I've been here twice now and both were really great experiences. Staff were friendly and super helpful, and the food was so delicious. Lots of seating and it was cool to see there's outdoor seating as well. Ended up with the boiled eggs breakfast plate (everything so good) and finally tried the sucuklu yumurta which was quite filling. It is a bit pricey, but the food was well worth it. Thanks so much! read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Boiled eggs breakfast plate - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

We came here on Sunday noon time to grab some lunch. Place was super empty from the inside and outside. We got our furry friend, so we were sitting outside. And what can I tell you, the place was soooo dusty and there was some garbage on the floor and it could fly away to the table every time there is a wind. I have to clean the dusty table by myself as well!!! In the quite restaurant like this and we are the only customer, come on, even attentive service we didn't get at all. Menu also doesn't include price and contains very minimum info. So fast forward we ordered sucuk (turkish sausage) w/ egg and some turkish breakfast assortment (note that they only serve breakfast menu despite the restaurant mention 'Grill') and the menu was SO pricey. Each of the simple menu, it costs roughly $25, where you may get around $5-$10 cheaper. Will I come back! Big NO read more

See all

I visited the cafe last week and decided to try the restaurant for lunch today. Unfortunately, they're remodeling the kitchen so they were only serving breakfast. Fortunately, I decided to try a Turkish breakfast and was very pleased with the meal! The sausage was very tasty and served with well done eggs and pita bread. The sausage was the star of the meal. I'll request eggs over medium next time. We weren't offered a choice. Just ordered what was pictured. The young lady who helped us said it was their popular breakfast item. She suggested we purchase the coffee next door, which wasn't a problem since we were also planning on taking some desserts and pastries to go (same establishment). They were super busy next door so we waited quite a while for our coffee and spanakopita. It was all worth the wait because everything was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing! The employees in both locations are outstanding and very sweet and helpful, which is a plus. I don't live near the area so for me to return a week later says something! Delicious and tasty and exceptional service every time! read more

See all

Update Jan 2025: still keep coming back for amazing Turkish breakfast. My favorite will always be the Socuk (Sojouk). The portion here is larger than most other restaurants with 5 eggs, sunny side up, while most others use only 3 eggs and hide that fact by serving them scrambled. They did cut back their hours and are open from 9am to 2pm only. They dinner menu, which I always enjoyed at the old Gaslamp location with my beloved Et Sis, Köfte and Adana Kebob, has been suspended as dinner is not as popular in El Cajon. The service is still friendly and the restaurant clean. The cafe next door by the same owner is open until 9pm and great for rice pudding, Turkish coffee and signature baklava. read more

See all

The food was delicious, I had the chicken Kabob & the portion was good. Would definitely recommend and come back soon

It was confusing on whether to grab a seat upon walking in or wait to be seated. There was no one at the door, only a sign above the register all the way in the back that said "Order Here." My group walked to the back, and the gentleman standing there directed us to sit anywhere we chose and gave us menus. The food came out fairly quickly and was very good. I ordered the Moussaka, Falafel, and Turkish coffee. We also shared some pita. The tzatziki and hummus were delicious paired with the pita and falafel. The moussaka came with slightly buttered and seasoned white rice on a separate dish. It did not look like traditional moussaka with a layer of bechamel sauce on top; but rather, it was a bowl of seasoned meat with sauce and bits of eggplant underneath It was flavorful and not too salty. I would have liked to see a lot more pieces of eggplant, however. The coffee was hot and strong and had prominent citrus notes. My friend did not enjoy his soup, saying it was way too oily. The service was alright. He was very attentive up until we received all of our food and drinks. After that we were left alone. We had to get his attention in order to ask for to-go boxes. We were one of two groups in the dining area. After our meal we went next door for baklava and desserts. This place was where it's at! I ordered a blackberry cake slice to eat there, and a red velvet something and a coconut cream filled chocolate baklava to go. Absolutely fantastic! I loved the blackberry cream cake. Fluffy, creamy, and exactly blackberry tasting. The red velvet thing was heaven. I didn't get the name of what it was called. Red velvet crumble outside, and a chewy nougat inside. Yum. The chocolate coconut baklava was outstanding as well. I loved all the textures going on, the flaky outside, the creamy inside, the coconut crunchy flake, and the chocolate made for a perfect three bite dessert. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here, I'd come back - especially for the coffee and desserts! read more

See all

My aunt and I stopped for a drink and a sweet. At least she was happy with her capuccino and a piece of baklava. Mind you, it was about $12.00 for a tiny cup and a miniscule piece of baklava. I ordered a hot tea and one of the mini cakes. Tiniest glass of tea (steekan) and a cake that had zero flavor. I paid about $12.00 and a $2.00 tip. For about $25.00 (ridiculous price), there was zero pleasure in this visit. I cannot understand how they stay in business. The "service," if you can call it that, is sketchy. No one greets you, guides you or checks on you. You have to ask for a napkin or utensil, and no one asks how the food was. Never again. read more

Absolutely delicious food (even down to the rice)! My personal favorite from this place is the kebab. Generous portions as well. You can also enjoy some Turkish beverages and baklava right next door; owned by the same family! Side notes: - Restroom available - Plenty of parking even on the weekend read more

See all

The best Pistachio Latte on earth! Wonderful baklava and I adore the Spanakopita. The interior is so cute as well and the girls working there are very nice. read more

See all

Located next to Sultan Baklava just before the park. It has outside tables on the side. There are about 10 tables inside. Open for breakfast (until 2), lunch, and dinner. They offer a variety of dishes including kebabs and lamb and moussaka. Espresso drinks and Turkish coffee are well made. You order at the register. The service matches the excellent level I am used to next door. The one dish I ordered, essentially gyros over rice with pita and veggies, was good. The meals are served in to go containers rather than with tableware. The owner explained that the kitchen area is too small for commercial dishwashing and the city would not approve enlarging the space. Somewhat pricey but very pleasant and clean. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Order area - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Is it closed? Came there on a weekend. The dessert place adjacent was opened. The food place next door, was closed and looked liked it was no longer in business. So is it closed? read more

More to come. This was a wonderful gift for our Sunday family dinner. Fresh and moist. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - The best baklava in the world - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

This is the best Turkish cafe I've been in good taste traditional and customer service on point on weekends and supper time can be crowded. Everything is clean and neat the ambiance is great noisy as any traditional Turkish place must be. Restaurant is amazing as well best Mediterranean food I've had in years. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - We order babakanush, dolmas Yogurt lamb and chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Best baklava! Had Turkish coffee, treats, and sat for a slow morning. Absolutely delish. Can't wait to come back for the beautiful desserts for an event! We need to come back to eat next door too! The owners are working with their staff and genuinely so grateful to have you. Feels like you're visiting Turkey! I went years back and it made you feel like you were right back there. read more

See all

Best baklava, Turkish delight, cakes and coffees in Main Street! Don't eat all the baklava cheesecake (save me some).

This review is for the restaurant, not the patisserie next to it. I had not been there for years and did not remember the food too well. You go and order to the cash register and then sit and wait. Pretty fast and good food. Everything is really spotless clean. I wish there would have been more atmosphere (basically we were my friend and I and another woman at a separate table) but apparently it goes by days and the day we went was very slow. Will go back when there is music, people and can check what others are eating:) read more

Worst service ever!!! Tea tasted like water The plates and the tea cups smelled like eggs Tables were left dirty and unclean Found a fly in my food Only one server during a busy day Definitely won't be coming back here again!! Worst experience ever!! read more

Sultan has changed a lot. I came 2 years ago and they had a menu for 2 people which was $70 and you got a verity of breads, some with cheese and sesame. The eggs were very delicious along with side dishes we ordered that had boiled eggs and appetizers. The coffee was so good we had ordered 2 each. BUT As we went today it was a HUGE disappointment 1-the eggs where very VERY salty that it make my husband and I gag, they served us Costco bread and they side dish we got had old tomatoes. The coffee was served in a smaller cup and the server never checked on us. The server just stands by the register like a statue. It was a terrible experience. Very bad taste , very low quality food and bad service read more

I saw this place on Instagram and I knew I had to try it! Firstly they give you hot Turkish tea when you sit, they also provide you the food menu, and my fave part is they include pictures on their menu so you know what you're getting! Next you actually walk to the counter to pay and immediately order, the staff still will bring the food to you but you pay when you order. The food comes out on to go platters which is simultaneously brilliant but also you lose some of that restaurant magic. Next door is their cafe which has LOTS of different kinds of baklava and desserts and you can order from the cafe and take your items back to the restaurant because they have tons of indoor and outdoor seating. They have a wonderful atmosphere that's welcoming and the owner will ask how you enjoyed your food and make sure you had a lovely time. read more

See all

This restaurant means a lot to me. I remember when this restaurant used to be on the corner of Jamacha and Main (near the Little Caesar's). I remember when it moved Downtown by Horton Plaza. I am so happy it's here and that I can eat this delicious food again. I've tried so many restaurants from El Cajon, to Downtown, to Escondido, to Chula Vista, and it is easily still the best tasting Mediterranean or Middle Eastern food to me. I could happily eat this food every week. This restaurant is why I have such a love for kebabs, black tea, and baklava and a greater appreciation of Turkish culture and history. Anyways... When I come with my family, we normally get the feast. So you get bread, cacik (yogurt), baba ghanoush (my fave), and hummus as an appetizer. Then you are given a huge tray of rice, tavuk sis (chicken), et sis (beef), adana kebab (ground beef), if they have döner they will serve that or they will substitute with something else, and grilled tomatoes and peppers. It's so much food that I get to have leftovers for Monday's lunch and maybe Tuesday too. And I don't know what it is, I think they just season everything exactly how I personally like it. If you go for breakfast, try the menemen, it is so full of flavor - I love it. I also highly recommend the iskender kebab if you go by yourself. The owner and staff are very hospitable. Sir Shevat is a good man and his family are very accommodating. read more

See all

Great food, lovely patio and delicious baklava. The #5 chicken plate was exceptional! We'll be back for sure! read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - #5 chicken plate - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

One of our favorite places to get kabobs, falafel, hummus and baba ghanoush...and of course BAKLAVA!!!

Welcome back Sultan It's just by chance that we passed by this area on our way to eat elsewhere, when I noticed the sign as we drove by this restaurant: Sultan. I immediately called to ask if they were the original Sultan Turkish restaurant in El Cajon... once confirmed, our dinner plans were happily changed. They've been gone for so long and, OMG, we are SO HAPPY to discover they've returned! We enjoyed an absolutely DELICIOUS Turkish dinner of hummus and beyti kebab, followed by a wonderful künefe dessert w/Turkish tea at one of our favorite restaurants. August was an exceptional host to our return to Sultan, and we look forward to many returns to their lovely new location on Main Street, where their patio faces the lovely Prescott Park, and where we plan on enjoying several future meals al fresco. read more

First off I would like to thank Uger for the amazing service, he really did well helping everyone with what they needed and his service was spectacular. He was also such a nice soul and always had a smile on his face. We would also like to thank Nena for helping us organize everything. The food was also honestly the best Mediterranean food I've had . Everything was perfect and we couldn't have asked for a better place to throw our New Year's party. Thank you, Rasha and Lucy read more

Nice and clean. prices for baklava are exceptionally high, $26 a pound. BTW they also charge for credit cards. 2 small baklavas and a coffee $12. People working here are nice. Baklava is good. read more

Sultan Mediterranian Grill on Main St in El Cajon, has chicken kabobs that are so juicy and flavorful it's my fav. Usually I am not a huge chicken fan. But this is so good. And fragrant. I always eat too much because it's just so juicy and full of flavor. I'd like to order other things on the menu. But this is sooooo good. I just keep going back and getting the same thing. Staff is wonderful. Service is quick. Food is amazing. read more

See all

It was my first time I tried this restaurant the food was awful to much oily and it was not the same food I ordered. The food in menu I ordered it was with eggplant , but when they brought my food, there was no eggplant and it came with potatoes with so much oil I couldn't eat. I wish there was a way i could not give any star. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Third time here and unfortunately this time we were disappointed. Food was oily. They need to clean up the tables and chairs. The beyti kebab was soaking in oil. The cacik was delicious. My husband like the Adana kebab. We went next door to their bakery/dessert shop and the banana chocolate dessert with side of tea which was yummy. We didn't buy any bakery items to go because to many flies inside the showcase. Would I consider going back??? I don't think so... read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Banana dessert - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

I took my brother-in-law and sister-in-law to Sultan for dinner recently. The place did not disappoint. The server was friendly and inviting. We enjoyed nice conversation with him. The food was plated beautifully and was delicious. We ordered the beef kebab plate, the eggplant and kebab plate, hummus and the vegetarian plate. Everyone was very pleased and satisfied by the meal. The experience was sealed with a smooth aromatic cup of turkish tea! read more

The true taste of Turkish breakfast, but in El Cajon. This place is unique and absolutely delicious. We ordered one of each breakfast item because we couldn't help ourselves. Friendly and welcoming staff, you feel at home here. They place Turkish music as well which makes it a fun place to be first thing in the morning. read more

See all

There is nothing I could say here, place is great and I highly recommend if you have a sweet mouth, great and friendly service.

The food was amazing we ordered three of the most popular dishes and enjoyed them family style - all were delicious! Then we went next store and did a baklava tasting of six different flavors. Each piece was perfect - we couldn't decide what flavor we enjoyed more. Great friendly staff and beautiful atmosphere in both locations. read more

Loved the place Very nice to visit with friends in the afternoon They have wide collection of cakes , baklawa and seasme . read more

The Tavuk Sis plate is great as the chicken was well cooked. Izmir Kofte has some good meatballs that are moist although I wish the potatoes were not fried. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Tavuk Sis chicken is moist and even crispy from grilling. seasoned well - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

Came here for dinner. It was delicious. Then came back for breakfast. That was also delicous. Not sure what's better here, dinner or breakfast. Amazing flavors. Turkish breakfast is an amazing culinary experience. Highly recommended. read more

Service was very slow. We took like two hours. But they gave a lot of food and were very nice. The famoly feast is big and could feed like 6/7 people. Their 3 spreads are delicious. The meat was dry. The bread was good. 5/5 for friendliness but 3/5 for food quality. The baklava was delicious also and not too sweet. Would get baklava from next door again. Got rice pudding iced coffee from the baklava shop and would not get again. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Family feast - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Nice, friendly restaurant with excellent food. Lots of seating, relaxed feel to the place. We loved everything we ordered, although our favorite was the mixed vegetarian appetizer plate, but that could be because we were hungry and so ready for a feast. Which we got. Big portions of quality dishes. Definitely coming back to try more options. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

A few days ago my husband and I went for dinner to "check the place out." Let me tell you the food was so delicious and flavorful and they give a nice portion. Today we went for breakfast and the food was just as good. So happy to have another new eatery that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in my neighborhood. I can't wait for the weather to get warmer so we can enjoy our meals in the outdoor seating area. read more

See all

This place is Legit, if your looking for legitimate Mediterranean food this is the spot... More importantly they are openly sharing their beautiful culture with you. Love them. They are friendly and very willing to explain the menu. read more

Sultan Baklava Mediterranean Grill - Great selection.. These beautiful colors not only look great but taste fantastic... - Mediterranean Near Me - El Cajon, California

spectacular Turkish food. Not to be missed. We had the lamb with rice... Flavorful meat and rice cooked perfectly. The dish included an interesting salad with lightly pickled sweet sour cabbage and shredded carrots over lettuce. Beautiful as well as tasty. There was also cool and creamy tzaziki--as good as I have ever had, and accompanied by tender pieces of bread. An order of dolma cabbage rolls was tender and moist and flavorful. But the star of the show was the baba ghanoush. it had a smoky eggplant flavor and was rich and moist and succulent. I have never had better. I went right home and threw out the baba ghanoush that I tried to make yesterday. Some things are just better made by a pro. Like tortillas and potato chips. three suggestions: we ordered lamb cooked medium but it came well done without any pink inside. The pita wedges that came with that fantastic baba ghanoush were dry and tough. Tasted like yesterday. but the biggest issue which made us gather up our food and take it home instead of eating it at the restaurant was that nearly every surface in the place is a hard surface and the slightest conversation bounces around in there like a pinball. even though there was only one table of diners besides us, we could not hear each other. This is pretty easy to fix with acoustic baffles on the ceiling which absorb sound. I am no design expert, but that is my suggestion. Overall this was an excellent meal. and if you sat outside outside on the patio on a warmer day than today, there would be no noise issues. also the place is open 9 AM to 9 PM seven days a week. We plan to go back for Turkish breakfast . read more