Middle Eastern Restaurants near Albany, CA

“Cute little spot for dinner with quick service!

The good:

Bettenjan bi tahina: So flavorful! Loved all the sauces, and the dish came together beautifully — healthy food with great presentation.

The not-so-good:

Portion sizes were quite small, so we left feeling a bit unsatisfied.

The sumac spritz tasted mostly like sugar water with barely any other flavor.

Overall, a nice place if you’re looking for healthy options, though it would be great to see some chicken kebabs for non-vegetarians and falafel choices for vegetarians.“

“Un rendez-vous avec la bonne gastronomie le service rapide et l’endroit agréable merci 🙏“

“Upbeat generous dude with tasty wholesome food.“

“Ordered the chicken shawarma wrap and plate. The wrap was a little small, but the plate was quite large and generous. Flavors were delicious, with really fresh ingredients and hot off the grill. Service was really courteous and friendly, even giving a free chai.“

“I love this place! The food really stands out and every time I go here the entire staff is so warm and friendly.

If dining in, the combo plates are great for sharing. Big portions and truly delicious hummus and baba ghanoush! And if you are on the go, their wraps are also very tasty and affordable.

The back patio is also so cute - a hidden gem for sure!“

“Absolutely delicious!“

“Our party of four came on a Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. Neighborhood parking is a bit challenging due to the popularity of the area with all the businesses there, but we found a 2 hr. spot (enforced until 9pm) after a couple loops. We ordered the house sampler plate, shish kabob, beet salad, the zahara bil tahini (cauliflower), halloumi, chicken shawarma, and for dessert, we had kanafeh, qatayef, halawa o buza. Everything, including the complimentary Palestinian dips with pita chips, was absolutely delicious- fresh and beautifully presented. It was hard to pick a favorite but I really liked the cauliflower! Two members of my party ordered a mocktail called Cinderella, and they were raving about it. The food was so good that we forgot to take pictures; we were too excited. I did remember while we were waiting for dessert, so there is one dessert picture in this review.

Our server, Lina, was attentive and very kind, and the other servers and staff were also very nice, professional, and polite. It was obvious that the staff wanted us to have a wonderful evening and we truly did. It is a very welcoming restaurant with lovely decor, excellent food and nice people. We can’t wait to come back and try more items!“

“The food was perfection the best Middle Eastern food in all of Oakland Ca“

“I go here often and keep waiting for it to be a bad experience — it never is. Only pointer is to put in your order if you’re in a crunch for time, but trust it’s worth the wait! I’ve tried a couple of their sandwiches and all are delicious. My favorite is the cappicola. Can’t recommend enough!“

“Decided to try out their falafel and was not disappointed. I ordered the mezze platter to go. The falafel, hummus and babaganoush were delicious I just wish it came with a piece of pita or was suggested as an extra when I ordered. The hot sauce is also tasty.“

“they have nice Hookah last long, nice service, and they service nice tea 🍵 also, but the decorations is not so good“

“Heck yes it’s good! I’ve had this from time to time at middle eastern restaurants and never knew what it was called. Got my a few days ago and it’s amazing. Definitely check it out.“

“The food is great for the price point.

The hanger steak was overdone on the day but the rest were perfect on their own way so I’ll forgive the mistake.

Musakhan is deep with the spice I’m not familiar but yet comforting.

Mezze platter is good too.“

“Tasty Lebanese food + other things like pastries, fruit drinks and coffee in a no-frills setting. I usually get the chicken shawarma plate which is quite filling and delicious in a homemade way. Spicy sauce is tangy and relatively mild. Yogurt sauce is incredible, next time I will ask for extra. Falafels are more soft than crunchy and very flavorful. Staff are respectful and easy to work with. Located in the Oakland City Center plaza.“

“Put it in two words. Dam good. Had a lot other Ethiopian food, but this one tops them all in Bay Area. Plus the prize is much understandable.“

“We live in this neighborhood and if you know the North Shattuck and Northbrae Neighborhoods, there is no shortage of walkable dining. We just love Jerusalem Organic Kitchen for a consistently well prepared meal, friendly staff, and really good ingredients! They serve a quick, casual, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal. Everything we have tried is great with balanced seasonings. My personal favorite is the Shawarma Platter. Don't miss the perfectly prepared salmon platter with a generous serving of salmon that won't set you back an arm and a leg. The salad with chicken shawarma on top is great too. And they, of course, prepare a great middle eastern platter and falafel platter. And if all you want is a sandwich or burger - you won't be disappointed. Get the idea? We like their food and for good reason - they don't try to be all things to all people - they do middle eastern cuisine and do it really well. Try it - you'll like it!“

“5 stars. Amazing food from the lentil soup to dessert. Highly recommend.“

“Four of us tried out Cairo Station for the first time before the Patti Smith show at the Fox. We all agreed the food tastes great, the portions are big, and the place is very cool with Egyptian jazz setting the vibe. Very friendly, a great find. We will be back!“

“Woah... I didn't know what I didn't know, but I learned what I had been missing out on! An incredible venue with the most gracious hosts and the finest vodka in all the world. ART everywhere, history and culture and friends and enjoyment abound. This is my new favorite place.“

“I’ve eaten here maybe 10 times. I love everything they’re doing. The food, the vibes, the little touches on the table that brings nostalgic street vibe. food is always great and consistent. Thank you for this space where I always feel safe and welcome and reminded how cool the culture is .“

“The woman at the counter was incredibly kind, warm and friendly. You can tell they care about the business and making you feel comfortable while your there.
The food was fresh, the flavors were bright and I ended up eating way more than I should've! That hummus I could've eaten by itself. Super smooth and delicious. The salad with perfect. Vegetables were delicious!
We brought it to out father in the hospital and it made his evening.“

“It’s a small establish but the food was fantastic. I had chicken kebabs, rice and hummus. Berkeley does have a good amount of wonderful places to eat and this one was really great. I’m glad I came here to eat and cannot wait to go again.“

“האוכל הזכיר אוכל של בית. מה שחסר לנו פה בארה״ב מוסיקה ישראלית משובחת וחומוס טעים. הרגשה של ישראל באמריקה👏👏👏“

“Great food, service & outdoor seating!“

“We never come to The City without a trip to Aicha. Wonderful little spot with fabulous service & delicious food. Highly recommend.“

“I have eaten here every day for the last 5 days, twice today - something I have never done anywhere else in my life, and I'm almost 73. The food is delicious and nourishing, and the owner and the people who work here are warm and delightful.“

“Definitely San Francisco Bay areas. Best burgers, amazing fish and chips very favorable, savory kebabs and great tasting Gyros.“

“Everything looks just amazing. Truly Mediterranean came highly recommended!“

“Outstanding Persian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco!

Alborz Restaurant exceeded all expectations. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality that made us feel like honored guests. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between elegant and welcoming.

The food was absolutely incredible. Every dish was beautifully prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors that transported us straight to Iran. The portions were generous, and the presentation was lovely.

Whether you’re familiar with Persian cuisine or trying it for the first time, the menu offers something wonderful for everyone.

The service was attentive without being intrusive, and our server was happy to offer recommendations and explain dishes we weren’t familiar with.“

“Great food lovely location“

“The food is amazing you should try their flafle. It’s amazing and staff super nice fellas“

“We both had lambs ( the Mrs had the kebab with salad and soup and I had the lamb & beef platter). My plate was made special by the dressing , but my wife’s was the better deal as the smokey flavored meat was out of the ballpark sarap!“

“Consistently delicious for decades“

“Super yummy hummus plates, falafel, kebabs and salads. Found this gem while on a walk in China town. Not easy to find, but once you know where to find it you will come back again and again. Sooooo good.“

“I love this place and go at least once or twice a month..My wife loves the chicken shawarma either the plate or the wrap..I love the falafel, and the lamb shawarma..This time I hooked up with a dear friend, she and I ordered the lamb shanks..the serving is huge!! Wonderful rice, and a separate plate with yogurt , cucumber sald and a cabbage salad..tremendouws value, but to much meat for me..So I am sticking with my go to items mentioned above...We had the Kanefa(?) it was not the best i have had..that was in Dearborn, but my friend di not care for it, so the baker gave her two more different dessert servings..so typical of the genorisity of this place. I grew in this neighborhood and must say or Muslim neighbors eatery is a welcome addition!!“

“I give the highest caterer recommendation to Ikaros To Go (catering by the team that ran Ikaros restaurant). They planned and managed a very delicious memorial dinner for us for approximately 75 guests. The customer service and food were excellent - our menu included roasted salmon, vegetarian mousaka, rice, Greek salad and garlic bread, plus dessert of Baklava and sugar cookies which everyone also loved. They also handled dinnerware, water, lots of set up and clean up, soft drinks and pretty bottled Greek waters for the tables. They were extremely considerate, thoughtful, flexible, organized and reliable. Ikaros to Go went above and beyond and made our event very special. We are very grateful - Thank you Ikaros to Go!“

“Not open for the past couple weekends and weeks in between - everyone that populates 11th street miss our guy so much!! He is a pillar of stability that supports the action taking place on the “Club Corridor”.We’re all hoping he returns soon and in good health.Joe is a treasure on 11th. Every day I look to see if he’s opened back up - it’s been a rare day to see this place not taking business. Truly, you never know watcha got til it’s gone ?We all hope to see you soon, and are sending the best wishes and loves and positive vibes. ??“

“Sashi Singh my pal from down in Stillwater Canyon was in the city and invited me to dinner in this Afghani Restaurant he found. Well, I haven't had camel hump in years, so I said sure! We met up at De Afghanan Kabob House and had a great dinner. I have no idea what we ate because Sashi ordered for us, all I know is it wasn't organ meat, and it tasted pretty good. 5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆“

“Came here for a quick dinner with a friend and it was empty!

Good:
- Very hearty, you get a ton of food for the amount you pay
- Very quick service, it's like Chipotle
- Ample seating
- The build your own bowl is super worth the price, I also got half salad half rice

Bad:
- A bit messier inside and not a super nice ambiance inside, but it's a quiet place for a catchup with friends

Overall this was a good pit stop if you just want a quick meal!“

“The pomegranate chicken… I’m sure on this earth there must be better chicken but I haven’t found it yet. Every childhood event, you’d open the tray and there would be the pomegranate chicken and the yellow rice. Nothing better. I was lucky then, and I’m luckier now that La Med is still here and is still so good! Tastes the same: perfect“

“I love it because it's more then just grocery & grill. I consider it to be or it should be called "Multi convenience." Or maybe even "Some of this & Some of that!" would also be a good name. It's a small store, but most of the time they still have just what you need. The owner is cool too. He gives great customer service as well. Try this store or“

“Perfect spot for a quick lunch. I first tried the food from Sajj in San Mateo. It was a "regular" lunch place for many at my office. Now that I occasionally work in SF, I was please to find a Sajj just a block away. Love that the food is fresh and bonus that it is full of flavor. I take advantage of ordering ahead and picking up on my schedule.“

“Sababa at SOMA near Yank Sing and Salesforce Tower is a lunch oasis in downtown SF. Their food is always fresh and delicious with fast service. Lovely, modern, and peaceful ambiance too. They are mainly open for lunch. I love their Falafel, quinoa, and hummus dish.“

“The chicken halal plate from this place is Beyond DELICIOUS! If you like halal food, you won’t be disappointed eating here. It’s pretty good. The block it’s in can be sketchy at times, so practice caution when parking, stay alert and quick purchasing. They also have really good herbs, seasonings and products to purchase.“

“I smelled it before I got there no always looking for “the right food cooked by the right people!” I had a bowl with chicken which I could cut with a the plastic spoon 😍 with rice and lentils very flavorful too with the Israel salad all that flavor in one bowl was the best by far! My friend who’s vegan was very satisfied had a falafel bowl which she started eating as we walked down the street! She had smashed it by the time we made to the tables at Union Square. The food delicious the portions huge and the price right! On another note when we arrived they were out of rice and of course they made me some fresh very much appreciated ❤️“

“I don't remember how many times i've been here lol. Whenever I was too lazy to prepare lunch for myself, I usually bought gyro in this place and then went back to my lab/class. The price is affordable for Berkeley Standard (i remember it was around 12 usd before tax).

This place was also in UC berkeley north gate before, so it was close to my building. Then the one in north gate was closed. However I didn't mind to go back and forth from my lab to this place in southgate, my lazy ass didn't mind to go downhill then uphill lol.
And yeah, this place also offers halal food, so that's a plus“

“Buena experiencia, es un lugar sencillo, su comida y servicio son buenos. Me comí un Lentil Soup con un pita bread, satisfecho y como dice el boricua “ jarro como lechón”�������������“

“Good size portions of good food at a good price. Great location too. They will see me again many times. Limited menu, but that’s not a bad thing. Perfect before or after a show or event. Plus they are open late.“

“LOVE the COMBO Platters with the FRIES and the FALAFELS 😋😋😋“