From hand-pounded moles to wood-fired salsas, each dish at El Cilantro is crafted with recipes passed down through generations — served in an atmosphere that feels like coming home.
El Cilantro Mexican Grill was born from a simple conviction: that the best meals begin with respect for tradition and an unwavering commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. Our kitchen draws on the rich culinary heritage of Mexico's regional cuisines, reinterpreting time-honored recipes for the modern palate.
Located on East Madison Avenue in the heart of El Cajon, we've become a gathering place where families celebrate milestones, friends share plates, and every guest leaves feeling as though they've dined at a friend's table.
Every detail at El Cilantro is thoughtfully considered, from the warmth of our dining room to the care in every plate we send out.
Every ingredient is selected with intention. Our produce arrives fresh daily, our spices are sourced from trusted suppliers, and nothing leaves our kitchen without our seal of approval.
We believe great food cannot be rushed. Our sauces are slow-cooked, our tortillas are hand-pressed, and our hospitality is unhurried — because the best moments deserve room to breathe.
We are proud to be a cornerstone of the El Cajon community. From neighborhood families to weekend visitors, everyone who walks through our doors is treated like family.
The kind words we hear at the end of a great meal are our greatest reward.
"The mole here is unlike anything I've had outside of Mexico. You can taste the care in every spoonful. This is now our go-to spot for family dinners."
"From the moment we walked in, we felt welcome. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, and the food is outstanding. The margaritas are the best in town."
"We celebrated our anniversary here and it was perfect. The staff went above and beyond, and every course was a delight. We'll be returning for many years to come."
Find us in the heart of El Cajon. Walk-ins are always welcome, but reservations are recommended for parties of six or more.
| Monday – Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
