All I wanted was knafeh and wasn't sure where to find. Happened to drive by Shakira and immediately turned in. They had exactly the "fluffy orange" cheese Nabulsi knafeh that I wanted! It was not overly sweet, so I did have to make my own simple syrup to sweeten up (boiling water/sugar) - after adding it was perfect! Got a few pieces of baklava to try and they were all good! Was $17.80ish for 7 pieces of baklava and the piece of knafeh. My dog grabbed the baklava box off the counter while I was sleeping & he could NOT open it up to eat. So thank you for having a TOUGH container! Ha ha I've tried a nearby baklava place and felt they were heavy and dense. Shakira's baklava were very airy/light/flaky and you could taste the pistachio correctly// not overburnt, felt it was made with love, if that makes sense. Inside is simple.. fridges to the left with some frozen foods and pastries (?). Did not understand how to order since there is just one cashier a few steps in. Seems you go to the cashier first- if picking up they'll get your order, if not- they'll find someone to pick your items out. I liked their front window branding. Will return soon!! read more

Shakira Pastry - Baklava - so good! - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Shakira Pastry is delicious middle eastern sweets. their baklava platter is perfectly sweetened, not overdone, flaky and moist. grab a player for your next event for an instant hit!! located in El cajon read more

SHAKIRA PASTRY! This place was highly recommended by friends so I had to try it for their amazing selection! They have assortments from Baklava filled with delicious pistachios, crumbles or whole. They also have a section of cookies, they had lots of shortbread, apricot, strawberry and much more. The place itself was decent, it was pretty organized and looked tasty, however the shortbread was super doughy and not much flavor for me getting the strawberry. All of the pistachios were extremely sweet; a little too much but it might be because of the honey on top. Regardless it was still delicious and flavourful. Parking was easy and free for 15 minutes! Service was fast, and the cost for $5 for 5 pastries. read more

Shakira Pastry - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

Hands down the best Baklava EVER!!!! I cannot recommend it enough. The baklava is DELICIOUS . So fresh, not too sweet, just PERFECT. It is the first place we visit when we hit San Diego thank you for maintaining the authenticity of Iraqi baklava. We will always be your loyal customers. Please keep your standards high !!! read more

Shakira Pastry - Amazing, UNBELIEVABLY GOOD Baklava - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

I was really disappointed with there prices specially with cookies called briqus I paid $28 dollars plus tax for that I used to pay $16 dollars last year why they pump the price from $16 to $23 .and it has 40 peice exactly that means is 60c a peice this is away to much and I buy 4 of borma baklava is about $1.50 a peice total comes $28.90. I will not recommend this place to anyone read more

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I love thier cake. It's tasty and I would like to try their tiramisu cake next time. I totally recommended this place to everyone . read more

Shakira Pastry - Pistachio roll cake - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

I needed to bring food to a potluck, went to a few different places but wasn't finding anything that looked exciting. Stopped into Shakira Pastry and bought a large tray for the potluck and a small tray for myself! It's a very clean, organized business and my new favorite. Don't insult your friends and family with inexpensive pastries! read more

Just bought pastries today went home to eat them and it had pebbles inside !! Definitely not a fun experience!! I love coming here not my first time . Be careful read more

Shakira Pastry - Baklava and pebbles inside - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

For anyone wondering how to order. You can choose as much or as little as you want. They charge by weight. Most people seemed to be ordering large boxes worth. We got 5 different items with 12 items total and it came to about $11. We got jalebi, 3 types of pistachio baklava and 1 type of walnut baklava. The jalebi tasted like it was made awhile ago, kinda stale. 1/5 2 of the 3 baklava weren't that crisp. Soaked up too much syrup and were kinda soggy. 1/5 The best things we got - were really delicious. The classic layered baklava. Both pistachio and walnut. They were really nicely done. So crisp, good amount of nuts. A little too sweet though. 4.5/5 Really way too sweet though so I definitely over ordered for the 2 of us. I also saw people commenting on the service lacking. I didn't have a bad experience. It just seemed more like the personality of the ladies working were quite serious but the person that helped us once it was our turn was nice and patient and answered all questions we had. I know they're popular for the birds nest but they didn't have it when we were there. So I have to go off of what we had. And overall it was 3.5 read more

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Yes best Baklava in town This is my personal taste Also their Kunafa with kushta is Wow Addictive yummy Prices have gone up since Covid Only issue for me I wish they have better packaging for gifting Service very good Ambience it is in down town elcajon read more

We come here all the time for pastries. Their Baklava is FIRE and their konafa with Eshta (cream) is incredible. We don't even live close to El Cajon but we make the special drive just for this. Super worth it read more

Growing up with a mother that makes all of the middle eastern pastries that I love, my bar is VERY high! The amazing selection and flavors were immaculate and on point! Had the authentic flavors and textures that I'm used to! And by far the most reasonable prices for what they have! Also, we had a very indecisive little one with us who wanted to sample every flavor of ice cream they had (that I thought were delicious) and the staff were very patient with her (thank you for that). I wish I could give them more stars!!! Thank you for an awesome experience!!! We will be back! read more

First time trying on a recommendation glad we came best pastries ever service was great explained love all the pistachios favored

I advise everyone to order From Shakira's sweets, I have always gotten a unique, delicious and healthy cake. For many years, I have relied solely on this place for all my occasions and I always impress my guests with the distinctive taste of Shakira's cake. Thank you for always being at the highest level of my trust read more

Shakira Pastry - My best Vanilla cake Filled with mixed fresh fruits. - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

This was my first time visiting the space switch off. I wasn't hungry, so I was able only to try the "petit four". It was tasty and fresh, however, it was not crunchy, which probably due to the fact they make it thicker: a little bit thinner will it crunchy. Are used to help my mother when I was a kid cook these, and I have many of my friends who are in the business back home in Lebanon. The place was clean, and the parking lot was ample on a Sunday afternoon. The ladies were friendly, smiley, and they explain to us the difference between a few items. They have apple pay System or it looks like it and they did not ask me for a tip YAAAYYYY I still have to come back to try the baklava and maybe they will get my five stars at that point. To be continued... read more

I love their pastry and desserts but! Lately they have been closing 30 minutes before their operation time, which is very disappointing. I came in at 8:20 today 8/04 they were already close and their websites says 9pm So what it is now? read more

Shakira is the go-to store for sweets and pastries. I am in love with the oily halawa. They make it the best in the area. The ladies working there are also very nice and let you try samples of the sweets if you'd like. read more

I have never been a baklava fan. I always thought they were too sweet. But a colleague gave us an assorted platter of Baklava from Shakira's and it was divine. I had no idea about the variations of baklava. Mixed pistachio, cream-filled phyllo dough, classic, yum. All good. I am looking forward to visit the bakery in person to check out its atmosphere and try other variations. read more

BEST BAKLAVA EVER!!!! Got a variety box put together by one of the ladies working there - it was so delicious. 10/10 will come back! read more

Shakira Pastry - Baklava - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

Been going to Sharkira for over 7 years and what I love about their pastry is consistency. Located in an unassuming lot, as you walk in the store you are greeted with glass cabinets filled with Baklava, pastries of cookies, cakes and ice cream that are from the Middle East. The service is slow thou that's part of the charm. The baklava on the right side are filled with either pistachios or walnuts and drenched in butter and honey. It's sinfully delicious. Another case is filled with cookies and cakes. I have been only ordering their baklava's and it's the best in town. Service is friendly and be prepared to order what you want. I go away buying a tray and it's perfect for ordering a huge amount for parties. I recently moved in Poway and the drive here is long, thou well worth it when paired with other errands. I hope Shakira will open up a branch in North County. The price point is a little expensive thou well with it. In addition, makes a nice gift to a party. Enjoy!!! read more

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The ladies that work there are the biggest boomas. They don't greet you, they don't say hi, they act like you don't even exist. For God's sake at least smile!! Horrible service read more

If you're looking for some delicious and authentic Middle Eastern sweets, then Shakira Pastry is the place to be. The baklava is simply out of this world. Each layer of phyllo dough is perfectly flaky and the nut filling is rich and decadent. In addition to the baklava, I've also tried several other sweets from Shakira Pastry and have not been disappointed. Everything is made fresh and with high quality ingredients. The service is always courteous and attentive, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food. What I love about Shakira Pastry is that you can really taste the authenticity of the Middle Eastern flavors in each bite. The atmosphere of the shop is also very inviting and adds to the overall dining experience. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out Shakira Pastry if you're craving some sweet Mediterranean treats. You won't be disappointed! read more

Great desserts always busy everything is good. I love anything with pistachio there. The only thing is that the kanafa item from them I forgot the name but pistachio in it is overcooked and burned. Also the girls that work there are super rude :( then again I guess thats a normal thing if your middle eastern. So management please tell the girls to smile every once in while. And it doesn't hurt to say Hi, bye, and thank you. read more

Shakira Pastry - Burned pistachio so don't buy them if they look like this. - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sharkira Pastry, and let me tell you, it was an experience that left me absolutely delighted! From the moment I walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere made me feel right at home. The display of pastries was simply mouthwatering, and I couldn't resist trying their famous baklava and ice cream. Let's start with their baklava - oh my, what a treat! The moment I took my first bite, I was transported to flavor heaven. The layers of flaky pastry, delicately brushed with just the right amount of honey and adorned with a generous sprinkling of finely chopped nuts, created a symphony of textures and flavors. Each bite was a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making it a truly addictive delight. But wait, there's more! The ice cream at Sharkira Pastry is nothing short of extraordinary. They offer a variety of unique and classic flavors, and I was fortunate enough to try a few of them. The ice cream was incredibly creamy and smooth, and the flavors were so rich and authentic that I felt like I was indulging in the real essence of the ingredients. Whether it was their luscious pistachio, velvety chocolate, or refreshing fruity sorbet, each spoonful was pure bliss. The service at Sharkira Pastry was also impeccable. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and more than happy to offer recommendations based on my preferences. They made sure I had a delightful experience from the moment I stepped through the door until I left with a satisfied smile. The attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of Sharkira Pastry. From the carefully crafted pastries to the heavenly ice cream flavors, it's clear that they take pride in their creations and strive to offer their customers the best. In conclusion, I cannot recommend Sharkira Pastry enough for anyone who appreciates delicious pastries and delectable ice cream. Whether you're a baklava enthusiast or an ice cream connoisseur, this place is a must-visit. The combination of heavenly baklava and luscious ice cream is a match made in dessert paradise. I guarantee that your taste buds will thank you, and you'll be planning your next visit before you even leave. Treat yourself to the culinary wonders at Sharkira Pastry - you won't regret it! This is the best pastry I've ever came too!! read more

The best baklava's in town. And it's even better when you put it on the refrigerator. I will definitely come back here and get some more.

7 Health code violations?! Yikes!!! That's concerning and sad. They really do have good bakhlava but won't be going there till they get those fixed. Yuck!!! read more

With all the order they get from customers they so patience and welcoming specially when we taste yummy

This is hands down the best place to get Baklava in San Diego County. I have tried Baklava at Royal Sweets, Sultan Baklava, Baklava King and now Shakira Pastry and I can definitively say that Shakira Pastry is absolutely the best. Their flavors are fresh and delicious. My favorites are their rolled, round and square pistachio Baklava. Everything I have tried here has exceptional depth of flavor. If you like Baklava, this is the place to go to. Period. read more

It was delicious, tasted and by far one of the best Baklava, I had in California. The plate in the picture cost me $40, full of pistachio. They also have difffernt type of Bakalava that cost $25 for the same amount. Highly recommended read more

Shakira Pastry - Iraqi Baklava - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

Ali a student brought this dessert as a gift to me today. First time trying this pastry and omg it was delicious A bit sweet but delicious and fresh. The pistachios are also fresh. Very tastee. The ones with filling are less sweet and also very delicious read more

They seriously have delicious baked goods here. They even had allergy friendly treats too. I've had a lot of disappointing baklavas but this one definitely did not disappoint. All the different baklavas that we had were so dang delicious. I never had the cheese filled treats before and it was mind blowing good. There was plenty of parking and not too crowded. I wished their customer service was a little better/friendly but with treats as good as this, who cares. read more

The ladies were really friendly and offered to help us choose their best pastries. Their cakes are super delicious. A bit pricey but well worth it. read more

Amazing selection of Iraqi Middle Eastern sweets, pastries, cookies and gourmet cakes. The baklava is always freshly made. Defenetly a 5 star. They need to add good Peets coffee read more

I went to this location in El Cajon all the way from Chula Vista was worth the drive. They had amazing sweets. I ordered two boxes for my family and enjoyed it after dinner. I would definitely recommend this location. They had great precautions for Covid 19 and were limiting the amount of people entering. Great customer service I will be back for more. read more

Shakira Pastry - A small desert Arabic for my family - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

Wouldn't recommend this shop. I have been buying from this pastry shop for a few years now. They used to be much cheaper and had better customer service. Now it's just two ladies that don't care about their customers, don't have any care for urgency, and are always clumsy. Today I went to buy some pastry and she was purposefully putting the broken ones in there and placing the wrong colour pastries in there as well. I had to ask her twice for the first ones, and then a third time to only give me matching colour ones, which she usually does when they're full on stock but now they had the leftovers and she was trying to push then on me. Note: they were all the wrong colour ones its why I asked for them to match! I feel like I am getting overcharged way too often and today the samething happened again, they doesnt give you the reciept unless you specifically ask them for it. I think they fear that their little EBT-scheme might get caught. Hey, I like to support small businesses and I all for it, but dont bullsh*t me for my money. Simply as that!!! I think that this shop needs to better their customer service and lower their prices, and if anything, simply try and change. Also: I don't post often, but now I am starting to as I feel like people need to know about low quality places before they go to them and later regret. Thank for reading. read more

I like the pastries, BUT.. yesterday we were there to buy some pastry and we found a Big fly!!!!! inside the display window, and when we told her about it, she ignored the issue and she start it to treat us very roundly ! read more

YES a million times yes. This place has THE BEST BAKLAVA. People can be alittle judgy with there eyes but I just get the goods and go on my way. read more

Shakira Pastry - This was only 3.00 YOU CANT BEAT THAT. - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

This is such a special place, all the baklava you can imagine, with dozens of varying textures and flavors. I've been three times already and it's so good, and pretty too. Fun to give as a gift. We like the pistachio ice cream also, don't overlook that. read more

The best texture. The best flavor. The best pastry. Sooo delicious. Had these delivered by a client & wow'd the staff. Everyone's favorite at the office. read more

Shakira Pastry - Desserts Near Me - El Cajon, California

We have been looking forward to going here every year for the last 5 years on trips to San Diego and have been very satisfied until this last trip. We wanted to order 5 full trays of walnut baklava and asked to have full trays and to make them without the syrup so that we can put it on the trays just before we serve them and were told that they do not serve that way and I would have to buy the 24 piece trays at over 50.00 each. That would have amounted to 15 of those trays at 50.00 each. I explained that we were having a party in Phoenix and we were patrons there every time we were in San Diego. It didn't seem as if they really cared and didn't want our business. When we were in Michigan, we always ordered our FULL trays from Dearborn and never had such an attitude. We ended up leaving and I had placed an online order from Shatila Sweets in Dearborn Michigan and had them shipped to Phoenix for much lässt than they wanted to charge me. This was the last time we will,ever shop there again. We had 5 full sheet pans of walnut baklava (20x26) shipped to us for 402.00. They wanted almost 800 at Shakira. NEVER WILL RETURN AGAIN. read more