinner with some friends and wow the portions are huge! My fiancé and I shared the feast for two but it definitely was enough that our whole table could've shared it all. We were all amazed by how big the pita bread was too. The chicken was more flavorful than the beef. We enjoyed the other rice more than the saffron rice. I also preferred baba ghanoush (not pictured) over the hummus. All in all decent meal but a bit pricey. Service was great. read more

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Amazing food, fast, clean and wonderful service. The owner helped guide us on how much and what to order. It was a taste of home! I remember coming here 20 years ago and enjoying it. Same owners a d same great food! read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Pompano Fish Ali Baba Seafood Special - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

Good for sd. Good hummus. The meats were not that great. Nice big intetior though. alibaba read more

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Very friendly service and great food. We got the Feast for 3 but it could've easily fed 5-6. Lots of indoor seating and got helped fast. Will return! read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Feast for 3 People Special - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

The food was really good. The service was awesome! And the ambiance was nice. It wasn't too loud. We had the family meal and there was a lot of left overs. It was worth it! Price was reasonable. I will be coming back for more! read more

Solid. The 10 ppl family meal is huge. The bread is p good. Wasnt a huge fan of the fried chicken cutlet thing. Everything else is good. read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

Had a marvelous dinner at Ali Baba last evening. we had the takeet (?) skewer combo: one chicken chunks and one beef chunks that inclouded the best rice ever! we also share the veggie combo platter of hummus, felafel, tabouli, and salad. The accompanying huge round of flatbread was phenomenal. it was the perfect dinner and it provided plenty of leftovers for us both! read more

Very good place. The servings were very generous. We ordered the 3-person tray for 4 people and we still had leftovers to go. The chicken was moist, kebabs were very tasty and it had 3 rice dishes for variety. This is our go to place when craving for a halal or Persian food. The owner was also great! read more

The owner himself was so rude and disrespectful. These people think they can act this way because theres no one else but them in El Cajon. Theres so much better places and respectful out there. The owner is disgusting. This place will fall down in no time, I would never have came here if Mal Alsham was open. Just a tip for the owner to teach you some manners, you should treat your customers as your guest at home. I don't think you're rude to your guests at home, we're your guests. Have some respect for your customers. Very musty inside the restaurant and tables are sticky. Got disgusted. Service: 0/10 Food: 2/10 Vibe: 2/10 read more

The food here was just amazing ! We ordered the family meal for 4 even though there was 6 of us we had plenty of left overs . The portions are huge and the Lule Kabob and Chicken Kabob was so tasty and amazing ! The restaurant is very family friendly and comfortable . The servers were very hospitable , I believe they may have also been the owners because they took great care in making sure we were well taken care of throughout our dinning experience. The amazing thing about this restaurant is the fresh baked bread which is literally stone fired and to die for especially with a cream they make in house called Gemar ! I highly recommend an order of the fresh bread with Gemar topped with honey for an ultimate breakfast ! Soooo tasty . read more

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Excellent service and super delicious food! Best falafel I've had in a long time! Highly recommend!

Have driven by this place for years and was finally able to make it in. So glad I did. Food was delicious, service was so good. The restaurant is mid sized with plenty of seating. Clean. Pleasant. My only complaint was it was a little pricy...however food was quality and portions were large. Will be back. read more

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I love love love this wonderful restaurant. We've been eating here for over a decade. The food has always been perfect, whether we've eaten in or taken out. The feast for 6 is enough for at least 10 people if not more. The meats are always juicy and so well seasoned. The rices are amazing too. The falafel is the best I've ever had. And the hummus. THe HUMMUS!!! I dream about it and it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It will rock your world. It's creamy perfection and I've never tasted a better hummus. The flat bread is tasted and they edges are soft and chewy in the best way possible. Everyone who works there is courteous and pleasant to interact with. The inside is always clean and has a middle-eastern nice ambiance. If you want amazing middle eastern food from nice people, come here. This place does not miss! read more

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This place is truly a jewel to your palate and pocketbook! Delicious food, ample serving, personal family service, and all at a fair price! The place could use some cleaning up, fresh paint, putting someone on regular bathroom detail, but that aside I do recommend this place to anyone looking for that Middle East charm!! We ordered the feast for 4, but it could easily feed 6 starving students! read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - This was for 4, but could easily feed 6 starving students! - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I am definitely returning again! Truly authentic. First time ever coming to this restaurant and wow! I took what was left home and ate it as soon as I got home that's how delicious the food is. I told my wife about this restaurant and I can't wait to go again! Pita bread was perfect! Price was very reasonable for the amount of food! read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Kabob - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I had a rehearsal and concert at the Magnolia Theater and stopped in for dinner here in-between. So glad I did. The food is very good-- HUGE portions for a single diner, but this just means I pay for one meal and get another to take home. It's an independent family place, and the service and atmosphere reflect the pride and care the proprietor takes in his place. HIGHLY recommend Ali Baba's. read more

QUICKIE REVIEW Generous amount of food had here. FOOD This is what I tried: -Family feast for two Wanted to try a bit of everything so had the family feast for two. It says the meal is for two but you can easily feed four. Be prepared for a GENEROUS amount of food to be brought out to you. It was indeed what I was looking, a little (actually a lot) of everything. PARKING Yes. SERVICE There was one waiter do everything (came on a weekday around 3) and he was killing it. PRICE The feast is $59 and then whatever else you want to add on. TIP/OTHER THOUGHTS That "one" meal from the leftovers turned dinner for the next two nights. read more

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We ordered the feast for 10, it was a lot of food! The shawarma was kinda chewy but everythibg else was great! The salad needs more dressing, I could not even taste the dressing they put in it. The hummus tastes so good and pita had very generous portion. read more

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We are a large group and, no problem. Servers friendly and attentive. Food very tasty. We will be back.

Price point for the massive amount of food you get here? The feast for two plate which I bought can easily feed four people. It's no joke. All the meats they brought (chicken, shawrma, beef) were cooked perfectly. The sides of chickpea and rice with onions and tomatoes topped it all off. They also included pita bread and their delicious hummus. This should be a staple try out for any serious foodie in SD. read more

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Ali Baba is a staple in El Cajon that never disappoints. Always the best quality, fresh and flavorful food. Portions are huge and everything on the menu is amazing. Definitely my go to for middle eastern food when visiting the area. The service is always welcoming and friendly. Family ambiance with plenty of sitting. Their tandoor bread is addicting and the absolute best! Always freshly made and warm. Highly recommend! read more

LEGIT! From the moment we sat down, we were served the freshest tanoor bread, straight out of the oven. Imagine a warm, fluffy flatbread with a crispy edge that's perfect for tearing apart and dipping into all the deliciousness that followed. The three of us ordered the Family Feast for Two, and let me tell you, we still had leftovers! Everything was bursting with flavor and perfectly seasoned. The only thing that didn't quite hit the mark was the Cream Chop--a breaded chicken dish that was just okay compared to everything else. PRO TIP: They also have beer and wine (one red, one white). It's not a huge selection, but hey, it's something to sip on while you enjoy all the amazing food! I can't wait to come back for another amazing meal. You know a place is authentic when English isn't the dominant language spoken around you. This spot is a 10,000% must-try! read more

Honestly the best Mediterranean food in San Diego, our favorite place to visit on special occasions. We always get the family pack of 3-4 and have leftovers! The service here is also great, always so polite and welcoming. Not to mention they're quick and efficient. Definitely worth it read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Entrance of the building - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Very good . Food was delicious . Service was great and would definitely Be coming back. This place is 3 hours away from My House read more

One of the best Indian cuisine in El Cajon and in San Diego in general! Always accurate with your order!

The food here is top tier, everything was fresh, well seasoned, and delicious. Service was also superb, very helpful waitress/host. It's very clean and the music and decor are simple but very nice. I highly recommend Ali baba if you have a love of Mediterranean food. The prices are also fair with generous portions. read more

I would say this is one of my favorite middle eastern restaurant. We ordered the family combo for 5 people and literally that can feed 8-10 people. There are variety of meat to choose on the combo so soy can try everything. I also like that they also have fried chicken which perfect when you have kids. Everyone can enjoy it. There are 3 of 4 different rice/bulgur and its all on point. I still craving for the food sometimes read more

Ali Baba's is our favorite place to cater for large parties! Their feasts always have so much food and variety included, so everyone is happy. Our latest order was a Feast for 5 People Special, which was enough to feed our family of 8 adults with still lots of food left over. The feast included five different proteins (I am not sure if all the names but I believe it includes the Beef Shawarma, Beef Kabob, Breaded Chicken, Lamb Kabob, and Chicken Tekka - but please call them to make sure though it is for sure five proteins). Also comes with Mediterranean salad, hummus, and huge pieces of flat bread. We have ordered feasts from this restaurant for even bigger parties, such as our baby shower, and it is always a hit. Everything is delicious! The service is great and fast. We love them! read more

The Greek salad was simple yet delicious. I love how all the ingredients are served fresh. The dressing was good. The portion was huge for a small-sized order salad. The feast of two was HUGE! It can feed a family of 4. The meat was seasoned/marinated well. The server was very helpful, patient and attentive. We enjoyed our dinner here & we'll be coming back. read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Greek Salad - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

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First time ordering food from this place. We ordered the lamb shank entree and lamb liver skewer. The entree came with pickles veggies, fresh tomato, raw onion, a side of rice (we had yellow rice) and a side of soup (we had okra soup). Lamb shank was tender but no flavor to it and the liver did not taste fresh with a foul smell. I took a small bite of the liver and had to spit it out. The yellow rice was decent and the okra soup was WAYYYY TOO tangy and salty. Since we had our food to go, not sure how the service is. Ambiance was okay inside. read more

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Hot damn on the fish, salad, hummus, chicken and even hot tea... almost forgot the rice. Extra star for the Muslim toilet wash ;) ...(whatever it's called). read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

this place is a great deal!!! They load up the food!! I love to take my home my leftovers. MMMMMMMM MMMMM home made styled food

This place is a hidden gem forsure. Nice friendly service and they bring your food fast. Parking is easy and it's hard to miss. Go on thete website they have a coupon that you could use. I recommend the feast for 3. It's like eating at a buffet when you order it. read more

Ali Baba Family Restaurant - Huge NAN of your business - Halal Near Me - El Cajon, California

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