Holy Land Cafe
12275 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS, 66215
Holy Land Cafe Menu
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Address :
12275 W 87th St Pkwy
Lenexa, KS, 66215 - Phone (913) 310-9911
- Website https://holylandcafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Amber T.
First, let me say that this place is just a hop, skip, and jump from my door, so...my review might be a little biased based on convenience. The people that run/work at this place can be a bit indifferent, but...I love the food. Everything I've had is delicious, and I always get take-out, so I can deal with the not-so-friendly service for a couple of minutes. I tend to find something I like and stick with it, which at Holy Land is the number 11. Gyro meat, rice, hummus, and a salad that I always pay extra to sub grilled veggies for. It's tasty and only about $7. They also have an AMAZING shredded lamb dish on the weekends that I can't remember the name of, but it's definitely not a regular menu item. Another plus is that they have pistachio baklava which is super rare (most places just have the regular variety).
(4)Carol G.
Every time we've been, the food has been spectacular and the wait staff attentive. The lunch menu pricing is fantastic, especially considering how much food you get. We went for dinner last time and I had the Beef Gyro Plate. The meat was so flavorful and tender. The pita bread was soft and warm. The only thing I'd change is to not have so much rice with the dinner, but instead find another not-so-starchy side to go with the dinner. It was too much food and rice (as much as I like it) is empty calories. Ah well, I still wish there was one in Topeka!
(5)Shana S.
We walked in and were immediately asked if we were ordering to go or sitting down to eat. We were eating there, so we were told to pick a table. My little sis (who is staying with us for a month and is constantly surrounded by Middle Eastern-type cuisine where she lives) ordered a plate of stuffed grape leaves, which is listed as an appetizer. Husband ordered lamb curry and I got lamb biryani. Everything was delicious. The biryani had a bit of heat to it. My sister ate those stuffed grape leaves, closed her eyes and said how happy she was. With the Arabic music playing in the background and those stuffed grape leaves, she felt like she was at home. A young woman took our drink orders then came back over for our food order. A few minutes later a gentleman came over to ask what we wanted, because she had forgotten. She seemed really confused, so I wasn't surprised. Maybe she was new. Our meals came with a salad or soup. It was very hot in the place, so soup was not going to happen. The salad was very tasty. I had hoped that since my little sis had ordered ONLY grape leaves, that they would bring it out with the rest of the meal, but they brought it out early when they brought out our salads. She's a slow eater, so it all worked out. Overall, while they were not overly friendly, they were polite. I'm not one of those that NEEDS real friendly. As long as the waters stay full and you provide me with everything I ordered, I'm good. We will probably go back before my sister leaves because of how much she liked it, (this was the first place that she has LOVED that we've taken here besides ice cream places) but we'll definitely be going back after she leaves as well.
(4)Jen Y.
This is likely the best and most flavorful mediteranean food in Kansas City. I've not had middle eastern food in any other city, so I don't have much to compare it to. However, I do know about middle eastern food in KC. I was here on a Sunday afternoon recently. I ordered the combo appetizer plate for one and shared it with a friend. The baba ganoush- fantastic! Perfect smoked flavor. The hummus is average. Best falafel ever. Fantastic grape leaves. I ordered the beef gyro and my dining partner ordered the stuffed chicken breast. When our food arrived, both orders were incorrect. My friend's was a plain grilled piece of chicken. Mine was a lamb gyro. He sent his back, which the waiter proceeded to take in the back, through some peppers in between the two chicken breasts and call it good. I decided to keep the lamb, which was a good choice. The food here is fantastic. You don't get much better. However, the service is horrible. Really, really bad. Seriously, how can you screw up orders that bad. And talk about unfriendly. I don't think anyone in this place can crack a smile. When asked if there was any other type of dessert other than baklava, we got a 'No, just baklava.' Clearly, in the dessert case, there are other types of dessert. ?????? Seriously guys. Lighten up. If the food wasn't so awesome, I'd never step foot in here again because of the attitudes.
(4)Alex D.
Excellent Mediterranean food. This place is one of our favorites, and the staff has even taken the time to learn our names and preferences. Try the hummus with red pepper sauce and the lamb with sun dried tomato cream sauce.
(5)Laurel S.
As far as I'm concerned this is the only place you need to ever go for greek/middle eastern food. The hummus is amazing. The gyro meat is awesome. The pita bread is perfect. The spicy chicken, chicken with artichoke sauce and chicken with sundried tomato sauce are all fabulous. The service is stoic to say the best. They aren't terribly friendly but they put out some great food so I tolerate it. They are speedy and they never mess up your order.
(5)Chris W.
I live just a mile away so I eat here often. Great food made in house...only improvement I would suggest would be to grill pita rather than microwaving it. As for the service? I am greeted like a friend each time I come in and never have an empty glass. I usually go with a combo plate; entree with rice, hummus and greek salad. Add a dollar after 3...just right! I also enjoy the combination app platter. It's a nice sampling of all the stand-bys. The tabouleh really stands out because of the fresh parsley. Lentil soup and greek salad with a home made dressing and lots of kalamatas is a great light lunch option. Consider baklava and sage tea if you have time to linger.
(5)Fouzia H.
I ate at Holy Land Cafe once a couple years ago and did not remember what the food was like. There are only a few halal restaurants in KC and I was planning my son's first birthday there at my parent's house. Since I live in Maryland and was flying in a day before the birthday, I didn't get a chance to taste the food. Because I was desperate and the reviews on yelp were pretty good - I placed a catering order for 40. Menu: Chicken Shwarma Lamb Gyro Chicken Curry RIce Pita Hummus Red Sauce White Sauce Bakhlava Everyone LOVED the food! The quantity was more than plenty and tasted excellent. So so so glad I went with them. Highly recommend them especially for catering!
(5)Shweta P.
Went there for lunch and had Lunch Combo perfect quantity... Also had Falafel Appetizer... Amazing and loved there sweet dish Bakhlava.
(4)Graham S.
Some of the best Mediterranean I've ever had. Great lunch specials, which come with hummus, salad, rice, and an entree. A real find.
(5)Amanda C.
Yum! I ordered the falafel humus combo. It was delicious.
(4)JC A.
Got take out last night and it was ok. Husband liked his Greek salad-very big salad, good ingredients. My chicken shawarma plate was ok. Honestly though, I like the one at Papu's at 75th and Wornall better. This just tasted like a generic chicken cooked in some unidentifiable spices/salt. If you gave it to me to try with out telling me what it is, I couldn't have figured out the flavors. Falafel was a tad burned too. BUT, we will try them again. Perhaps dine-in will fare better.
(2)Bill C.
About the service. Many of you have made comments about the staff and even withheld stars because of it. It would be easy for me to say pull your head out of you A$$ and learn about other cultures first. Sigh! Let me educate you. I work with/for Israelis today and have many times over the years. What you need to understand is that different cultures have some different characteristics than you are accustomed to. The Israeli people are complicated and hard for a westerner to read. They are guarded and seem cold to the average loud mouthed American that announces to the world every emotion running through them at the moment. They are actually quite friendly and have a strong work ethic. I probably have hundreds of stories about their tenacity and strong work ethic that I will not bore you with here. Let's just say think about their life experience vs your own and maybe you will start to see why they can come off guarded and generally get to the point. What I observed today. I was immediately served and questioned here or to go. As soon as I was ready they were there to take my order. Prompt on refilling my water. Somebody asked the obnoxious women seated if everything was to their liking and went to close the blinds to give them less sun. The food was prompt and appeared as though it was probably a consistent good. I am embarrassed that this location is so close to me and this is the first time I have visited. These guys can hold their own against any other Mediterranean restaurant in the Midwest. Obviously many of you mistake personality for service. Don't make that mistake again. And learn to be more observant of other cultures. From what I can see these guys offer top notch service and rock bottom prices. And the food itself is definitely above average. I wasn't quite ready to issue 5 stars just yet.
(4)Jennifer R.
Went here on husband's recommendation. He had been to Holy Land Cafe with co workers for lunch. It was great -- large space with several rooms. Baba ghanouj was delicious. I had the lentil soup -- spicy, excellent, and hot tea. If I were in the neighborhood, I would drop in just to get a hot tea to go. And to stare longingly at the baklava case. For entrees, OM (old man) ordered some kind of spicy chicken dish, and I ordered chicken with sun dried tomato sauce. Both were tasty, spicy, and dishes we would order again. We took a lot of food home, and had lunch the next day. Great bang for buck. We also took 1 piece of baklava home and enjoyed it the next day as well. I read the reviews regarding service -- our service was excellent. I look forward to going back. My rating is actually 4.5.
(4)A J.
The food is delicious and for the price it's a great deal. I love the falafel. I don't have a problem with the customer service. I wouldn't classify them as welcoming or unwelcoming, just a bit distant. For a $6 lunch that includes a sandwich, salad/soup/fries, and a drink ambivalent service is fine by me. At that price point I don't expect a whole lot in the area of service other than the food come out in a reasonable amount of time and that it tastes good.
(4)C L.
Sigh. If you need to have your ego stroked in order to enjoy your meal, then go somewhere commercialized or to a swankstaurant. If you want some good Eastern Mediterranean food for a fair price, then go to Holy Land Cafe. My kid and I love this place. We love their silky smooth hummus, their fresh and simple tabouleh, and their tangy house salad dressing. He likes the Beef Shawarmah, Beef w/ Mushroom Cream Sauce, and Lamb Biryani. I rarely stray from my usual Gyro Plate. Their gyro meat is always consistently delicious. Their dolmeh, spanakotia, and cucumber yogurt sauce are pretty average, but the rest of their food makes up for this. Maybe it's the fact that Holy Land is located directly behind a Taco Bell, but I had always avoided trying this place. How I regret the years I hadn't been dining here! Now it's a family favorite.
(4)Eric D.
until yesterday I had only dashed in for a gyro to go. But yesterday went for lunch. Great lunch menu. Had special #10, spicy chicken Very tasty. Tender bite size chicken in light spicy gravy. with rice and small salad in the middle of the plate. Also on the plate: a nice side of hummus and pita. A dollop of red pepper "relish?" so you can build-up the spicyness. Again, very tasty. And reasonably priced ~$6.95 on the lunch menu. Got a feta & olive appetizer...came with pita bread. Good good good! Good service, too. Music was a tad loud, but that's the only complaint. Was craving it later that same day. Go. Try it!
(4)Stephen H.
Great Lebanese food from a family owned business. Dependably quick and delicious.
(4)Carrie F.
Food = good. Especially for KC. But for a friendlier place that acts as they appreciate your business, head 15 minutes north to River Market for Habashi House. The food is better there and they don't act like you are a burden to them. Back to Holy Land Cafe. We were seated by a pleasant man; another man came to take our order. We weren't ready, asked for a few more minutes. He returned one minute later, still weren't ready. He rolled his eyes (!!) and walked away. We didn't see him again. He had enough of us taking our time; the pleasant guy returned to take our order (we were ready this time). I ordered the chicken schwarma sandwich. It was pretty good. Definitely beats Jerusalem Cafe. The lunch options were very reasonably priced. My friend and I enjoyed our meal... Then we went to the counter to pay (we took a cue from others). The unfriendly eye-roller was there to ring us up. I paid cash. He seemed to like that. My friend paid with credit card. He snatched her card, ran it through, then literally slammed it to the counter with her copy and then slammed his copy on the counter as well. Clearly not happy about something. We walked out feeling as though we may not return just because of Mr. Grumpy. The food was good, but the atmosphere was uncomfortable. Who wants to be treated like a spit of meat after paying for a meal?
(3)Brandie M.
I love their food!!! Get the #10 (Spicy chicken, salad, hummus, & pita bread)!!! It's amazing!!! I've eaten in the restaurant & ordered to go several times. Either way, the service is really fast!!! They have a dry sense of humor & once you realize that they're very sarcastic, you'll have a better dining experience!!!
(4)Rebecca R.
Oh Jesus...stop everything you're doing and go here. It's amazing. It's my favorite place to go for lunch or dinner when I don't want to cook. A #11 for lunch or the large greek salad with gyro meat and the pita/hummus appetizer for dinner. Easily two portions so one for lunch today and one for lunch tomorrow. Absolutely delicious! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The people are a little crochety by what I'm used to but the food is so fantastic, I don't mind. I've never sat and eaten there so I don't know how the actual waiter service is but for take out, it's not awful. I've been there at least 10 times and I can't wait to go back! What are you waiting for...go!..now!
(5)Joe H.
Walking into the Holy Land Cafe you may be greeted with a cold stare or a halfhearted hello. Maybe it's just me; I don't know. The guys running it seem as though they'd like to punch you in the face just for showing up. Anyway, the food is generally good, used to be freaking great but now can be hit and miss. The lunch specials are some of the best around when the food is good. I certainly recommend trying Holy Land Cafe as long as you are aware of the service issues. Again though, they may just want to punch me in the face.
(3)Nicole B.
The hummus is soooooooo good. Take some falafel and dip it in the hummus and it's even better! The food here is authentic and flavorful. Don't expect service with a smile though because you won't get it. That hasn't kept me from going back though. One of the guys, who I think is one of the owners, has a crush on my friend so she always gets extra falafel. The food is pretty cheap and it's good, so I approve!
(4)Scott D.
From the first bite, my wife and I knew this place was the bomb. Holy Land makes certain other Mid-Eastern restaurants look sick. Excellent service and excellent Mid-eastern food, for a song. It's a long drive from north of the river, but we'll be back. Here's hoping our sophomore visit will be 5 stars as well!
(5)Leah B.
As others have mentioned, this restaurant could improve in the customer service area... it's not bad, but not great either. But don't let that stop you from dropping in and trying the Chicken Shawarma, which I think is THE BEST in town!! They have great lentil soup and gryos as well. The portion sizes are on the small size, which is great for me, so I don't overinduldge, but not great for people like my husband, who need a little more. But overall, I think they serve great food at reasonable prices.
(4)Ivan W.
Great mezza plate. Tasted like home made. Tabouli, baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, dolmathakia, SPANAKOPITA, AND FRESH PITA. NICE!
(4)Nick R.
For a place having a 4 stars I had some high expectations going in. I am the type of guy that likes a good tranquil relaxed environment. The red and off white colored chipped paint, dying plants, old dusty pictures and middle eastern decorations just gave me an overall weary feeling about the place and lead to my decision to get the food to go. I ordered the beef kabab with a greek salad. The beef kabab was so-so, the meat was a bit on the dry and chewy side but after adding little hummus it went down smooth. The salad was decent as well, I felt the olives and goat cheese cubes were a prefect compliment to go with the dressing. While i wasn't disappointed in the holy land cafe, it didn't quite live up to the 4 start hype, but gets a respectable 3 stars from me this time around.
(3)Carrye Ann C.
The MOST fabulous hummus and curry chicken. It's a little "rustic" but well worth that. I always take the order home or to work to eat, anyway.
(5)Audrey S.
I usually get take-out from Holy Land Cafe, but have eaten there a couple of times, and service was a little slow. The falafel is the absolute best falafel I have had in the KC area for years! The Jerusalem salad is nice and fresh for summer, and the flavor of the lentil soup is very good. The nice, soft pita bread they serve with almost everything is the perfect touch.
(5)Katie B.
Holy Land is pretty good, and there certainly aren't a lot of options out here in Johnson County. Their Lentil Soup is pretty hit or miss. Some nights it's really good. Some nights it tastes similar to water. I don't understand. And as everyone says, they really could use some help in the customer service department. Although after a few visits it seems like the people here open up a little bit and are friendly. Two big spits sit in the front, which I think is pretty unusual for KC. Chicken and beef. It looks pretty good, but I don't eat meat so who knows. My grandma liked the beef shwarma I got her here once, and she's not really what I would call adventurous, so it must be pretty good.
(3)Samantha A.
I know what it feels like to move to a new neighborhood, so when a friend moved mere blocks from my old house I was happy to give her some good recommendations for places to eat. Her move also gave me the chance to check out restaurants I'd missed. I'd always wondered about Holy Land Café, a modest little Mediterranean restaurant set back along 87th Street, so my friend and I decided to check it out. Much to our disappointment, Holy Land was wholly bland. Nothing tasted especially fresh; I've had better hummus from Costco, and my own tabouli has more taste than the bland, soggy stuff we were served. Overall it was a very ho-hum dinner, so I insisted on picking up the check. After all, friends should never let friends pay premium prices for mediocre food.
(2)Connie Mistler D.
About a year ago my husband and I got tired of driving by Holy Land Cafe, and decided to stop in for dinner. It was a fantastic decision. Holy Land sits in a little strip mall on the south side of 87th street, just west of I-35. It is hidden from the 87th street view by Taco Bell. On our first visit, I chose the succulent Lamb Kebob plate, and my husband chose the Garlic Shrimp. It was jumbo shrimp sauteed in garlic, olive oil, and smothered with cream sauce. Both meals come with a choice of salad or soup; we chose the lentil soup, which never fails to satisfy. The meals also come with a small portion of grilled vegetables. A generous serving of basmati rice pilaf and pita bread add enough starch for the most needy carb fan. Everything was perfectly prepared and served. Although we've been back about half a dozen times since then, these do remain our favorite meals. We introduced our son to the Holy Land, and he is also a fan. He enjoys the generous portion of fries that he can eat with his gyro sandwich. All of us agree that the Holy Land gyro is the best gyro sandwich we've ever tasted. Indeed, we have never had a bad meal at Holy Land. If you even think you might like baklava then don't leave without trying the Holy Land baklava. There are several varieties, and they are all perfection. There is enough butter and syrup to make them tasty and interesting, but they are not soggy and drenched in syrup. I agree with Bill C. about the service. Our service has always been attentive, but the servers don't fawn over you. We have been courteously treated. In fact, tonight when we went in, the server remembered what we usually order, even though we are not what you could call "regulars." I recommend Holy Land to all who like great food at reasonable prices, and served in a relaxed atmosphere. For purposes of full disclosure, we have always paid for our own meals. We have not been paid for this review.
(5)Kev L.
Best Middle-Eastern / Mediterranean restaurant in the KC area. The food here is absolutely stupendous. When you order anything with gyro meat, they are very very generous with portions. The gyro plate here is amazing. Rice is very tasty. The Lentil soup is also one of those things you can crave (especially in the winter time) The Moussaka is perfectly baked and has the best balance of ingredients I have yet to see. And the baklava is top-notch. If you get the chance, try their version of baklava with pistachio nuts. They are one of the few places in KC that sell it with pistachio nuts and not over-slam it with honey. I also cannot say enough about the staff. I attempted to show up to place a to-go order and got there a few minutes before close. As opposed to telling me that they were closed, they actually allowed me to place an order to go. I was really impressed with that as most restaurants nowadays stick to the rules. This is a wonderful place to go whether on a date or with friends and family.
(5)Tonya G.
Food is consistently good.... service not so much... but go for the food and you won't be disapointed.
(3)Lindsey S.
A great place for lunch! The food is excellent and the prices are good. Everything is under $10 on the lunch menu. The only reason I didn't give them 4 -5 stars is because of the lack of friendliness from the staff. I actually felt a little uncomfortable at times...I have been there several times and I just go there knowing the food is great but the staff is well, a little rude.
(3)Denette V.
Coming from Topeka, this place is worth the 1+ hour to travel! The food is great and service is fast! I have never had a bad dish there and have eaten there many times. Price is very reasonable and the portions more than meets expectations. Ingredients are fresh and the spicing palate is well balanced! It far surpasses Aladin's Cafe in Lawrence which is my second favorite Middle East place. The humus at Holy Land is far superior to anything I have ever had. Bravo!
(5)Erin L.
Loved the lamb biryani. Curry rice was perfect. Great appetizer sampler. Excellent service!!! Recommend!!!
(4)Jimmy H.
I love this place--very reasonably priced, and I have never had any issues with service. Locally-owned, and a great place. Don't let the run-down strip mall appearance keep you away.
(5)L.L S.
I used to work in the area. It was one of my favorite lunch spots. IMHO, they have the best Falafel in town. Crispy on the outside and mealy on the inside..not mushy. The soup is fantastic and the prices are more than reasonable. The service can be seemingly unfriendly because smiles are sort of few and far between. A friend of mine won't go there because he thinks the wait staff looks too surly. I'm okay with that for a lunchtime treat of soup and falafel. Too bad I'm not in the area more often.
(5)Jessica F.
I LOVE this place!! I am the kind of girl that once I find an item I love, I usually don't stray from it. Case in point.. here is is the #10 Combo! Avail. for lunch and dinner, its chucks of chicken in this spicy creamy sauce served over the yellow (basmatti??) rice. Comes with a little Greek salad (that has big chunks of feta!! YUM!) and a serving of hummus and Pita bread. SOOOOOOO good! And the service is excellent! They are so nice there! The first time I went, I had a spicy chicken sandwich (before I discovered the awesomeness that is Combo #10) tandoori maybe?? It was great too! I dont eat gyro's but my from what I hear from friends, Holy Land's is great!! Now.. if I could get them to give me the recipe or even what they call this wonderful dish....
(4)evan n.
I agree with Bill C about the service. I go to Holy Land about once a week and I find the staff to be friendly but businesslike. This is a family-run business, and they're often quite busy and short-handed. There is no coddling here, but it's also a far cry from the Soup Nazi. If you want to feel like a special snowflake, go to Applebee's. That said, this food is very good. It's quick and easy for takeout in Lenexa, and its a fun and different place to have dinner. The next time you're going for drive-thru at Taco Bell or takeout at Zarda, come check this out instead. Here's a regular's secret: you can order a lunch combination after 3 pm for an extra buck. This is a great dinner to take home for around $7.
(5)Efrain G.
Better have over an hour free if you plan to eat there during lunch. I swear they had 1 person waiting tables and 1 person cooking. After being sat down waited 10 minutes and had yet to receive the glass of water i asked for. After waiting 15 minutes decided I wasnt' going to get any service so walked up to the front where there was a long line and told the only waiter that I was leaving. Didn't seem to bother him one bit, looking at the other people in the restaurant i'm sure more than a few probably followed me out.
(1)Jason W.
Amazing food, authentic, perfect portions.
(5)Jessica D.
I love this place. Portions are huge and the prices are right. Did I mention how GREAT the food is?
(5)Timothy C.
One of my favorite lunch spots! Cheap and big lunch combos. The hummus with a dash of hot sauce, is some of the best I've ever had. Fresh pita, wonderful falafel with tahini. Portions are good and meats are always tasty. The cucumber yohgurt sauce is a bit on the bland personally, I like mine with a little more garlicy punch to it, doesn't stop this from being one of the best middle eastern/greek style cuisine spots in town!
(4)Sir Jason B.
I have eaten lunch here twice. The service was good, the food OK, the prices are good about $10. Looked about average in cleanness. I would say overall it is OK, not great.
(3)Jenni F.
This is the best mediterranean food in Kansas City. I used to live close by, now I'm living close to the plaza, but I still drive down here to eat! The best hummus, gyros, falafel, and all their dishes are fabulous as well! Delicious! Must try this place, highly recommended!
(5)Dave L.
Good middle eastern food. Holyland Cafe features a huge menu of various kabobs, shawarmah, grilled chicken and other dishes. They have table service, though waitstaff (usually one of the owners) is somewhat clueless. The location and interior is boring but so is most of Lenexa.
(3)Chris D.
Pretty solid well done food. I usually hit jerusalem cafe in westport for middle eastern cuisine but decided to give this a shot as it in the Joco area and much more convenient for me. I decided to try the kifta plate, something I had not previously tried anywhere. When it arrived I recognized it as a dish my freind ordered while dining at Jerusalem and he regarded it as very bland. The version I had at Holy land was better, more flavor overall and it as served with some excellent grilled veggies. I also had a turkish coffee, something I always look forward to at jerusalem, again, much more flavor to it here; borderline too much flavor in the coffee. My wife had the gyro plate. I tried a peice of the gyro meat and it was delicious. I was suprised it doesnt come with the sliced tomatos, onion, or feta cheese that you recieve at other gyro places. Also worth noting that the gyro meat is not shaved by sliced into chunks. For some reason it just tastes better shaved. All around very tasty meal. I will likely be going back soon to try a few other dishes. Very affordable, most all meals are under $10.
(4)Alicia M.
I went here a few days ago with my boyfriend, the service is pretty close to not existing, but the food is amazing. We got the appetizer where you get to try everything and it was all really good. I had the chicken sharwarma or something close to that, very very good. The beef gyro was amazing as well. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Michelle G.
i have been looking for a mediterrean cafe in the nine years i moved here, not persian and not indian i had an excellent little one in Sherman Oaks Ca and went weekly and i am pleased to report that the Holyland cafe is excellent and i am so glad i found it! they are friendly and helpful when you go to order, i was looking for a similar marinated and char grilled chicken breast dish on rice with pita that i'd eaten and loved at the Cafe in Sherman oaks and they have that with an improvement an excellent garlic sauce and tasty salad accompanying my dinner. the pitas were PERFECTLY grilled, the baklava is wonderful and as i was waiting for my to go order the table of ladies had ordered falafel baba ganoush and hummus and stuffed grape leaves and the soup and were raving about them all, i looked around and realized everybody eating was smiling. its right off Quivera and 87th street the south west corner, be hind a Taco Bell. which is a shame that taco bell is covering such a good place. if you like kabobs schwarma gyros and a host of tasty sounding dishes that i also want to try. i will be back!
(5)Amy M.
By far the best food I've eaten. The humus was amazing. Service was great and the food was excellent. Had to refrain from licking my plate.
(5)Ami T.
I came into the plaza for the Taco Bell but Holy Land Cafe seemed so much better! Passed on yelp so I went in. The cashier isn't the friendliest and the interior isn't the mosy grand but their gyro is delish! Also, their baba ganoush (eggplant dip) is one of the best I've had. On the downside, my husband got the shawarma and he said it was a bit dry. I need to try everything else on their menu but its hard to pass up the gyro. -_-v
(4)Paul M.
Best falafel ever! Okay, the décor doesn't exactly look like something that just got re-done on Restaurant Impossible... but atmosphere pales in comparison to the taste of the food! I found the falafel (remember, I'm a rib and steak guy) to be amazing! I could have made a meal out of falafel and hummus--wow! It's a little confusing on paying--you have a server who seats you and takes your order, and brings your food... but you have to go up to the cash register to pay. No worries, once you know that. Just a few doors down is a nice bakery and candy shop, so try to make a trip out of your visit here!
(4)Jason B.
I'm glad I decided to check this place out! Went for dinner a while back and had their beef gyro meal. The gyro meat was very tender and flavorful, along with the veggies, rice and tzatziki sauce that comes with it for dipping. The hummus appetizer with the chili sauce is fantastic as well, and I am not a huge hummus fan. Not sure where a prior review said it tasted like eggs? Hm. So, my second trip was for lunch as their specials looks very reasonably priced. It was a bit busier this time around, but the service was on par as usual. I went with the #1 combo - beef and chicken shawarma. More than enough food there for the $7 price tag tied to it. HIghly recommend this restaurant, as it is one of the better I've had in the area!
(4)Thomas M.
This place is over priced and jakey at best. I had some "hummus" that tasted like deviled eggs. I also got served beef that was supposed to be lamb. I have given them three tries and there out! IMHO...
(1)Paul P.
Had a quick bite before heading to the airport. Yet again, another solid Mediterranean meal from a place in a strip mall. Maybe it's the type of food that just doesn't require a fancy huge kitchen. Whatever it is, I love it. I had a basic grilled chicken and gyro meat plate, with hummus, pita, Greek salad, and rice. Everything was great. And where I would normally gorge myself, because the servings are so big typical for these types of restaurants, this was perfect. I was completely full when I was done, but not like my usual, "I wanna go vomit in the bathroom after," full. :) All in all, I'll be back on my next trip to KC.
(4)Jonathan C.
This place is awesome Mediterranean food. I honestly can say that the hummus is the best I've ever had. Be food is very authentic and if you're looking for great vibrant and fresh flavors this is the place to go.
(5)Trevvor G.
This place has EXCELLENT Mediterranean food. I've had the sundried tomato curry, gyros, chicken, hummus, it's all delicious. The service is always friendly, familiar and fast too.
(5)Keri F.
Decent. The hummus with homemade pitas was awesome!! Love the dollop of chili sauce on the side. Salads were drowned in dressing. Chicken was way way too dry and tough. Rice lacked flavor. Service was so so. Prices were a tad high. We looked it up online and it showed everything at $7.95. Nothing is below $9.95... I hate to be mislead like that. I think we were given a dinner menu at 1pm. We didn't see a lunch meme. The atmosphere where we're seated had a lot to be desired. It appeared they had nice restaurant atmosphere in the back but up front is like McDonalds seating area in front of a diner counter. Fine if we had be shown a $7 lunch menu.
(2)Hangon S.
Best falafel in Johnson county. I love Zaina and Jerusalem Cafe. This is right up there. Very friendly staff.
(4)Rhea P.
A lot of food for reasonable price. Decent, healthy food options.
(3)Tania M.
Nice little place with good food. I had the falafel, which was nice and fresh, dolmas, which were pretty good, and kifta ka bobs with a salad and rice, which was perfect. Nice atmosphere and a quaint place to visit with great food.
(4)Brynn H.
Fabulous. Excellent hummus and smoky baba ganouj. Light and fresh pita. Large portions of perfectly seasoned and grilled gyro meat on the gyro salad and gyro plate. Lamb biriyani could feed two!
(5)Adam V.
Very nice staff and the food was great. Aesthetics left a bit to be desired but had no affect on how good the food was.
(4)Katie P.
I've been eating here for several years with my co-workers. We love Holy Land! The hummus and pita is amazing. The salad is always fresh, it can be a little hit or miss with the chicken, our staple is the spicy chicken breast. Four out of five times it's amazing, but you can always get one were the chicken is just a bit dry. We order for take out a lot but if you go into the restaurant the service is always quick and friendly. Just remember you pay your bill at the front!
(4)Bryce H.
This place is fantastic, and I'm not sure I've ever had better stuffed chicken breast than at Holy Land. Seriously, combine it with the mayo-not-quite-mayo sauce and you will just cry. Like, little baby tears because it is that flappin' good. The 2 or 3 guys who run that place should consider bringing it out with sparklers or roman candles going off on both sides, because it's that delicious. My wife always gets the uber-platter off the appetizer menu, which is solid, but then she always wants bites of my chicken. I'm like, "God, why don't you just order your own stuffed chicken breast next time," but she never learns. Final thing? The guys who own the place are just fantastic. There are some people you just want to give your money to more than others, and these guys fall into that category. Always treated with respect and never feel as if me not knowing about a certain meal or sauce should stop me from inquiring about it. Great place that fits my personality, and the food will blow your mind in the best of ways.
(5)Chandhra S.
I visit holyland frequently.. And i always wanted to write a review about it. I know this is not a fancy restaurant but im not here for the fancy. All we wanted to have is some delicious food, which they have a lot. After going through the severally reviews i want to ask a few questions .. Where else you get this kind of the delicious food for the $7( with a number of items on a single plate) . ?? Where else the food is so delicious as holyland.? Customer service is so good . The waiters are so humble and respectful. I've never seen such a heart full smiles and attention . I would rather say they don't know how to fake smiles and how to act before the customers by paying some extra attention. Chicken shawarma is my favorite one ... !! Onewho is craving for the arabic food must try this authentic restaurant !!! ( very reasonable prices everything for 7$ and the best ).
(5)Julia R.
Met a friend @ HLC for lunch today ... had the appetizer assortment which was superb and oh-so-affordable. What a fabulous place for vegetarians! I'm glad that lunch today reminds me that we need to trek here from time to time (from Brookside, but oh-so-well worth a bit of time and gas). And the baklava ... oh my ... (as in sinfully scrumptious!) Enjoy!
(5)Gaz H.
So many dishes here are exceptional. The hummus is the best this reviewer has ever had. The baba ganoush was as good as any I have ever had, as was the chicken shwarma and the lamb kebob. Great grill work on the meat. The cheese philo triangle thingy and the philo cigar-shaped baklava were both fantastic as well. The falafel, tabouleh, pita bread, and stuffed grape leaves were just fine, but not extraordinary. There was some fantastic sauce that came with the shwarma that all the other stuff got dipped in and became excellent. The tzatziki with the lamb was righteous as well. The service is a bit disjointed and we didn't get everything that we ordered - but no one promised you a Swiss restaurant, OK? Also, probably not the best place to hold a B'nai Brith meeting (these folks from the non-Hebrew side of town). But by all means come eat. Large multi-room dining area. Bathroom was just fine.
(4)Lupe F.
This place has amazing food, the service is great, my family and I we always come here.
(5)Tito C.
Note: I worked in Dubai & Abudhabi for 3 years and have first hand experience in Arabic cuisine before coming to work in the US as I changed my job. I went to HolyLand cafe on consecutive days. First day was to try it out after I got this place from Yelp , next day was coz I had a very good Arabic food experience on the first day & took three of my friends too. So will go over and over again whenever I am in mood of Arabic food. Customer service: Most people say customer service is bad. Here is my take. They serve good food and is prompt.If we make an eye contact , they will come to the table. I rather like this customer service , rather than those fake smiles and "extra" attention other waiters shows us just to get a heavy tip in other restaurants. So for those people who like to be treated like a king wherever they go might get disappointed here. I would rather say the customer service is frank & prompt , not fake & prompt. Food: Food wise is excellent taste , I can tell this because I have worked in Dubai sometime back and had authentic food there.In this cafe too I have had the same great taste , the hummus & olive oil z so yummy. Cost: I am willing to pay more for this great food & the quantity that they give. I had to pack the rest of my biriyani to home ! . Excellent value for the money that you give.The cost is down to earth , humble ! Take your friends along , they will be grateful that you took them.
(4)Matt N.
Went here for lunch and I have to say that I was actually fairly impressed with the place. The atmosphere was nice if a little crowded where we were sitting. The wait staff could be a little more attentive, but were pleasant and friendly. In fact the only complaint that I have is that two of the three glasses were dirty when they were brought out. The food was amazing! I got the number 11 lunch deal which was gyro meat, rice, a salad and hummus. The hummus was probably the best that I've had maybe ever but certainly in a very long time. The gyro meat was perfectly seasoned and tender. The rice and salad were both excellent though the salad was mostly iceberg there was a little romaine thrown in too. All in all I'd definitely go back, and you can't beat the price for the amount of food and quality that it is. $7.40 for the lunch special and a water. Also I'm not sure if they do this or not, but it looks like they have an area for hookah perhaps at night, that I'd very much like to see if that's a thing.
(3)Melissa F.
Delicious food! I've tried several dishes and haven't been disappointed. My favorites are baba ganouj (served with a great chili paste) & chicken with sun dried tomatoes. The service is very efficient as well. I prefer getting take out as the decor is a bit dated as well. But delicious food! Definitely worth a visit!
(4)Joshua A.
It's the best quick-fix middle-eastern food around (perhaps along with Habashi House at the River Market). The portions are plentiful, the food incredible and the wait is always short. I moved to Lenexa 45 days ago and went in there on a whim not long after. I've been back over a dozen times so far--no joke. I have tried almost everything and it's all good. I really like the biryani, the shawarma mixed platter and the falafel. A great meal, balanced with veggies and grains and proteins awaits you no matter what you get. I noticed a number of negative reviews here and couldn't help but feel offended on Holy Land's behalf. Some people should only be allowed to eat at Applebee's, or else be banned from reviewing places besides Applebee's. Whatever kind of food you prefer, you should feel confident you'll get a treat at Holy Land: flavorful, tried and true dishes made honestly with an attention to detail and pride. That the value is so incredible is just icing on the cake. Go now!
(5)Lee K.
Another awesome experience. The lamb shank was superb, the service attentive, the flavors sublime. Truly a hidden treasure.
(5)Richard C.
I'm from Okc, in town with my son for a bb tourn. We have 2 great restaurants in OKC like this, and this place is slightly above them. The app sampler is amazing. Great, attentive service. Thanks for a great meal and a fair price. Well done!
(5)Doctor S.
I've been to this place a couple times. I'm in town again and plan to go again before heading back home. My family frequents this place. They have never been dissatisfied. So fresh and healthy. Very satisfying and clean. I could give more stars if they had that option. The service is excellent and the owners are very nice people. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Sam H.
It was good. Nothing exceptional. Falafels were meaty and fried well. Humuus and BabaG were bland. Portions were a good size. If you are in the mood for a quick fix, Holy Land will satisfy. I am still on the hunt for authentic middle eastern.
(3)Alex W.
Wasn't that great in terms of service or food quality. I would definitely recommend going somewhere else for Mediterranean food.
(2)Jordan B.
My first time trying middle eastern food and I think I'm in love! Stopped in for lunch on a Friday and it was fairly busy. Staff is kind of awkward/ not super friendly, but the food made up for it. The lunch combos are an incredible deal. $6.49 for a huge plate of food. I had #8, which was chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, hummus, rice, greek salad, and pita. It was fantastic! The sauce was a perfect blend of just enough spice and cream to mix with the rice. Chicken was tender, salad was good, and the hummus was phenomenal. It wasn't the typical gritty kind I am used to buying at the store. It was so smooth and creamy and flavorful...they obviously know what they are doing! I like my pita a little toasted, and this was cold and soft, but that's ok. I probably would have dipped leaves in that hummus and eaten it, it was so good. I tried the falafel appetizer, which wasn't my favorite, but at $2.95 for 4 I can't really complain. Overall, great food for a great price. I will definitely be back.
(4)Kristen S.
It's not bad. I had the stuffed grape leaves. The rice was over cooked and mooshy. I also had the Greek chicken salad which was not the greatest thing ever but edible. Chicken lacked in taste and a bit dry.
(3)Linda G.
So good! Hands down this is one of our favorite places. We always get the sampler because we can never decide on what to get. Their grape leaves are delicious and the hummus is fantastic. The lentil soup is by far my favorite thing! As if the great food wasn't enough the staff is fantastic. They have a sense of humor and a passion for what they do. Highly recommended everyone goes and tries this place!
(5)Susie R.
I love this place! They are always quick and I think the hummus is the best I've ever had. I'm in there so much that they know my name and all the guys are really nice. Once when their credit card machine was down my friend and I had no cash to pay. They told us to just pay next time we came in. Great food and great people!
(5)Shawn B.
After visiting 4 times now I've decided to bump them up a star for consistency. It is kinda funny how these guys don't smile, no chit-chat, nothing. Not rude, just not friendly either. It's like they're just efficient robots doing their job handing out delicious food at reasonable prices. Oh, one more thing...The Gyro is to Mediterranean food as the buffett is to Chinese. I think they offer it because they feel the need to offer something familiar to the non-adventurous types. It is by far their worst offering. It is the peanut butter sandwich when you won't eat your Mother's Stuffed Peppers.
(5)Nikhil R.
Best mediterranean food in Overland Park. Been to this place many times. Taste is amazing. Chicken Shawrma is best thing you can try. Biryani is not so good. Deserts are very nice. They never let me down. Their hummus and pita is very good compared to other restaurants in Overland Park.
(5)Brooke B.
Kind of disappointing. I was craving a falafel and came across this place online. I ordered the grape leaves, falafels with humus and it came with lentil soup. The grape leaves were good, but a bit to much lemon. The lentil soup was kind of blah. Not much flavor. Now for the falafel that I have been craving. What a disappointment. There were these five round, over cooked, burnt tasting, very hard, flavorless falafel balls. They were so bad that I couldn't finish them. The humus was ok, but my husband didn't like it and said it was canned. My husband ordered a gyro and that tasted really good, lots of flavor. The service was really good and they were very friendly. The place was run down looking and clean, but it needs a revamp, so it felt a bit dirty. We won't be back.
(2)George M.
The place is hit or miss. Sometimes the gyros are great, sometimes the meat is really dried out. What really seems to be consistently lacking though is the quality of service! Staff is not responsive or polite and aren't very hospitable to their guests. For example, I got the gyro, fries & a drink lunch special for $6.49. Was charged almost $10 w/ tax bc I asked for a to go cup for my drink and was then charged for 2 drinks. They were very rude about it when I asked why my charge was higher than advertised, after it was already rang up. The cashier said I was charged for the to go drink as well even though a drink comes with the meal. They should have communicated that a to go cup is extra (even though at any American restaurant it would not be extra). Makes me want to stay away from any place that treats their customers like this!
(2)Chris S.
Big portions, great prices, very quiet, almost never crowded. Authentic middle eastern food. The owners joke around and make you feel at home. It's a great place to just go to when you're not in the mood to cook. They have beef, chicken, seafood, salads, soups so you have a great variety of choice.
(5)Steve N.
Pure hidden gem. Food was fantastic. Service was nice, and entrees came out hot and quick. Soup was creamy good. Gyro plate was very tasty. Portions were good size. Can't wait to return and try something else on the menu.
(4)Stephanie E.
Must try the Shrimp and Garlic! So Good!! The employes are amazing they love to joke with the customers and they are always smiling!! I Love Holy Land Cafe!! Best place to eat in Lenexa, Ks!
(5)Anne C.
This is truly one of my favorite places for Mediterranean food. I come here once or twice a year and every time the food is consistently wonderful. I typically order the hummus appetizer and Chicken Shawarma for dinner. The hummus is the creamiest I've ever tasted in the KCMO area and the Chicken Shawarma is always full of flavor. The service is decent as I am never left for wanting anything. Upon leaving the restaurant tonight I had the opportunity to speak with the owner. The Holy Land Cafe is clearly a family owned restaurant and the owner said that "he would never serve anyone something he wouldn't serve to his own family." It is clear that he is passionate about his restaurant and loves what he does. I will be back again and again!
(5)Nishanth M.
Folks in Kansas , who have a craving for solid,tasty Arabic food, search no more.This is the place to meet all your needs. This place has amazing food.Not exaggerating,but this place has truly good food.We went for a Sunday lunch and had lentil soup,chicken shawarma,beef shawarma,chicken biriyani and baklava.Every single item described above was truly good.The shawarma meat was well seasoned and grilled. The biriyani was flavorful , light and isn't greasy or too spicy.All in all, total value for every dollar that you spend here. Some other reviewers have noted that you dont get too much in the way of customer service here.If you are looking for prompt service which takes care of your food needs,you will get that here. If you are looking for fake smiles and a recital of the restaurant's family history,then best eat elsewhere. But you will never regret spending your money for food here. Highly recommended for all people who like Middle Eastern Food.
(5)Julie S.
Oh man, this place is delicious! If you want quick service with excellent, simple middle eastern food - this is the place to go. I haven't had lunch there, only dinner but the dinner service is fast and affordable. I often have the Lamb Curry. All of these dishes also make for great leftovers. The only thing I will say about this place is wear a jacket. The draft from the fridge keeps it pretty chilly in there.
(4)Arayna K.
Went for lunch on a Thursday at 11:45. The service was fast, and the servers friendly. I got the gyro lunch, which had pita, hummus, chili sauce, salad, rice, and gyro meat. It was all really great. I also grabbed a piece of the walnut baklava to go, and it was amazing. Highly recommend this place!
(5)david n.
Reading some reviews, people talk about how awesome the food is but staff not so friendly. This is simply not true. Just because they aren't kissing your butt and not falling all over you, doesn't mean they are rude. They take care of their customers quickly and efficiently. So they don't chit chat with you while taking care of you. Big deal. I'd rather not have some fake overly friendly person serving me with a smile and giving me the finger when I'm not looking. They are good people and do a good job.
(5)Kamil E.
Seems everyone had a bad day at this place, servers don't feel like taking orders, placed my order and hoped food will be good, the meat was shaved off the spit raw and sent to kitchen to be cooked on the griddle which is not how shawarma is originally done, why would you have the meat sit on a spit all day and not cook it. I took the sandwiches and the beef had few slices of meat in it, small sandwich for 8 bucks! Then the chicken was a sour cream sandwich, I took 2 bites and it grossed me out, no flavor, lots of sour cream or whatever they put on the sandwich. I had to ask for my drink and the guy left without apologizing I followed him to get the drink then I said thank you, he looked at me and didn't respond. You guys need to know that attitude is more important than food, good attitude brings people back, bad attitude causes you to loose business. So imagine bad food and bad customer service? I have nothing against this place, I'm a passer who was hoping to find a good place to eat and I feel sorry that I stopped by. I don't normally leave reviews but this time I felt I had to share my opinion about a not so holy place!
(1)Gayla H.
If I were rating this only on the food it would have been a 4 star review. The setting is quaint, it's a cute local shop. We started with the hummus and the spanikopita. The spanakopita was tasty though a little greasier than it was flaky, it was still delicious though. The hummus has a different taste that I didn't care for though my bf enjoyed it. We both had the gyro plate (delicious) and the tea which had a rosemary taste to it that was refreshing. The staff was courteous though not overly friendly. I'd come back but probably won't go out of my way.
(3)Zach G.
I approve. I wasn't necessarily sure I would, but I approve. I strolled in here late after work one day, about 8pm. The guy at the counter was fine...not overly friendly, but fine. I ordered the lamb biryani, "as hot as you can make it." About 10-15 minutes later, my take out box came and I hit the road. The whole drive home, it smelled delicious. I got home, opened it up, and was amazed at how much came for $9.95. A hearty portion of biryani, some "greek" salad (for lack of a better term), some pita and some tzatziki. The biryani was delicious. Nice and spicy...if you like spice, order it as spicy as you can. It wasn't overwhelming but provided a good kick in my throat. The lamb was plentiful and tender with lots of flavor. Occasionally I slapped it on to some pita and tzatziki which were both very good. The salad and dressing were delicious. I had leftovers due to the portion size, and the next day it was almost better reheated...so good. And the spicy factor kicked up a bit while it was stewing in my fridge overnight...delicious. I'll certainly be back here. Probably to get food to go, but I'll be back here. Definitely a good addition to the often boring Johnson County "ethnic" food scene!
(4)Rose L.
Middle Eastern cuisine is really not my thing, as I find it entirely too salty and garlicky. However, I found myself craving some gyro and hummus. Mr Gyro's is closed on Sunday, so I Yelped Holy Land. I wanted to go to KC Grill and Kabob, but since both are similar and HLC is closer, I opted for that. I ordered a Gyro dinner and an appetizer combo. The employees did not use a happyface voice on the phone, nor did they act like they gave a care when I arrived to pick up, but they absolutely were not rude. I was fine with them. They were busy, and I didn't feel their customer service was poor at all as some other reviewers have mentioned. The gyro dinner was average. I should've ordered it with soup, but I got it with the salad, which was salty, tart, and gross. They piled some grilled veggies in the takeout clamshell, and it was not a good combo with the salad. Threw that out. Gyro meat was good. Pita was good but it wasn't grilled. Sauce was watery. The appetizer combo leaves me with mixed feelings, but now I know, and I will order items I prefer next time. Yummies: baba ganousch and stuffed grape leaves and falafel. Pretty sure I could eat lots of that! Grossouts: bland hummus, freaky "salads". Threw all that out. They were out of spanikopita, so I can't review that. Well, if I were Middle Eastern, I would be much thinner because I would be so picky and not interested in some basics. Weird, as I pretty much like most food and am not very discriminating. I think most of my displeasure is personal taste, so I am trying to rate accordingly. I definitely would order here again, but only the stuff I know I like!
(3)John B.
I had the #3 lunch special and it was friggin delicious. Don't miss out on this fantastic food.
(5)andrew h.
Very disappointing. Mediocre food. Rude servers. Much better options for Middle Eastern. Have eaten Arabic food in the Middle East and married to an Arab. Greeted waiter in Arabic and he was not responsive. Did not feel welcome.
(2)Jay G.
Have been coming here for years. This is the best Lebanese food in the KC area hands down. The hummus is perfectly silky and their curries are so flavorful without being heavy or watery. Service is fast, family owned, and always reliable.
(5)Roshelle H.
Best hummus I've ever eaten. I could become a vegetarian and eat nothing but this. They put a dollop of spicy sauce in the corner, for you to mix in as desired. They have perfect pita too, always soft and fresh. But on second thought, the hummus is pretty good with gyro meat... so maybe scratch the vegetarian idea. The kifta plate is delicious too. My only complaint so far, I'm not really a fan of their tzatziki sauce, though I can't put my finger on why. But the hummus easily makes up for it, as I'd put it on anything. Service is good, and while you can sit down to eat or carry out, you get your order pretty quickly. Price isn't bad -- hummus is $4, which I could eat for a meal by itself; they have a few lunch items for $6 or $7; dinner plates are more like $10 or $12. This is my new favorite Middle Eastern restaurant, and I love that it's a convenient location for us. Check it out.
(4)Lauren C.
I work down the street from Holy Land Cafe and make the pilgrimage to their lunch offerings every couple of weeks or so. I've sampled several of their menu items and haven't been disappointed yet. The salad is fresh (though it bears only a marginal resemblance to a traditional Mediterranean salad, the dressing is pure Italian from what I can tell) and the lentil soup, while unappetizing in form is quite decent in flavor. The meats generally have a pleasing amount of char on them and still remain tender. The veggies are fresh. I haven't had the baklava but I have heard good things from the lunch buddies I drag there. All that being said, I do want you to know that the Chicken Schwarma Sandwich Combo is... just... wonderful. You see, it's served with this garlic sauce. (I think it is actually more of an aioli for the foodies out there.) And it's the most garlicky sauce I have ever had. I sweat garlic from my pores whilst eating it and reek when I return from lunch. (My office mates hate me but it's so worth it.) They provide a lot of it - to the point where I always have to spoon a bit off before eating so I can get some of that char-chicken flavor. It's silky, it's smooth and for the love of all that's Holy Land Cafe, is it delicious. Other reviewers have mentioned the service - I've never been for dinner, but from what I can see at lunch, the staff isn't rude, per se. They're just incredibly efficient. I've never had a long wait, though they can get pretty packed during the lunch rush. Someone else mentioned that it's a cultural thing, the non-smiley deal, and I would have to agree. I don't mind, I don't need to see my server's teeth to enjoy my food. They get my order right every time, keep my glass filled and I am out the door in well under my allotted lunch hour even when they are swamped. HLC is a great quick lunch spot. I wouldn't take a swanky client there, as the decor got stuck in some kind of 1980's/Persian vortex but the mauve leatherette booths are only a minor distraction once they get that sandwich in front of my face. Long live garlic!
(4)Alexis R.
Yuuuummmm! I loved the baba ghanouj and falafel sandwich with lentil soup. The soup was peppery and delicious, and the baba ghanouj had just the right amount of bitterness to match the crunch of the falafel and fresh lettuce and tomato in the sandwich. The pita was really fresh, and the prices were really reasonable (~$6 for sandwich + side and $0.50 for baba ghanouj added in). The service was quick, and I'd like to come back some evening for dinner!
(5)Melissa S.
This place is amazing! I always get the #10 (Spicy Chicken). It comes with rice, hummus, pita bread, and a salad. not to mention this lunch combo is only $6.49. Food is full of flavor and a great amount of heat. This spot is kind of a dive on the inside, but all the best places are!
(5)Travis K.
Great food and nice wait staff. I ordered the falafel and lunch combo #11 and it was really good. The food was fresh and came quickly. It was 1:30 in the afternoon and the place was packed.
(5)Jason P.
My family enjoys the food! I've tried lots and liked it all. Very reasonable pricing. Would be five stars! If you have questions about menu I would recommend using Google. There may be a cultural difference or given their steady volume they have not consistently delivered the warm, friendly and catering service that I've been spoiled with elsewhere.
(4)Lauren M.
While the building is unassuming and ordinary looking the restaurant inside is anything but. I went here on a whim because I was craving middle eastern food and this place had good reviews. I got the falafel sandwich and it was literally the best falafel I've ever had. I also got some of their decadent dessert, the basbousa, which was drenched in honey and sprinkled with pistachios. So. Good. If you're in the area, go!
(5)Dustin K.
This little gem rocks!! Been coming here for years, lunch and dinner. I think the Beef Shawarmah is better that the chicken, but both are really good. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
(5)Michael T.
I came in for lunch and had an amazing Chicken and Beef Shawarma with pita, rice and a ton of vegetables. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly the food came out and how great it tasted. All lunch entrees are $7 so it is quite affordable and very filling.
(5)Reese A.
My husband and I love their food. The prices and quality are both stellar. Also, the guys that work there and the owner are always really nice to us. They are smiley and always ask how we have been. The are quick and never make mistakes. My favorite food is probably hummus. I've had all different kinds. This restaurant has by far the best hummus I've ever had. I wish they sold it in local grocery stores. Support these guys and all your friendly local places in KC!
(5)Hossam A.
They are not professional at all . Bad customer service ..the guys working there are very mean and rude ..and takes forever to get your food ready ..I stopped going there .
(1)April L.
Recently moved and was exploring the area and found this little gem. The service is prompt and to the point. The food is amazing! I have never been disappointed. The pita bread is fluffy and the humus is some of the best I have had. I could eat there every meal. Don't forget to get some baklava after your meal!
(5)Susan C.
Not bad...really good lunch deals. Combos with rice, pita bread slices, meat and the whole shebang start at $6.49. Any sandwich with a side (rice, fries or salad) is $5.95.
(3)Lauren M.
I really love this place! I used to work by it and go here all the time. The hummus is the best by far of any other restaurant. It's creamy and delicious! Everything I've ever gotten here is so good. I usually get the number 8 (sun dried tomatoes with chicken) on the lunch menu. It's usally about 8-10 bucks for lunch, which is decent for the amount of food and quality. I've tried several different Mediterranean places, and this is number one. Though sometimes the wait staff is a bit irritable and impatient, the food is worth it.
(4)Paul W.
This place was good. Had the spicy chicken, and my girlfriend had the curry chicken. The presentation was much better than the pictures on the menu. Why places have pictures on their menu is beyond me. Not the best grape leaves I have ever had. Only giving them 3 stars because the staff was fairly unwelcoming and there was no atmosphere. Still, solid place to get a bite to eat.
(3)Scott G.
Woooo Weeeee! Stopped in here after work because I had noticed it recently and I was in the mood for something different. Got the Kabob Combo. I got the one that came with two meats (lamb and beef were my choices). It also came with pita bread , rice, some white sauce stuff and a salad. The house dressing was good and i'm pretty picky about dressings. Actually, everything was delicious. (well the white sauce wasn't really up my ally but it's in a container on the side) The guys working there were super nice. Took about 10 minutes to get my food but got the salad pretty much right after i placed my order. I don't really eat this type of food very much but I will be back for more now since it was so yummy. I was alone so I didn't ask about the gluten free options but next time i'll find out for sure whats up with that. The meal was around $15 and I ate there and had left overs for another meal later. I also got a few pieces of their baklava dessert and it was some of the best i've had. Really Really Really Delicious! Give this place a go if you want some different food that's tasty.
(4)Brent K.
This is the place to go for middle eastern food. seriously, for 7 bucks you get a huge meal for lunch and fairly healthy to boot. I wouldn't go anywhere else for middle eastern food. this place rules. also an aside to anyone looking for a Gyro. Gyro is Greek. If you want Greek, go to Mr. Gyro. Holy Land is Middle Eastern. Try something new for a change, it'll surprise you.
(5)Rather N.
This has been one of my favorite restaurants in all of the KC area for 7 years now (ever since I discovered it). I have had nearly everything on the menu and have never been disappointed. I recently had the Lamb Kabob and was expecting a "doner type" meat. What I got was wonderful medallions. They were perfectly seasoned and juicy. I recently ate at a fancy place in the Plaza and ordered their lamb, for well over $25 and I must say that the lamb at Holy Land Cafe was by far better. The only thing some of you Midwesterners may have a hard time getting used to is the service may seem a bit impersonal or perhaps borderline rude. I chalk it up to cultural differences. As I have said, I have dined there for over 7 years and almost always, it is the same guy that waits on us and almost always, I can see how someone else in my shoes would not like the service; even though he always smiles when we come in and even comments on how big my children are getting. I think the service is just perfect and the food exceptional.
(5)carla e.
Went back for my monthly visit to my favorite restaurant (if i lived any closer I would eat there much more often, it's one of the very few things I miss about living in Johnson County). Just wanted to reiterate that the food is still as delicious as it has always been, but now the service is better, too. My previous review detailed a few key visits in which the service wasn't very good. That server has since been let go and replaced by better, more attentive servers :) I hardly have to ask for extra feta anymore, as they remember me and are happy to accommodate my NEED to have feta sprinkled on everything I order. If you've never had feta cheese before, you are definitely missing out......but I digress. Final summation: if you want great food in a laid back atmosphere, Holy Land is the place to be.
(5)Kerry P.
Lunch specials are fabulous! I always get the chicken breast with creamy artichoke sauce plate. it is SO GOOD! and the baklava is the best here. Service is quick and the staff is direct, so don't get it confused as an attitude.. they're actually pretty friendly
(4)Mary C.
I was impressed by the food. I love Greek food, but by no means am I an expert. The hummus is good, the red pepper sauce is spicy, and the sundried tomato chicken curry is EXCELLENT! The waitstaff was attentive, not overly friendly, but also not annoyingly rude or over attentive. The food is delivered quickly and drinks are refilled promptly. The falafel we had was overdone. But had good taste. The restaurant was freezing! We had to wear coats while eating, and it honestly felt warmer outside, after dark, in December. It doesn't look like much on the outside (or inside), but the food really is worth stopping for. I will definitely be back!
(4)Rob M.
I ate lunch here before heading over to the Pak-Halal Market a few doors down to do some Middle Eastern grocery shopping. Like other reviewers, I found that the Holy Land's decor is non-existent and the service a bit spotty. I ordered the lentil soup and a falafel sandwich. Both were excellent -- the lentil soup came in a good sized bowl and it was rich, thick and redolent with cumin and other spices. Seriously yummy and almost a meal in itself! The falafel was also good and filling. And made to order -- the falafel hadn't been sitting around on a steam table, as far as I could tell. I'm not sure, but I don't think the owners are Israelis. I think they're Palestinian. But they certainly come from that part of the world and know the food and the flavors of their homeland! This was definitely not Americanized food and it was delicious! I'll be back, for sure!
(4)Trin N.
Must have the hummus and gyro meat appetizer. The hummus is sooooooo creamy. Comes with hot fluffy pita bread and a side of chili sauce.
(4)Stuti J.
Lentil soup and falafel sandwich is my staple here. The coffee is very interesting too - with a rich flavor of cinnamon and other spices. Also, those who like their food spicy ask for their chilli sauce - it is delicious. I have always been tempted to try their desserts (baklavas) but haven't done it yet - some day soon...... The ambience is not that great but the food makes the trip absolutely worth it.
(4)Megan W.
Holy Land Cafe is one of my new go-to lunch spots. Their beef schwarma is very good but my favorite is the gyro plate. The gyro meat is perfectly spiced and there's a nice sized serving of meat along with the rice. The price for their lunch plate (6.49) is very fair with salad, rice, hummus and pita. I always sub the salad for their lentil soup and they're very accommodating about the request. The falafel is very well made and not overly dense or cooked, and I highly recommend trying the baklava - it's the best I've ever had!
(4)Andrew H.
I love their chicken curry. The rice that comes with that dish is some the best I've had. They have great prices too. Definitely recommended.
(5)Annie U.
I LOVE the Holy Land Cafe. I have been a frequent customer for about four years. I am recognized by the owner, and treated very well. Granted, it is only a block or two away from my house, but I would go here anyway for the delicious food. The people who run the restaurant are very kind, but not overly friendly. When I eat out, I like to be left alone, and not bothered every five minutes by the server. I love the hummus, pita, falafel, and their lentil soup. The lentil soup is AWESOME in winter and has a good amount of spice. I've liked everything that I've tried. You get so much food for the price, and it makes great leftovers. Whenever I come home, this restaurant is one of the first places I go.
(5)Jacob H.
Gyro plate and hummus is my personal favorite. Great blend of spices.
(4)Heath F.
The Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato dish is easily my favorite lunch plate in Kansas City. Absolutely delicious, great sized portion, and never lets me down. The hummus and pita are an awesome compliment, and I usually get an extra pita because they give you more than enough hummus to go around. I'll agree with others that the service isn't as warm as other spots, but I've never found that to be a detriment to my dining experience. It's just different a different culture, and that's okay by me.
(4)Vicki B.
I read several good reviews about this place on Yelp, so I thought I'd give it a try when I was working in the area. The lentil soup which so many people said they liked turned out to be completely bland and tasteless. It was also puréed into a green broth, with nary a trace of lentil or anything else. After 2 bites I knew I wouldn't be eating it, so I asked the waiter if I could take it home. It was a good-sized bowl, and I thought perhaps my dog would like it. The waiter returned with a styrofoam coffee cup half full of the soup. I took it up to the counter & asked if he had a larger container to put it in. He raised his eyebrows as if I were being unreasonable and poured a tiny bit more into the same cup. I also ordered the gyro. It came on cold pita bread which tasted hard and stale. The half tomato slice was fresh, but the slices of meat were very small and the whole thing tasted bland. I like Middle Eastern food very much, but I have had much better lentil soup out of a can. I have never had anyplace screw up a gyro before, but this place managed to. I will not be going back. This is the second place I've been to that was highly rated on Yelp and turned out to be a complete waste of time and money. I'm beginning to think people are writing good reviews in order to get free meals.
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