I tried the falafel wrap. It was good but definitely not the best I've had. The portion is huge and good for two but the price is commensurate with size.
Brian D.
So good! I love them -- the chicken kabob was marinated and tender. Highly recommend everything I've had is delicious. The lamb rack was phenomenal as well. Thank you for all that you do
Tiffany Y.
Great place to have some Middle Eastern food in the Public Market. I read Lamees Dahbour's story when researching the place ( and was super excited to support her by coming here. We ended up getting 2 plates, which both came with hummus, baba ghanoush, salad, and pita. Chicken Shawarma Plate ($15): Solid flavors, but the chicken was a bit dry. I will say that this plate has a large portion of chicken, which can get overwhelming after eating for awhile, but it goes well with the sides. I stole some rice from the other plate to eat with this. Special Lamb Rack Plate ($24): They did a great job getting the smoky charred flavor on here, but it may have been left on the grill a bit too long since it was slightly on the bitter side. The lamb was tender and delicious though. In terms of the sides, I absolutely loved the hummus and the salad tasted super fresh. The baba ghanoush was also good and slightly on the more sour side. The pita was heated up before packed for us and went well with everything. I would definitely come back here again if I'm in the area and craving Middle Eastern food!
Nathalie B.
Ordered the lamb kabob. Arrived quickly! Everything is good except the meat. It's way to burnt/bitter. No flavor to the lamb. Would I go back... eh. I don't know.
Howie L.
Menu was kinda messy, but I tried the lamb and it was great. Huge portion, home-cooking..great flavors!
Alexi d.
I appreciate that the staff is really friendly. I've had a difficult time finding a place in the bay that doesn't have dry falafels. Mama Lamees gets it perfect every time. The chicken shwarma is great too!
green g.
The part of the dish I received was ok, but not worth the negative experience. When I showed up the first time, nobody knew about my order. It took 2 (kind) women and a lot of discussion (and grabbing and touching my phone during a pandemic, which I could have done without) to place a new order, perhaps due to language barrier. When I came to pick up, all seemed ok, but when I sat down to eat, I found the order lacked chicken. So I went back and spoke to a 3rd woman who had her mask around her chin and was significantly less kind. She explained it was my fault for not adding chicken, and seemed annoyed. I pointed out that the menu language was confusing then, because the description began with "roasted chicken" and even tells you you have to make a separate choice to make the dish vegetarian. I now see in other reviews that I'm not the first person who found this confusing. I also pointed out that I had placed the order the 2nd time in-person and she said dismissively "oh she doesn't understand" regarding the staff person who had helped me. Then she abruptly handed me her phone because she had called the owner! I reluctantly answered and owner sounded put out. She acknowledged that their online ordering was broken but did not apologize for the inconvenience or offer to make it right in any way. She also did not seem to appreciate my feedback that I had found the wording about adding chicken confusing. I was conflicted about leaving a review because while there was a tech error and the menu format has room for improvement, to me these are not deal breakers. Both issues could have been rectified with just kind service. A sorry would have gone a long way. But after inadvertently speaking with the owner it seems clear that feedback is not welcome and the service is unlikely to change.
Sean L.
I'm surprised by the number of rave reviews because the food is unfortunately mediocre and overpriced -- the worst kind of double whammy. My falafel plate was $14 and only included 3 pieces of falafel, a stale pita bread, and generic side dishes. I could head to a chain Greek place like Gotta Eatta Pita and get a much more hearty meal for half the cost. Just keep in mind the food in the Emeryville public market is generally lacking in its price:quality ratio. Head over to downtown Oakland for better eats.
Hugh Jorgin
We love the shwarma wrap and the plate. The spices she uses are a family secret but they will keep you coming back. Huge portions too!I ❤️Palestine ✌️
Dan C.
Delicious fall-off-the-bone chicken, chicken shawarma, rice, hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and cauliflower in delicious creamy sauce! Highly recommend! Lamees is a wonderful host. Don't miss this gem of a place in Emeryville Public Market.
The food is probably amazing but due to the workers not using gloves to prepare my food, I had to ask for a refund. I did not feel comfortable with the lady touching my food with her bare hands and helping other customers at the cash register and then touching my food again after touching money that has been circulated throughout the whole world. The health inspectors definitely need to check this place out and make sure they are handling food safely.
Pancha Diaz
The food is delicious and they are so nice. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options because they want to make sure everyone gets to eat good food! Well worth checking out if you are in the neighborhood.
Million
I never knew I was missing out on real food until I tried mama lamees . The best shawarma chicken plate and lentil rice with chicken ever. I felt like I was back home in my mom's kitchen for the first time in years. God bless Mama lamees and all the people who work there for their warm welcome and wonderful service.I highly recommend you to go check her food out and I promise you'll be blown away.
Muhammad A.
As an Arab who has struggled here for years with mediocre Arabic food, by God all mighty, Mama Lamees is a an answer to my prayers. It's like I'm back at my grandma's house -- everything is made from scratch and it's just phenomenal. Like in all seriousness I never eat Baklava or Falafel at a restaurant because I'm such a snob for quality but Mama Lamees has my business forever. I never had such amazing Baklava or Falafel except when I go back home. AND THE LAMB CHOPS, HUMMUS, BABA GANOUSH, EVEN THE RICE OMG I CAN GO ON FOREVER. WHY ARE YOU STILL READING THIS JUST GO!
M M.
A date and I ordered the lamb kebabs tonight and the entire plate was amazing. Everything was very flavorful and the hot sauce is super delish! The portion was very healthy (I can't wait for my leftovers for lunch tomorrow!) The service was also great and I could tell the food was made with love. Will be back again for sure!
I tried the falafel wrap. It was good but definitely not the best I've had. The portion is huge and good for two but the price is commensurate with size.
So good! I love them -- the chicken kabob was marinated and tender. Highly recommend everything I've had is delicious. The lamb rack was phenomenal as well. Thank you for all that you do
Great place to have some Middle Eastern food in the Public Market. I read Lamees Dahbour's story when researching the place ( and was super excited to support her by coming here. We ended up getting 2 plates, which both came with hummus, baba ghanoush, salad, and pita. Chicken Shawarma Plate ($15): Solid flavors, but the chicken was a bit dry. I will say that this plate has a large portion of chicken, which can get overwhelming after eating for awhile, but it goes well with the sides. I stole some rice from the other plate to eat with this. Special Lamb Rack Plate ($24): They did a great job getting the smoky charred flavor on here, but it may have been left on the grill a bit too long since it was slightly on the bitter side. The lamb was tender and delicious though. In terms of the sides, I absolutely loved the hummus and the salad tasted super fresh. The baba ghanoush was also good and slightly on the more sour side. The pita was heated up before packed for us and went well with everything. I would definitely come back here again if I'm in the area and craving Middle Eastern food!
Ordered the lamb kabob. Arrived quickly! Everything is good except the meat. It's way to burnt/bitter. No flavor to the lamb. Would I go back... eh. I don't know.
Menu was kinda messy, but I tried the lamb and it was great. Huge portion, home-cooking..great flavors!
I appreciate that the staff is really friendly. I've had a difficult time finding a place in the bay that doesn't have dry falafels. Mama Lamees gets it perfect every time. The chicken shwarma is great too!
The part of the dish I received was ok, but not worth the negative experience. When I showed up the first time, nobody knew about my order. It took 2 (kind) women and a lot of discussion (and grabbing and touching my phone during a pandemic, which I could have done without) to place a new order, perhaps due to language barrier. When I came to pick up, all seemed ok, but when I sat down to eat, I found the order lacked chicken. So I went back and spoke to a 3rd woman who had her mask around her chin and was significantly less kind. She explained it was my fault for not adding chicken, and seemed annoyed. I pointed out that the menu language was confusing then, because the description began with "roasted chicken" and even tells you you have to make a separate choice to make the dish vegetarian. I now see in other reviews that I'm not the first person who found this confusing. I also pointed out that I had placed the order the 2nd time in-person and she said dismissively "oh she doesn't understand" regarding the staff person who had helped me. Then she abruptly handed me her phone because she had called the owner! I reluctantly answered and owner sounded put out. She acknowledged that their online ordering was broken but did not apologize for the inconvenience or offer to make it right in any way. She also did not seem to appreciate my feedback that I had found the wording about adding chicken confusing. I was conflicted about leaving a review because while there was a tech error and the menu format has room for improvement, to me these are not deal breakers. Both issues could have been rectified with just kind service. A sorry would have gone a long way. But after inadvertently speaking with the owner it seems clear that feedback is not welcome and the service is unlikely to change.
I'm surprised by the number of rave reviews because the food is unfortunately mediocre and overpriced -- the worst kind of double whammy. My falafel plate was $14 and only included 3 pieces of falafel, a stale pita bread, and generic side dishes. I could head to a chain Greek place like Gotta Eatta Pita and get a much more hearty meal for half the cost. Just keep in mind the food in the Emeryville public market is generally lacking in its price:quality ratio. Head over to downtown Oakland for better eats.
We love the shwarma wrap and the plate. The spices she uses are a family secret but they will keep you coming back. Huge portions too!I ❤️Palestine ✌️
Delicious fall-off-the-bone chicken, chicken shawarma, rice, hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and cauliflower in delicious creamy sauce! Highly recommend! Lamees is a wonderful host. Don't miss this gem of a place in Emeryville Public Market.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food is probably amazing but due to the workers not using gloves to prepare my food, I had to ask for a refund. I did not feel comfortable with the lady touching my food with her bare hands and helping other customers at the cash register and then touching my food again after touching money that has been circulated throughout the whole world. The health inspectors definitely need to check this place out and make sure they are handling food safely.
The food is delicious and they are so nice. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options because they want to make sure everyone gets to eat good food! Well worth checking out if you are in the neighborhood.
I never knew I was missing out on real food until I tried mama lamees . The best shawarma chicken plate and lentil rice with chicken ever. I felt like I was back home in my mom's kitchen for the first time in years. God bless Mama lamees and all the people who work there for their warm welcome and wonderful service.I highly recommend you to go check her food out and I promise you'll be blown away.
As an Arab who has struggled here for years with mediocre Arabic food, by God all mighty, Mama Lamees is a an answer to my prayers. It's like I'm back at my grandma's house -- everything is made from scratch and it's just phenomenal. Like in all seriousness I never eat Baklava or Falafel at a restaurant because I'm such a snob for quality but Mama Lamees has my business forever. I never had such amazing Baklava or Falafel except when I go back home. AND THE LAMB CHOPS, HUMMUS, BABA GANOUSH, EVEN THE RICE OMG I CAN GO ON FOREVER. WHY ARE YOU STILL READING THIS JUST GO!
A date and I ordered the lamb kebabs tonight and the entire plate was amazing. Everything was very flavorful and the hot sauce is super delish! The portion was very healthy (I can't wait for my leftovers for lunch tomorrow!) The service was also great and I could tell the food was made with love. Will be back again for sure!