Middle Eastern Restaurants near Urbana, IL

“Absolutely fantastic experience at Shawarma Joint! The food is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, hands down some of the best shawarma in town. The portions are generous, the ingredients taste high quality, and the service is friendly and fast. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming, making it a great spot for both dine-in and takeout. Highly recommend to anyone looking for authentic and delicious Middle Eastern food!
Masha’allah, thank you, brothers, for the great experience!“

“The falafel is amazing but everything is delicious. I'm so glad my student's apartment is down the street.“

“This is my go-to stop every time I visit UIUC. No trip feels complete without it. I usually get the shawarma over rice with chicken and steak — an absolute must-try. The portions are incredibly generous; you can easily stretch one meal into lunch and dinner.

Everything tastes fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. It’s the kind of food that hits the spot whether you’re in a rush between classes/meetings or just craving something hearty and healthy.

Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for a quick, satisfying, and wholesome meal. Highly recommend!“

“The food is excellent and is easily some of the most nutritious you’ll find anywhere near the U of I campus. Hamid, the owner, runs the place singlehandedly. He can seem reserved at first, but once you get to know him, you'll find out that he is is an exceptionally nice person with an impressive work ethic. Overall, the restaurant is a favorite among many grad students, postdocs and faculty. And the classical music radio that’s always playing is a big bonus (imo)!“