Sagmani's Restaurant

Sagmani's Restaurant is open again, again!After some downtime and a retooling of the schedule, Frank Sagmani and his dad, Steve, are back in the kitchen, serving up Iraqi breakfast and the best grilled meats and veg in El Cajon.While the restaurant is now focused on catering, especially to seniors in the East County area, they're open for in-house service from 9 to 1, seven days. It's a good idea to call ahead, especially if you're craving kefta, tikka, or some other grilled specialty.What hasn't changed is the over-the-top home-style comfort and friendliness that the Sagmani family offer to their customers. That's always on the menu!

One of my new favorite places. My boyfriend picked some up and this was the best surprise. He said it was an experience ordering there-- someone came in just to say hello, others were happily eating, and he loved that it was a family owned business. Great ambiance. Currently eating the food now and the taste has made my Sunday 10x better.

Sagmani's Restaurant is a small Iraqi restaurant in an industrial area serving up some pretty good HALAL foods. This is a CASH only place as they don't accept credit cards. There are only a handful of tables inside and the ambiance inside is like some offices from the 70's. But that's not important, because it's all about the food here! My group ordered chicken kabob plates, beef kabob plates, and hummus.Chicken Kabob Plate ($8) - At lunch time this plate is only $8 on Monday and Tuesdays, normally it's $10. It comes with salad, basmati seasoned rice, pita bread and a skewer of boneless chicken kabobs (about 8 or 9 pieces). The chicken kabobs here are so flavorful and juicy and I loved how they were seasoned and prepared. This was an exceptional value. The salad was great as well, consisting of fresh onions, cucmbers, lettuce, and some pickled veggies.Beef Kabob Plate ($8) - Just like the chicken kabob plate, except it comes with 2 skewers of seasoned ground beef skewers. I was stuffed by the time I finished. I didn't care for the seasoning used with the beef kabobs here, taste wise it was disappointing. The meat however was tender and juicy. Next time I will stick to the chicken kabob plate.Hummus ($5) - This was one of the best hummus that I tried. The consistency and taste were perfect! It was so rich and creamy and delicious! The only negative to the hummus was that it was served with store bought pita bread. I wish they baked their own pita bread and served it here with the hummus.TO GO SPECIALS:================These items are to go only, and such an incredible deal. I highly recommend getting the chicken kabob skewers.$1.25 for a skewer of beef kabob$4 for a skewer of boneless chicken kabob pieces (8 or 9)Overall, the food here is EXCEPTIONALLY priced! You will not find a better deal ANYWHERE! The highlights of the meal here are the hummus and chicken kabobs. Complimentary tea is served and it's a great way to enjoy one's meal. Parking is available in a private lot that they share with other businesses.

Mmmmm mmmmmmFirst of all you feel like u walked into somebody's home when u walk in, the man who was there was suuuuuper nice. They brought me out a cold water even when I said I didn't need a drink, I was like whoa mama. Then my food came out and it was piping hot. Couldn't eat inside due to the rona but I dug in when I got on the road. Lol oohhhh my gosh, so fresh and the flavors are well balanced. Proportion is big. Oh yeah and I went to pay and he told me $10. So I tried to give him extra for tax and he was like no, just $10. I was like take all my money honey. You just made me feel like I didn't have to pay tax on something... go help this small business you won't be disappointed.

Had to go into downtown El Cajon this morning & figured we'd grab a bite at one of the middle eastern restaurants. Scanned Yelp reviews & then recalled a friend telling me about a hole in the wall eatery with fantastic food. Couldn't remember the name she'd mentioned so I continued to scan Yelp. Low & behold a place popped up that said they were closed, only open 1 hour a day from 9 am to 10 am...Seriously? How is that possible, obviously a mistake. Curiosity got the best of us and we were within walking distance so we cruised by on our way to the 8 west. Good luck locating it! It's next door to a tire shop & the sign over the door is painted over in same color as the building. Doesn't even look like a restaurant from the outside. As we parked we saw tables inside & decided we'd explore, hoping they were open & serving food. Turns out to be the best secret spot for middle eastern food around! Super fresh, huge portions, excellent service & the friendliest people we've met in a long time. Frankie was a delightful man, he cooked our food. His father & mother were there (assuming his parents) too. Everyone sitting around talking & smiling away! What an awesome find. We will be going back time & time again. Don't miss out.

It closed only for catering per owner also they don't answer their phone.Should put notification on yelp that this resturant os closed.

I'm thankful to my coworkers for introducing me to this absolute gem of a restaurant, the chef of which, Mr. S. Sagmani, should be considered a national treasure. Their offerings are seemingly straightforward and simple but startling in their deliciousness. The chicken tikka lunch special, which is grilled chicken, salad, rice (and stew on lucky days), and tea, is $10 including tax and tip! After every meal, I get what I call the "happy belly feeling" I only get after great fresh food.Sagmani's was recently closed for a year, and I feared I would never taste their chicken tikka and stew again. I tried making recipes that I hoped would approximate the flavor, but they were garbage in comparison to the real thing. When the restaurant miraculously reopened, I was like, "They can't possibly be as good as I remember." No, the food was EVEN BETTER.During this pandemic, they're open 7AMish to 6PMish for takeout only. Going to make sure they have my regular support during this crazy time!

very good food and owner and wife super nice behind gas station In El Cajon u got to go try this place great food great people with big hearts!!!

Sagmani's is SO GOOD. They were closed for renovation for a while, but they're back! Frank is SO nice and generous. Food is DELICIOUS. This last time (our 1st time back in years) we got chicken tekka, fava beans, and yellow rice. Everything was really yummy, fresh, and clean. Did I mention how delicious the food is? So excited they're open again!!! Note: their sign isn't up yet, so it's hard to spot, but the sign is coming!

Best beef kabob and plate in El Cajon or SD... Gotta try it to believe it. Always looking forward to coming here. The workers there are always nice too