Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill — Restaurant in El Cajon

Following the steps of Anthony Bourdain in his parts of unknown, I decided to go and expkore the city from the everyday life side and not the tourist side who mislead by ( lame version ) of what suppose to be an Iraqi food and atmosphere in many known name places in this dynamic city. Unlike any other experience I had in El Cajon the past week, Al Nahrain Restaurant is a true and honest representation to what the Iraqi food, atmosphere, hospitality, smile on the face in spite of the daily struggle life and what is going back home and outstanding generosity. The portions are according the Iraqi standards where you feel your large plate is over filled. It is one of the very few places I visited that the plate on your table is bigger, better even than the pictures on the menu. I can summarize it in two words ( good deal) .As an Iraqi- American marrid to cajon American ( if this correct) I will bring bring my family and my in laws to show them how it look like eating in Baghdad Old Days. Good job guys, you are true ambassadors of Baghdad food, culture. A bright and honest image of...

I ordered from here today because I saw they had liver... It's clear that the fish is where it's at! There was a plate the size OF A TIRE with the biggest most succulent looking fish cooked to perfection. As I proceeded to stare at this huge plate of food one of the customers saw me looking and just smiled. I asked if it was as good as it looked and smelled and she assured me that it was. I didn't get any weird looks or feel out of place (I am black). Concerning my meal, it was cooked differently than any American restaurant would cook liver but it was better than any American restaurant. The vegetables (cauliflower, cucumber and a vegetable I couldn't identify) were pickled as well and it was delicious. I'm leaving in February and I'm heartbroken that I've lived in El Cajon for over 3 years and that I'm now just...

Nahrain is a small (36 occupancy) restaurant nestled at the corner of a strip mall, next to a Mediterranean bakery. A glass counter greets my eyes, boasting the whole fish that may soon be on my plate. The owner handed us some menus with a friendly smile as he waited on other customers. Minutes later, our table was filled with a huge, hot Naan and a delicious plate of hummus. I chose the Stripped Bass, nodding my approval as he plucked a 2.17 pound fish from the case. My date chose the 4-piece fried chicken. Long story short, everything was perfectly done: The food delicious, service well executed and an almost private family atmosphere. They do not serve alcohol, so a 7Up washed it all down soberly. Note: If you order fish by the pound, expect to buy a fish ;) Well worth a stop for Iraqi...