was so happy to hear that a lebanese food restaurant opened up in downtown Boston because there are so few. Tried their chicken and beef shawarma....both are great! The hommos and batatta harra were great as well. Definitely a great place to try!
(5)
J M.
5 Stars Food 5 Stars Service 5 Stars Value 5 Stars Quality Amazing food! Especially the garlic sauce. Friendly owner. Great bang for your buck.
(5)
Joe J.
This place serves up some authentic and tasty Lebanese food. I would give the food four stars, and the service five stars. Extremely friendly. To recap, we had the beef shawarma, chicken shawarma, and veggie plate. Note that the shawarma wraps come with french fries in them, as they should to be truly authentic.
(5)
Jacob D.
Excellent shawarma at a reasonable price. The gentleman who owns the place is extremely kind and hospitable. Emerson students (and any other surrounding colleges) get a 10% discount as well.
(5)
Tessa A.
Falafel rollup was bright with all the mint, and the falafel itself was spicy, crunchy, and moist! Excellent.
(5)
Jeff G.
Great food and excellent service. One of my favorite stops when I was attending Suffolk.
(4)
Enkelejda H.
Very nice food. Perhaps the best beef platter.The rice was awesome and perfectly cooked.We will come again. The owner is very nice!
(4)
Richard M.
Lamb roll-up was nothing special. It was good but also very average. They put French fries in it which I wasn't thrilled by.
(3)
Chris O.
Good food. Great service. Warm garlicky chicken schwarma roll up hit the spot. Decent coffee to boot.
(4)
Richard F.
We came as a large group. I ordered the chicken kabob platter and it was delicious. Didn't know what to expect from my first time having Lebanese food, but I will definitely be going back. Not only was the food good, but the serve was phenomenal! Really nice, accommodating, friendly.
(5)
Padraig M.
Great shawarma, especially the chicken. Kebabs pretty good too. Have tried lamb kebab roll up, really enjoyed it. I go after the lunch crush : super nice hospitable run this place.
(5)
Brian M.
Excellent service, the owners really care about you as a customer, and they are proud of their food. The food is delicious, but they are stingy with the portions of meet on the shawarma platters. The plates are loaded with rice and then topped with a few pieces of meat. I'd give it four or five stars if they went lighter on the rice and heavier on the meat.
(3)
Justin K.
I went here last week based on the uncanny amount of 5 star Yelp reviews; it was my first and last trip to Shawarma Falafel. I had a vegetarian plate with falafel, hummus, fattoush, and grape leaves. Let me break it down real quick. Failure #1: The falafel was cooked to order, which initially had me pretty excited. Unfortunately, it wasn't cooked enough and tasted of raw beans. Failure # 2: The hummus similarly had a raw chicpea taste. It was extremely thick, the tahini was overpowering, and there was not a drop of lemon to be tasted. Thick, bitter, and horrible. Failure #3: A defining characteristic of fattoush is the crunchy pita, which was nowhere to be found. Instead, I was served what I can only describe as a pile of not-so-fresh lettuce and vegetables drowned in a terrible oily dressing. There was no sumac or no citrus, just oil and dried herbs. Failure #4: Soggy, flavorless grape leaves. So soggy that they actually dripped mystery liquid. Perhaps this was from the aforementioned "salad dressing", but either way, I couldn't even swallow the one bite that I forced myself to take. I will say that the folks running it were very nice. But I am baffled by the all positive reviews. Long story short, if you are looking for falafel in the downtown area, do not waste your time or money here- walk the extra 20 steps to Falafel King.
(1)
Olena D.
So delicious, I can't wait to be back! If you love shawarma than this is the place for you. The service wasn't just great but it felt like I was being served by family and friends although this was my very first time! Try the chicken shawarma (if you tend to hate chicken, than you must try, it was so tasty) and also try the lamb plate! Overall, everything was very fresh and the place is very clean!
(5)
Hyun G.
The food was AMAZING and the owner was extremely friendly and hospitable. Definitely going there again.
(5)
Ahmad M.
it opened 6 months ago and i didn't know about it ?!!!!! 1- the owners and workers are super super nice (i care a lot about customer service). 2- my falafel was cooked to order and it was AWESOME. and loved their spicy hummas. 3- prices are great for what you get. 9 and something for a big plate of 2 falafe, rice, chicken shawerma, garlic souce and tahini, and a piece of bread. 4- very clean restrooms and place. quiet away from downtown buzz. will def come again and try their breakfast.
(5)
Adam M.
It's close to where I work (inside the building actually) so the convenience can't be beat. The food is freshly made while you wait and the staff is pleasant. It's a little off the beaten path, but a quiet oasis in downtown crossing.
(5)
Muni M.
I have finally found what I've been missing so much! Boston needed a place like this :) The perfect shawarma with the perfect hummus and baba ghanouj on the side. So glad I stopped by and will definitely come back!
(5)
Kay S.
I ordered the lamb platter with hummus harr and baba ghannouj. Delish! THE tastiest lamb platter I've had! The place is clean and the folks are super nice. They explain everything if you're a first timer. The price commensurates with the quality and quantity! My only suggestion is to serve with silverware to truly enjoy the hours of prep and love put into the meal.
(5)
Alex P.
Been coming here since the week it opened. The best lunch place in Boston. Best service, best food!
(5)
Chris C.
Great chicken shawarma roll-up and falafel plate. Quick service (130pm Tuesday), staff are very nice. Restaurant is clean and welcoming. Will go back, nice to have another lunch option without going all the way downtown.
(4)
Chloe M.
The service was absolutely amazing, the food was so good (I had a chicken shawarma) I couldn't stop eating until I felt sick. MUST STOP RESTAURANT! If I ever make it back to Boston this will be my first stop!!!!
(5)
Karim C.
This place is awesome. Really clean, very friendly people. The food is great. I tried the man'ouche for breakfast. It doesn't show on the menu but they make it everyday between 8-11 am. I would definitely recommend this place, especially for breakfast.
(5)
Scott H.
Good shawarma, very good falafel and fantastic service. Owner was very friendly and attentive. Loved it!
(5)
Suzi M.
Not only was the falafel amazing, the people were incredibly nice that run it. Customer service was incredible and we were in and out in no time!
(5)
Alex T.
After visiting the MFA, we were kind of hungry. We stopped at this neat place, attracted by real falafels. We were told to wait 5 minutes as they would be made fresh for us (it was 5:30PM). The falafels were delicious. The hummous was incredible, the best I had in the US and in France. The pita was fresh (certainly home made). The baklava (square ones) were also fantastic. Right amount of honey, not greasy/fat, fresh in mouth. The slices and size were generous. The manager was very friendly, taking care of presentation, wrapping... and we spoke in French. We highly recommend this place. The only downside was parking as we were coming from Virginia with our car. There's a 15 minute place up in the street in front of an ATM which was useful as we took the food to go.
(5)
Maheen U.
I tried the beef shawarma and it was one of the best I've had anywhere (middle east, UK, Pakistan). The owner was very friendly and courteous and even offered a complimentary (Pink coloured!) humus sample which was great! Definitely a place to try for those who like authentic Lebanese food.
(4)
Erica H.
First time having falafel. My boyfriend loves the place! We showed up about 20 min before they opened, and they opened early just for us... That's good service... And with a smile. We'll be back for sure, and maybe I'll hire them for catering as well:) Def get the falafel!
(5)
Ian T.
Ordered the Chicken Shawarma plate with vegetarian rice, hummus, and the potato side I forget the name of (it's the one that costs $1 extra). Also ordered one piece of falafel. The service was friendly, though a bit slower than I'd expect for a lunch place downtown. I had to wait for the potatoes to be fried, which took a while. The potatoes were good, and the hummus was outstanding, but the chicken and rice were a bit bland. If I were only judging the place on the food, I might give it 3 stars. Decent, but nothing special (other than the hummus). The slow service and relative expense (my total was almost $13) knock it down a star. I might come back some time just to get the hummus (their hummus plus Falafel King's falafel would be amazing!), but overall I wouldn't recommend this place.
(2)
Theresa H.
Amazing food and staff. They food was delicious but the guys there are so friendly. They gave me a ton of other free food as I was eating. I couldn't eat it all. I paid $12 for my initial combo meal. Definitely recommend
(5)
Abhishek P.
Excellent place for falafal lovers!!!! Very good service. I am not a falafal lover but liked everything about this place. Try their side order of Batata hara
(5)
Michael T.
Wandered in close to closing on Saturday afternoon when a lot of the good places in downtown crossing are not open. I was fully expecting to tell them how I want my falafel wrap, but the owner very nicely suggested I try the Lebanon style and to give him feedback afterwards, so I agreed. Great decision, I loved it. Its rare to find nice people working in this area so for that and the great food, 5 stars.
(5)
Lizzie B.
I generally do not write reviews, but I felt compelled after the wonderful service these folks provided. Get the lamb kabob platter, it is simply divine. The meat is perfectly tender and flavorful and comes with two hefty sides: I got the baba ganoush and the tabouli salad, both delicious. The platter also comes with some sort of garlic dipping sauce which brings the whole dish together. The hospitality, however, is what makes this place special. Owned by a husband and wife team, they both are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the food. They use their own home recipes and generally care whether or not you are satisfied with your purchase. They also have a loyalty card and hand out free samples of their hummus (if they don't offer it- ask- the "hot" hummus will clear out your sinuses and put a spring in your step).
(5)
Chris C.
I'll let yelpers in on the best kept secret in Boston: the chocolate croissants at Shawarma Falafel. The owner is classically trained in French cooking and hand makes all of his croissants. He also makes a Lebanese breakfast roll up called man'oushe. Very healthy thin, light flat bread smeared with a sesame seed spread, baked and finished with mint leaves, tomatoes, olives. Doesn't sound like breakfast, but I recommend it, especially for the health conscious among us. The ingredients here are fresh, the consistency excellent, and the owners pleasant, polite, and engaging. Also the place is spotless. A rare gem in Boston.
(5)
Eric L.
This little shop has some great quality shwarma and falafel. My first time in I tried the falafel roll-up and the shwarma roll-up in order to get a taste of both. On a side note the owner is probably the most friendly and likable person in the restaurant business. The falafel was served rolled neatly in a pita gently pressed. The falafel was nice and crisp with a soft airy center. The condiments (tomatoes, mint, turnip pickles, radish, tehini sauce) complemented the falafel creating a nice balance of flavors. The beef shwarma was also neatly presented, pressed, and sliced in half. The meat was nice and savory with an array of condiments as well (cucumber pickles, grilled tomato, onion, parsley, tehini). The owner brought us a little container of spicy hummus on the house too. Overall the experience was great and I will definitely return on another trip to boston.
(5)
Liam S.
This place has really really good shawarma and falafel wraps with nice and fresh french fries. THE HUMMUS IS TO DIE FOR. But the customer service is 100% the reason I'll be coming back. Super friendly, quick, helpful and gave plenty of free samples. Love this place.
(5)
Piri R.
Best beef shawarma in town. If you don't like tahini sauce make sure you mention that. Owner is very friendly as well. Overall great experience. They have a clean and spacious place.
(5)
Raj S.
Really delicious and tasty roll up. I forget the exact one but it was spicy beef chunks. It's a tad small but very flavorful. Fries are tasty too if you make it a meal. Lots of open space! Friendly folks. The large tray does not help - makes the roll up look puny!!! Ha ha... -1 star for small start and for being pricey compared to other option around.
(4)
Karim D.
This food is by far the best Middle Eastern food I have eaten outside my grandmother's kitchen. It is authentic, well-made, and absolutely delicious. It is also extremely reasonably priced. I will eat here every day that I'm in Boston, for sure.The food is making me happy.
(5)
Nashrah R.
Move over Falafel King. For around the same price, you can get tastier food at this place. I had the chicken shawarma plate which came with minced beef rice, salad and two sides (I chose falafel and baba ghanoush) for around $10. The proportion was very generous. I prefer this place to King because the chicken is tender and actually has flavor. The rice is also well cooked and nicely spiced. The baba ghanoush is a little bland, though, and lacks a kick. Overall, if you had to make a choice, I would recommend Shawarma.
(5)
Rachel S.
I wish I could give them a zero star the customer service was awful the woman was so rude to me and my one year old daughter she told me that I had to be a customer before I use the bathroom in which I was going to purchase food the food was tiny hardly any meat overly salty absolutely terrible I would never go back there again yuck
(1)
A S.
Absolutely delicious. Will give closeby competitors a run for their money. Very friendly staff too.
(5)
Lindsay G.
The garlic sauce served with the chicken shawarma was super garlicky heaven. The baba ghanouj and spicy hummus were also very tasty and I appreciated that the pita came out piping hot. My only very minor gripe was that the rice seemed a bit oily. I easily made two meals out of this - great value for $9.45. Wonderful staff, and extremely delicious food - go try it out!
(5)
Andrew C.
Very tasty food. The the falafel was hot, crunchy and delicious. I am certainly going to return.
(5)
Sanjay G.
This is hands down the best falafel/ Lebanese place in the Boston/ Cambridge area and beyond. In fact, I don't remember a better Middle Eastern place in my years in 5 cities across the U.S. The food is as as fresh as it is flavorful and the people genuinely seem to enjoy preparing it. It is barely a year old and I hope they maintain the quality as their business explodes, which it is bound to. - Jay
(5)
T N.
Apparently this place only opened last year, but it was doing pretty good business when I stopped by the other day. It's right in downtown and is moderately priced, so I am sure they are doing well for themselves. The (owner?) and workers were all so friendly and inviting. They asked questions like if this was our first time visiting and how we had heard about it (I truthfully answered, through yelp!). They have an extensive menu and the food only took about 10 minutes or less to prepare. It was cooked well and tasted great! I will definitely be back. They also have a loyalty card (10th visit is free, I believe).
(5)
Sarah A.
This is an absolutely fantastic restaurant! As a Middle Eastern, I struggle in finding a place that serves authentic food and I found it here. They also recently switched to a completely halal menu which I applaud them for. Not sure about what to order? Just ask for a sample. P.S.: They offer a student discount to many local college students, and they also have a neat rewards program.
(5)
Collin R.
They gave me a wrap with just chicken and fries and looked at me like I was crazy when I asked where the rest was. Fries are good though.
(2)
t w.
I just recently came back from a trip to Oman and Dubai. I was missing the food pretty badly and found this place through yelp. The food completely lived up to expectations and hopes that it would be like what I had on my trip. I order the falafel. It is everything you could hope for, crispy on the outside, hot and warm on the inside. Also ordered the lamb plate, very very good. I got a side of baba ganoush, hummus, and tabouli. Incredibly delicious, especially the baba ghanouj. The owner is a very nice man. He gave us a sample of the herbed potatoes. They are perfectly made. Crunchy on the outside and hot on the inside without being overly salted or greasy.
(5)
Rachel E.
I created an account just to rave about how great this place is. I've walked past it several times, but I finally strolled in for a late lunch today, around 3:30pm. The place was empty but the owners behind the counter were dying to chat me up. They offered recommendations and samples without hesitation or asking. The chicken shwarma roll up was the best I've ever had! Falafel King doesn't even compare. Excellent experience, without a doubt would recommend!
(5)
Brooke H.
A most delicious find! We walked in not noticing that the restaurant would be closing in a few minutes. We apologized and started to leave when the owners asked us to stay. The staff were gracious, welcoming, and patient with those not familiar with Lebanese cuisine. The Lebanese are noted for their hospitality and we got the complete treatment! Oh, yes, the food is great, too! Between the three of us we ordered the beef shawarma, falafel, hummus, and baba ghanouj. The garlic sauce went well with fries and pitas. Unfortunately, they were out of tabbouleh (it was closing, after all). I'm going to go back because I am sure it is good. Every dish was just right. The portions were ample and fairly priced. Shawarma Falafel is a keeper!
(5)
Samantha G.
This place is the bomb. I ordered the veggie falafel plate and was blown away. Easily the best falafel in the area, let alone the best I have ever had. The friendly man behind the counter made me fresh new falafels, and he gave me various samples of spicy hummus. The portion was huge and I loved the pickled turnip, mint, radish, and tomato salad. I will be back!
(5)
Scott L.
Some of the best baba ghanouj, hummous and shawarma I've ever had, and I've probably eaten at 25 different falafel places. The baba ghanouj has an amazing smokey flavor and creaminess. The hummous had olive oil drizzled on top and mint leaves to garnish on top, which felt like this fast food place goes the extra mile. Even the pita was freshly warm. Everything about this place rocked.
(5)
Shar p.
This place lived up to the rave reviews I gets on yelp. I had a beef roll-up and a side of two felafel. The roll-up was good (4 stars): good taste, though nothing outstanding, and a bit small. But, the felafel was one of the best I've had. While the owner/chef was preparing a new batch of felafel, he gave me a couple of different samples of humus - both of which were delicious. The platters looked great (although I didn't have one). Overall, I rate: Food: 4+ stars Service: 5 stars Price: 4+ stars I would definitely come back here and try some other dishes.
(5)
Allison B.
I love this place. I have been four times and it is always delicious and fresh, it's a great value, and the staff is very kind. The owner is happy to talk about the foods from his hometown and you can ask for the special Lebanese spice blend if you like spicy. I love falafel, and especially here how there are other flavors I don't usually have in falafel like fresh mint and homemade pickles.
(5)
Youmna L.
The most authentic Lebanese food I've had in years it reminded me of the food in Lebanon. It's hidden past Boston Commons. The owner is very friendly and offered us samples to try. Try the authentic Kebbe and the spicy Hummus. The grilled halloumi sandwich and Falafel roll is great for vegetarians!
(5)
J J.
Best Middle Eastern food I've ever had bar none. Ever. Best hummus I've ever had too. Smooth yet complex flavors. I'm addicted to this place.
(5)
Nikki O.
Soooo good. I'm gonna be a regular :D. Finally a shawarma place in Boston worth raving about.
Great Lebanese food and so is their service, our family really enjoyed and prices are family friendly as well. I hope these guys will offer more dishes in time, Lebanese kitchen is one of the best in the world.
(5)
Nilesh D.
This new Falafel joint in Boston's downtown is a great addition indeed. We had gone to enjoy the old Falafel King and discovered this hidden jewel. The owner of this place is very hospitable and loves to feed. He offered a lot of varieties of hummus for free just to try. This place is bigger than usual falafel places and has a great ambience to it. We even got some extra food back along with yummy baklavas. I would suggest this place to anyone who loves to eat authentic Lebanese food and want a bang for their money. We will definitely visit this place again- soon.
(4)
Ervin B.
My first experience with Lebanese cuisine and it was fantastic. I went with the beef shawarma roll up and it was the right size with the perfect ratio of beef and condiments to my taste. Glad I took a to go menu with me, cause I will be back to try some thing else.
(4)
Gary C.
We discovered Shawarma Falafel by accident. What a wonderful accident !!! The food here is fabulous, and the owner couldn't be friendlier. After ordering we sat at our table waiting for our food to arrive. While we were waiting, the owner brought us 2 complimentary stuffed grape leaves. They were excellent. Our 2 lunches arrived a few minutes later, and they were equally good. The Shawarma was superb, as were the side orders we had. A short while later, the owner came over again, and this time he brought us a complimentary very flat "bread" for us to use to "soak up" the couscous we had ordered. It was unlike anything we had ever had, and was outstanding. I'm not sure it is on the menu, but if you eat here, it is not to be missed. Everything was so great we wanted to come back the next day (Sunday) to have another meal, so we asked the owner whether they were open, but sadly, that's the one day they are closed. Shawarma Falafel is wonderful discovery with superior food and a terrific staff. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Veronica B.
My new obsession, best Lebanese food I've ever had in America. Also the staff there is so nice and accommodating. The lamb wrap and garlic paste is the best
(5)
Annie F.
I stumbled on this new gem killing time downtown. My lucky day! The owners, Serge and Mary, graciously welcomed me to sit down and enjoy my chicken shawarma roll up just as they were closing the restaurant. Serge gave me complimentary spicy hummus and babaganush, which were both out of this world and made with perfect proportions. I've never had traditional Lebanese food, and its spices and flavor is excellent! I could tell they put a lot of thought and love in their food. And their Customer service is excellent!
(5)
Joshua G.
Crazy delicious Lebanese food. This place is WAY better than Falafel King or any of the other falafel places downtown. One of the best lunches I've had in downtown Boston. And the these folks are really nice and friendly. They brought me a complimentary dolma!
(5)
Sana T.
Coming from a Middle Eastern, the food was mediocre at best. I ordered the chicken shish platter which came with rice (odd combination as we don't eat it this way in the Middle East), humous (home-made and very bland, needs serious seasoning) and pickles which were good. Chicken was bland and very dry as it was precooked and reheated to order and also lacked any of the chicken shish seasoning you would taste elsewhere. I also ordered a side of falafel which was very good and freshly made in front of me. I would only go back for the falafel nothing else. Good value for money when looking for a quick fast food fix in the city. Friendly staff especially the owners who are super welcoming and very warm (hence the 3 stars).
(3)
Krysten S.
This place is GREAT! I had the chicken shawarma platter and it was excellent. If you're a big eater, it is a generous amount. If you eat small amts frequently throughout the day, like me, that platter was easily enough for two meals. The owners are really nice and happy to have customers, as well. Hidden gem.
(5)
Laura P.
If you love lebanese food like I do, this place will blow your mind. This is a true hidden gem in every sense of the word. It is on a side street that doesn't get much foot traffic so the place has not become super busy yet, but I believe it will once word gets out how incredible the food is. The food is fresh and magical....there is nothing as authentic as this place in Boston. The flavors dance on the tongue. The chicken shawarma and falafel is to die for. The hummous harr (spicy hummous) is phenomenal and don't get me started on the garlic paste...I could drink that stuff, literally. Definitely check this place out if you like authentic lebanese food!
(5)
Janet J.
The best place for a shawarma and falafel! This is the authentic Lebanese style. They have roll-up sandwiches and platters. Beef, lamb, chicken, fish, vegetarian dishes. All sort of side dishes and desserts. Prices are very reasonable. My favorite is the chicken shawarma roll up. It's a perfect amount. Not too much and not too little. The falafel is not greasy or dripping in oil. Their hummus is also very good. Not too tangy and not too heavy with the tahini (sesame paste). Theirs is the only one, besides my mother's, that doesn't give me a stomach ache. all the ingredients are fresh and they make it right in front of you. Very clean place. About time a place like this opened up. This is my to-go place for lunch every day.
(5)
Jason S.
I've been here about a half dozen times, and each time I've been made to feel like I was the most important customer in the room. The friendly service alone would keep me coming back, but the fact is the food makes it worth it, as well. I've had falafel wraps and chicken shawarma wraps, and both were incredibly flavorful, fresh and generously proportioned. Even the "small" hummus (great for garlic lovers) was enough for me to take back to work and eat for the next two days. I'm glad to see so many other positive reviews because I was afraid people were missing this hidden gem. Sure, I'm also a fan of Falafel King like everyone else, but if you're looking for exceptional, friendly service in a relaxed environment (I usually eat in) and delicious food without long lines and that assembly line feel, this is the place.
(5)
August Z.
Shawarma Falafel far exceeded my expectations. I ordered the Lamb platter with baba ganoush and tabouli. Everything was made with fresh ingredients, delicious lamb that I recommend to all who pass by this location which is a Middle East Gem in Boston! True authentic food with owners who take pride in what they serve!
(5)
Emma D.
While I was not crazy about the chicken (lacked flavor), everything else was good! The hummus and spicy hummus were great. The service was great, and everyone was extremely nice and polite. I would return to order something other than the chicken!
(3)
Matt D.
I don't write that many reviews but I made my first visit to Shawarma and I was really impressed as well as puzzled by one of the negative reviews. The menu looked interesting but I thought for my first time I would start with the basics and ordered the falafel with a small side baba ghannouj. I was a little concerned at first because the falafel wrap did not come with a lot of toppings/extras - no feta, no lettuce, etc. However, when I received the wrap, I understood. The secret of the falafel wrap is in it's simplicity, it has great fresh flavor and didn't need to be drowned with other toppings or sauces. The taste of the fresh parsley comes through nicely and the wrap has just the right amount of crispness. One of the reviewers complained about the taste of raw chickpeas but what I tasted was a falafel with a nice chinky texture that tasted homemade and where you could tell what it was that you were eating. Again, the ingredients and flavor were so fresh that it made me think that maybe I had forgotten what falafel is supposed to taste like - no need to grind up chickpeas with a bunch other ingredients so that the end result is some dense ball of things that I cannot identify. The baba ghannouj had a great smokey flavor and even the small was enough to take a little extra home for a snack. Don't forget about the desserts. They are homemade and excellent - just the right size for a little treat. Overall, I think this place is a winner. The food is fresh, the restaurant is spotless and there is real pride of ownership.
(4)
pippi p.
I tried Shawarma Falafel for the first time today, and am happy to report that it was delicious! I had the Lahem Meshwi (Lamb Kebob Platter) with baba ghannouj and tabbouli as my sides. I was very impressed with the flavor and quality of the dish. The restaurant is very clean and well lighted--always a plus. I live nearby and plan to return often! Only request: I wish that the owners would put a bit more explanation on their menu, as I was uncertain of the ingredients in several dishes. (Their take-out menu didn't elaborate either.)
(5)
Shreya P.
Awesome Lebanese food and really great customer service. The veggie combo was even too much to finish. Spicy hummus was really smooth and tasty!
(5)
Ash J.
From an Arab, this place serves the BEST falafel sandwich in Boston. Also, the "Samkeh Harra", or spicy fish, sandwich is the best fish sandwich in Boston. The kibbeh is great too. Thank god for this place.
(5)
Olivia S.
I really like this place. Hands down the best Lebanese I've had in downtown Boston (fyi this is 1 of 4 places). Lucky for me, it's near where I work so I stop in for lunch. I've had the chicken shwarma, beef shwarma, baba ganoush and tabouleh. The very nice owners have also given me tastes of the spicy hummus, traditional hummus, and falafel. All of it was really good. To top it off, the people are nice, and the place is clean. I recommend eating here.
(5)
Carrie P.
I had the chicken shawarma roll-up. Best shawarma I've ever had. The addiition of the french fries in the roll up gave it a different taste and texture. When I questioned where the french fries were as I was handed my roll up to go, the owner explained that they were inside the roll up, which is the real Lebanese way. I was very impressed and hope they do well despite the fact that the restaurant is in an out-of-the-way location. I will defniitely go back to try to complete my frequent customer card. Buy 10, get the 11th free. They have delivery through Diningin!
(5)
Jen M.
Authentic Lebanese food at its finest. The grape leaves, batata harrah (spicy potatoes), baba ghannoush and falafel were all excellent. Highly recommended!
(5)
Erik B.
Amazing, friendly service and truly great food. Best falafel I have ever had, and we loved the hummus, spicy hummus, and baba ganouj! Great experience, I highly recommend!
(5)
J p.
Great falafel and hummus! Very friendly and accommodating staff! Thank you!
(5)
Usman N.
Went there today and definitely the best shawarma that I have had in Boston. The owners are very friendly and the sitting area is nice. Will definitely be going again !
(5)
Anne Marie S.
I picked Shawarma Falafel for lunch with a friend today after looking on yelp for recommendations downtown near the T. I absolutely love Lebanese food, and this place is some of the best I've had! I don't eat a lot of meat, and Lebanese food always has many delicious vegetarian options. It was a tough choice between the falafel platter and vegetarian combo, but I went with the vegetarian combo so I could sample more, and I'm glad I did. 3 delicious large, non-greasy falafel, 4 grape leaves, tehini, and for my two sides hummus and baba ghannouj. Warm pita on the side, and they made a point to tell me to come back if I wanted more pita! All of this for under $10! And, as if it could get better, the service was impeccable. Everyone was warm and helpful. When I asked for a to-go container (the portion was huge, and I'll have enough for another meal), they wrapped it up for me, throwing in another pita - again with the pita refills - amazing! The place had a good stream of people coming in to pick up and eat in, but we had no problem finding a place to sit down. It's a decent-sized, modern-looking, clean establishment with a good amount of table and window seating. An employee told me they've been open for three months, so like another review mentioned, I expect they will only become more popular. I left feeling like I'd visited my family, they were so kind and inviting! I look forward to another visit and trying a new dish!
(5)
Rachel S.
This place is amazing. The thing that I thing that I think makes it so special is that the product is amazing (I had a sample platter and one thing was better than the next and they even brought me a free grape leaf sample), but the people who work here are SO kind and wonderful and the place is also super clean. I love it here. This place is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
(5)
Erica J.
If you want delicious Lebanese food in ample portions served by friendly people and a place to sit down to eat it, this is the place for you!
(5)
Cass L.
Perfectly portioned, perfectly priced! These folks are super friendly and helpful and gave us a complimentary salad, pita bread, extra tahini, baba ganoush.....my husband had the beef shawarma and I had the falafel platter...both were HUGE and delicious....it was awesome...highly recommend!
(5)
Benjamin M.
Our second time here. The first time was not a fluke! Everything is excellent and the proprietor is not going to let you down. No problem for me to find vegan and vegetarian food. And it is all just so good. And exceedingly reasonable for downtown Boston! Tip: Eat the fries as soon as they are not too hot to eat, but will still melt in your mouth.
(5)
Akhila K.
We stumbled upon this place randomly, and boy, is it AMAZING. Possibly the best middle eastern food I have had recently -- and certainly in Boston! The falafel here is SOO good. It's crispy and soft, and really tasty. The rice here is amazing too - again, very soft and fluffy. The batata harra side and baba ganoush are amazing. Overall, all the food is basically mouth watering and perfect tasting. Authentic Lebanese food as well. On top of this, the service is incredible. The owner is so sweet and kind, and super friendly. It's fast /casual eating so it's great for a casual lunch or dinner meal. You're served fast without much of a wait. Highly recommended!
(5)
Sean M.
4.43333333333 Stars Location: Is on Province St, the good news is it's a great street for pedestrians, not so much for cars. The shop has ample seating, tables and stools along the front windows. You order at the cashier's station, pay, get a receipt, wait for your number, fairly standard drill, they move you along. Food: The cuisine is Lebanese, and they are on top of the Boston Falafel Circuit in my book. I actually prefer the vegetarian fare, Humus and other spreads/salads but I really like the Hummus Harr (spicy). The other item I really like is the Halloumi Cheese rollup (mint, tomatoes, and olives). Of course they have lamb (kebob), beef(shawarma, kebob, ground beef aka soujuk, and sausages aka makanik), chicken(grilled, shawarma, kebob). The even have a fish rollup (Samke Harra or Lebanese Spicy Tahini Fish). The ingredients are fresh (see pics) and infused with authentic flavors. * There are 55 items on the menu so explore a bit. * parking: even if you could find a spot it's not a good place to leave your car. * staff are friendly, go off the beaten track (one of the lesser known 55) and earn kudos. * prices are in line or only slightly more than other falafel shops, it's worth a premium.
(4)
Jose S.
First Lebanese-like food in my trip. Today I was craving for trying another kind of food and we decided to go here as it has very good reviews. I was thinking on having the classic falafel or shawarma, but when I saw the big poster on the wall with the menu I changed my mind. I wanted to try another dish, I had these ones so many times, so I decided to give Lahem Meshwi a try. The dish comes with two sides, to choose from a list of six sides. The place was like a bar with very few tables and some lanes to order the food. As soon as I paid ( there were some trouble to get my receipt due to Wifi problems, but I finally got it ) I had my order in the bar next to the cashier. Meals are really affordable and the quality is really good, I have never had this dish and I really enjoyed it. The only thing to point it I finish my bread before hummus, so I had to 'dip' with the spoon ( plastic cutlery is provided ). The amount of food was more than enough for me, the place was clean and staff was very kind.
(4)
Sherley R.
This place is amazing!! The food is super fresh and very flavor. I have found a new go-to place for lunch.
(5)
Simone H.
This cute place is right around the corner of my gym! yay for me. The place is spacious and clean, the staff is very friendly. If you decide to eat in, your food will be brought to you if it's not too busy. I had the chicken shawarma roll which tightly rolled into the perfect size, super delicious with plenty of veggies inside and surprise! french fries, which makes my Pittsburgher self [we put fries on everything] very happy. Leaves you full but not heavy.
(4)
Ruth C.
Really tasty! I came in around 6:15pm on a Monday to order to-go for dinner for 3. I ended up getting the Chicken Shawarma plate, the Falafel plate, and beef kebab. Beef kebab was the best!! Of all the sides, you can't go wrong with hummus, tabbouleh, or spicy potatoes. I really enjoyed the mix and generosity of the portion size. I've had better hummus elsewhere (more flavor) but this version was mild and creamy. Maybe next time I will try the spicy version! The baba ghanoush was also pretty mild and not as smoky as I'm used to - but I liked it all the same! I wish they gave more pita bread! The place overall is quite clean and open. There are plenty of seats and I can see this as a popular spot for lunchtime for the business rush. My favorite part of getting food here was - by far - talking to the owners. You can tell they have a big passion for sharing their food and love to make recommendations. Lovely family owned place and I love to support small businesses such as this one.
(4)
A T.
This place is fantastic. I was visiting from Southern California and was staying at the Omni Parker House. I found this place on yelp and it was a short walk away. So, I thought I'd give it a try. My taste buds thanked me. I have had my share of Lebanese food. This is definitely some of the best I have had. It was very authentic and delicious!!! I could tell from one bite that the hummus and baba ghannouj was made fresh. When I asked the owner, he confirmed that everything is made fresh, including the pickles. Yum! The owner was really nice and I could tell that he takes pride in the food, which makes a difference. Everything I had was good, but I highly recommend the shawarma and hummus harr (spicy hummus).
(5)
Philip M.
Simply put - Beirut-style authentic Lebanese food which delivers absolutely what you hope it will. Delicious, fresh, MASSIVE falafel. Crispy on the outside, moist and bright green with spices on the inside. Chicken Shish Tawouk is off the hook. Hummus Harr - lightly spiced and flavorful. The staff are Lebanese, the owner is there in the shop. It's exactly what I needed on a blustery spring day after a long flight in from Los Angeles. 100% recommended.
(5)
Nora B.
First of, the shawarma is to die for. Second, I didn't think I will find the best shawarma outside the Middle East but I just did. So much so I am compelled to write a review with one hand typing the other holding my wrap. I am dedicated like that! The falafel is equally amazing and the kibba. Get the kibba for sure, crunchy crust perfection! The cost of 1 kibba, 2 falafels, one shawarma came up just over $12 and the amazing service to top up the whole experience is ofcourse priceless.
(5)
Carmen M.
Delicious! I'm a first time customer and I was so pleased with their food and service. I work down the street and this will be my go to spot. I got the Falafel Roll Up. The falafel was perfection. I can't wait to come back and try their chicken roll up. Also, bonus stars did cleanliness. Drop what you're doing and GO GO GO! You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Ojus P.
Met the owner Serge while ordering and couldn't help but root for this place. He asked me to provide feedback on my takeout order! Have to love that passion for improvement. Got a whole range of stuff with the highlights being the lamb platter and falafel roll up. Definitely interested in coming back. Easily fed 6 people with probably a full dinner of leftovers for $50.
(5)
Jim S.
Not only the best shawarma and falafel pita in boston but one of the best things to eat in The Hub. Pickles are fresh and crunchy and give me a straw and I'd drink the tahini. The older woman and gentleman who I suspect own the place are always friendly. If you like spicy food ask them to add some heat to your pita - dam good. Only downside is there's rarely a place to park so if your driving bring a runner to pickup your pita while you double park. Now I'm hungry...may need to drive into the city for a pita.
(5)
Ryan L.
Another place I'm convinced has a falsely created high Yelp rating. Average at best. I eat Lebanese food once a week normally and I can't remember a place this bland. Their hummus was bland and their fattoush soggy. Falafel King and Boston Shawarma are better choices when in this area of town.
(3)
Anne J.
The worst place I've ever seen in my life. The owner cheating on me and make me pay more. The sandwich is empty and vegetables are not fresh
(1)
Norah Q.
Best shawarma in Boston. I tried the chicken shawarma wrap and the falafel wrap. Give it a try and u will like it!!
(5)
Nishant S.
Very average falafel wrap. Had a falafel and couple of veggies and that's it. I've had falafel at multiple locations in new England and this was by far the most average in terms of taste.
(2)
Alicia B.
The shawarma wraps (we ordered both beef and chicken) were great! Our favorite was the beef. The cucumber pickles along with the tahini/tarator sauce in the beef wrap is to die for. Not only is the food great, but the cafe is clean and the management/ownership is very friendly. An A+ stop for any shawarma lover!
(5)
Eric S.
This restaurant is excellent. The service and food is second to none. The gentleman who takes your order is always friendly, upbeat, and an absolute pleasure to order from. The food is fresh, tasty, and expertly put together. One of the other reasons for giving this establishment five stars is consistency, too often I will get lunch somewhere and have it be great only to return and have the same order be nowhere near the first. Here your order is satisfying, and reasonably priced and delicious, day in and out.
(5)
Noa C.
I'm going to compare this to Falafel King. Shawarma Falafel is better! The portions are a bit smaller, but that's ok. The meat is better and their garlic sauce is amazing! Also, I found the salad to be fresher. Very tasty.
(4)
Mika S.
Definitely one of the best Lebanese restaurants i've been to in Boston! It's fast-casual, so you won't wait longer than a couple minutes to get your food. The restaurant is open concept, with lots of space, seating and light spilling through the windows. The first things I noticed after walking through the door was the cleanliness of the restaurant, and the friendliness of the staff. Before I even approached the counter, a staff member smiled at me and asked me how my day was going. Later on, I had another staff member stop by my table and ask me how my food was! Overall, the staff are an amiable group of people, with excellent customer service - just exchanging a few words with them put a smile on my face. I came here with my boyfriend, and we split the Falafel Platter, with the Beef Shawarma Roll-Up Combo. The Falafel Platter came with 5 big falafel, a pita, some lettuce, vegetables and Tahini sauce. The Falafel was delicious (arguably the best i've ever had) with a crispy exterior and a very fresh interior. I put two of the falafel into my pita, with the veggies, sauce and lettuce and enjoyed it immensely. Despite how good the falafel was, the Beef Shawarma Roll-Up made me want to weep, it was so delicious. The beef was SO juicy, and the pickle that they put inside added the perfect amount of crunch to the wrap. Each bite I took was exploding with flavour. The combo also came with a soft drink and a side of fries. Although the fries were good, I wish I had ordered a side of something more authentic, like the Fattouch or the Baba Gannouj. Next time I come, I want to try the Lahem Meshwi Platter. My advice to future customers is to avoid ordering a Roll-Up combo! There is such a good selection of delicious and authentic Lebanese sides, that you don't want to waste your time getting french fries. If you decide to go for a roll-up, I recommend pairing it with something more authentic.
(4)
Rose Q.
I got a chicken shawarma salad with hummus and it cost me $10.88. It was a small salad with not much chicken or hummus on top. There are many other places in the area that give you more food for less than that. I will most likely not go back.
(2)
Kia C.
I am so glad that I saw the postings for Shawarma Falafel. I am in town on business and needed to pick up a quick lunch. I was greeted with really friendly, genuinely warm salutations. The food was fantastic. I ordered the beef shawarma roll up with a side of falafel and a chocolate chip cookie. Delish! I also picked up the falafel platter for my coworker to which she gave 2 thumbs up. I will definitely return the next time I am in town.
(5)
Brandon R.
Excellent food, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful! Would highly recommend!
(5)
Sheena J.
My husband and I had our first and best meal in Boston in this restaurant. The food was 5 stars, but what took it over the top was the excellent customer service and cleanliness. We really enjoyed talking with the owners. We weren't sure if we wanted breakfast or lunch and went with lunch. I mentioned we had never tried Lebanese breakfast and the owner brought us a sample of breakfast with our lunch. I can say everything we tasted (lamb entree, fries, spicy hummus, rice, breakfast, salad) was delicious. My husband even loved the salad and it was one of my favorites as well. Portions are large (I left full and still regret not trying the owners homemade cookies!) and prices are good.
(5)
Roscoe R.
Where's the 6th star? I want to give Shawarma Falafel 6 stars! After a really long run, I was craving shawarma. I don't know why. I just was. So I looked online for the best shawarma in Boston, and this place came up frequently. I had walked right by here a million times (it's next to the back entrance of 333 Washington St.) but never got food here before. I got the Ramadan Feast, a.k.a. the best bargain in town. For $17 you get ALL this: (1) your choice of either apricot drink or jallab (I got the jallab); (2) vegetable soup; (3) the platter of your choice (I got a combo of shish tawook, beef shawarma, and beef kebab); (4) rice (he gave me both types of rice, the vegetarian and the hashwi rice); (5) 2 sides of your choice (I got baba ganoush and fatoosh); (6) warm pita; (7) a soft drink; and finally (8) dessert of your choice (I got the namoora). I also got garlic paste (for the shish tawook) and tahini (for everything), and I added one piece of falafel because I figured I had to try it. Yes, I eat like a pig. Of course, what really matters is the quality: Is it good? YES, it's actually PHENOMENAL! The cold cup of jallab was sweet, fragrant, and tasty -- I actually got a bit extra in lieu of a soft drink. The veggie soup was certainly tasty, though I probably wouldn't order it a la carte. The beef shawarma was nicely spiced and really tasty, and the beef kebab was tender and perfectly cooked. The shish tawook was especially good with the extra garlic paste, which it definitely needs (so ask for that garlic paste on the side). My favorite of the two rice types was the one with the occasional little noodles in it -- I think it was the vegetarian but I'm not sure -- but both types of rice were tasty. The fatoosh was nice and cold, with a robust dressing, and the baba ganoush had a smoky flavor which was clear but not overpowering (nicely flavored). The namoora was the perfect sweet dessert to top it all off (it was the only thing I didn't finish -- I took it home -- because that little brick was super dense and heavy). This was a TON of really good food for $17. Oh -- and the falafel that I added might've been the best I ever tasted. It was a HUGE piece, really flavorful and moist, that came on a little bed of greens, some other veggies, and I think tahini dressing ... for 65 cents! The gentleman who took my order was, I assume, the owner. He's amazing and perhaps the most polite person on the planet. He was insistent upon going out of his way to make everything perfect. Example: "On your combo platter, do you want the meats mixed together, or do you want them side by side?" And while I was eating, he came out to ask if I wanted more bread or anything else. Service could not have been better. My only complaint is about myself: Why did I walk by this place so many times without previously stopping here to eat?
(5)
Ben S.
To anyone that doesn't think to look past Washington Street, you might think DTX only has chain restaurants to offer. Take the back streets, and you may stumble upon a hidden treasure like Shawarma Falafel. Simple, inexpensive, unpretentious and delicious. I'm not as big a connoisseur of Lebanese food as I want to be, but as an enthusiast for all food, I have a good sense for authenticity; this is it. So far I've had the falafel and beef shawarma roll ups, and both were fantastic. For an eating experience that outweighs anything else I've had in the area, somehow I end up spending less. Who says you can't have it fast, cheap AND high quality? I've found my unicorn.
(5)
Rishabh G.
This place is really clean and the people running it are super friendly and nice. I split the lunch falafel combo, which comes with a falafel wrap, fries, and soda. It's priced fairly for a meal. The falafel wrap tasted fresh and clean. The texture was smooth and the vegetables had a nice crunch. However, I felt the flavors were very mild (and I don't mean the spiciness). I didn't feel there was anything special about them. Overall, good food but nothing too exciting.
(4)
Johnny F.
I came across Shawarma Falafel, and was so happy I stopped in to check it out! After being in Boston for a few years, I have yet to find a Lebanese restaurant that made food good enough to remind me of home. Super authentic, and I'm definitely going to be stopping in for some mankouchi tomorrow morning. The owner, Serge, was extremely welcoming, and you can tell how much they care about what they do. Best Lebanese food in Boston.
(5)
X Z.
I am not an expert about Lebanese food, but this is excellent. The owners are very friendly, and you are treated like family. I tend to avoid takeout as everything here is so carefully prepared and usually comes out piping hot/fresh - definitely enjoy your food in the restaurant. I have not had anything that is bad here. My favorites have been the falafel wrap (with fries) - absolutely wonderful flavors. The chicken shawarma platter is also excellent - there are various rices (notable is the vegetarian rice with vermicelli noodle). There are various options for side dishes with some of the platters. The baba ganoush is the best I had in Boston. There is also a spicy potato dish that costs a little extra but is delightful. The restaurant also offers breakfast, which was fairly cheap and excellent... never had anything like it before. The main issue with this place is that it is more like casual dining rather than a quick take-out place. As above, they take very seriously preparing fresh food, so sometimes I have had to wait about 10 to 15 minutes after ordering. If you are trying to get a quick lunch, this is suboptimal. However, the wait is well worth it given the exceptional quality of the food. They also have a free meal card (buy 10, get one free) in addition to discounts for students and workers at nearby businesses. This is a great place to grab lunch or any early dinner (closes at 7 PM) in Downtown Crossing!
(4)
Sam A.
My work lunch was some mediocre, mass-produced dreck so I needed something good to apologize to my damaged taste buds. I chose very well by taking a walk to Shawarma Falafel. I ordered their lamb kabob plate with rice, hummus, and salad; as well as three falafel and garlic paste on the side. Suffice it to say that everything was delicious. Even better, the proprietor who brought out my meal offered some of their pickled cucumbers and some other extra veggies to make my dinner even better, and his kindness really did make an excellent meal superb. Amazing food, great prices, and a friendly, gracious staff means I'll visit Shawarma Falafel again when I'm next in town.
(5)
Carol L.
First time getting shawarma and loved it! Went with my kids for a break on our Freedom Trail adventure. Owner was super friendly and helpful. Restaurant was super clean and comfortable.
(4)
Bernard B.
When I first arrived to Boston from Lebanon, it took me a while to adjust to the food. Despite the abundance of Shawarma and Falafel places, I wasn't really satisfied. I discovered Shawarma Falafel by mistake, when I was looking for an open place during the infamous 2015 blizzard. It was the best discovery I had in Boston so far, as I live and work in downtown Boston and the restaurant made me feel like I never really left home. As someone who moved a lot in their lives (I tried Middle Eastern places all over Europe), I can say that Shawarma Falafel is one of the few Lebanese authentic restaurants I tried outside my home country. If you order a chicken Shawarma, they know that you love it with the famous Lebanese garlic sauce, and you get it. Their Taboule and Fattoush feel like real homemade Lebanese salads, and that's the best thing a Lebanese can say about it (as our favorite is always our mom's). Besides the food, the staff are really friendly and you're sure to get your food really fast. As a personal recommendation, if you haven't really tried Lebanese food, I would say you should try the chicken taouk sandwich. Make sure you ask for some extra garlic sauce! (Unless you have a date later on). A taboule on the side is always good too!
(5)
Joe A.
Extremely friendly owner who went out of his way to welcome us to Boston. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. The place was clean and comfortable. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in Boston!
(5)
Ben S.
I've gotten lunch from here delivered to work a few times now. Delivery was timely, no problems there. I got the same thing every time: a chicken platter with tabouli and baba ganoush. Also some falafel balls. It just wasn't that good honestly. I'm not a picky eater by any means. I've just had better versions of each dish from other places. And on top of that, it made me and a few other coworkers feel crappy afterwards. Maybe the food is better for dinner, I can't speak to that. I'm not telling you to avoid this place at all costs. I'm just saying it's not that good. And I'm honestly surprised that this place got so many positive reviews on here.
(2)
Aditi P.
I've no idea why I haven't written a review for this place before. Maybe because I was in a food coma from the delicious falafel and chicken shawarma dinner.. ;) Seriously though, this place is a gem! My friend ordered a falafel dinner and I got the chicken roll up (do not forget the Yogurt drink!). The food was made fresh, the falafel was piping hot and crunchy and the flavors were perfect and not overpowering. (I actually broke my 'Joey doesn't share food' rule and swapped meals) My roll up sandwich was delicious; the chicken was fresh and seasoned very well. And oh my God the Batata harra! No words! There is a student discount with valid ID, and they have a rewards card. The seating area is squeaky clean and spacious, too. The owners are very friendly and charming. They kept bringing us more pita bread (which is really good, btw) until we could eat no more. In the end, we wrapped up our precious leftovers, waved goodbye to the hosts and walked out into the cold Boston night. Can't wait to come back here! :)
(5)
Maha A.
The food is so tasty the best kabob ever in town the kabob was so chewy and easy to eat also its halal. The service is amazing the people here are so friendly and came ti us twice to ask us if we needed anything else. For sure i'll visit this place again. I ordered beef kabob platter with shaeeri rice and for the side tabouleah with hot potato.
(5)
Kerri C.
This was a great surprise for a quick but delicious dinner in town! I got the Ramadan Feast and it fed all of us. Everything was delicious and be sure to get a sample of the desserts as they are equally tasty!
(5)
tina t.
Just happened to pass by on a cold, rainy afternoon and found a hidden gem!! I had the vegetarian plate and it was simply delicious! I selected humus and tabouli for my two sides, and it also came with three stuffed grape leaves, three amazingly lite falafel over romaine, and a warm pita. While I was enjoying my feast, the owner came by my table and shared a sample of the lentil & lemon soup and a garlic spread that was like nothing I've ever had. GET this SOUP! OMG! Fresh, authentic Lebanese food, clean, friendly husband & wife owners, great traditional music, and very reasonable prices! You'll be glad you stopped by! I was!! They're open later than most places in this neighborhood, too!! Bil Hana (Bon appetit!)
(5)
Sonya F.
In one word this place is amazing. Skip the lobster rolls and come here. I was in town for a convention and was looking for someplace to eat close to my hotel without having to get dressed up to have dinner, it is just around the corner from the Omni. ordered the beef shwarma,vegetarian rice,hummus and babba gonnouj. It was all amazing and delicious. I was greeted with a big smile and a hello when I walked through the door. I am assuming it was the owner. These are the types of places I hope stay in business forever. You not only get an amazing meal but your supporting a local business that truly deserves it. Eat here its amazing.
(5)
Sal W.
They just raised prices. It's pushing $10 for a bird's size meal. Don't get me wrong, the taste of the roll ups is exceptional, it's just that I am a man and and need a man's portion size. I don't want to have to go out and buy a second lunch a couple of hours later. The people who work here are pretty nice. The guy behind the counter offered me a sample of the pink hummus. Damn it was good. If you are on portion controlled diet, and want some great tasting food, this place is for you!
(3)
Tim M.
This place is awesome! The wraps are great - can't say a bad thing about it! Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. I'd say it's worth a detour!
(5)
Kunal K.
I used to live in Montreal, where you'll find these kind of shawarma shops all over town. So I'm pretty familiar with this style of cooking. Let me tell you - this place is the place to go to. Not only is the food fresh, but it tastes good. Really ask yourself - how many places can pull that off? The fattoush was fresh and light, the meat was just perfectly seasoned and at the right temperature, the rice was fluffy soft tasty AND textured (yes - all 4). And if you're one of those people that must be treated with respect and dignity at all restaurants in order to like it (I'm not - feel free to treat me poorly, just so long as you give me good food -- it's all good)...then you would love this place. The employees (at least the guy I interacted with) was extraordinarily nice and kind, and patient. Look, I can't tell you what the capital of Lebanon is, but I can tell you what good Lebanese food tastes like, and this place has good Lebanese food. It's funny how eating at a restaurant like this makes me want to visit Lebanon City. Lebanonville? San Lebanon? Okay, I'll stop.
(5)
Guillermo M.
Compared to other falafel roll ups (or sandwiches) I have tried, this one wasn't amazing. I was surprised because I saw a lot of great reviews from this place. I thought the combination of flavors wasn't great (the onion, sauce etc.) and it was room temperature instead of warm. I prefer Shawarma King.
(3)
Anna M.
I had the falafel plate and my husband had the chicken shawarma plate. They were both amazing. I haven't had Lebanese food before, but I've had shawarma and falafel in Israel and Jordan and this is some of the bet I've had. The service is amazing too! The staff was so friendly and talked with me for a while about the places I had visited and their native land of Lebanon. We also discussed the World Cup that was playing on the tv. Not to mention they came partway through our meal and gave us two free hummus samples- the eggplant and spicy hummus, which again, were amazing. Price was reasonable for the amount of good we got. We were stuffed after finishing everything. We will definitely be returning!!
(5)
Sheff J.
This place was amazing. There falafel is the best I've ever had and the service is second to none. I have never felt more at home in a restaurant and I was very happy with the great price for great portions.
(5)
Oliver O.
Shawarma Falafel is a delightfully delectable place located just off the common. I've been to all of the various pita / falafel joints around the area and can say with confidence that this is the best in town. The place is very clean and set up well. The ingredients are very fresh and the owner is extremely friendly and genuinely wants to make sure your food is delicious. While all of the meets are genuinely delicious and very well spiced - I would recommend the lamb with the fatoush salad. The combination is very fresh and tasty. The hummous here is also above average - but even the spicy hummous haar can use a extra splash of their hot sauce. In conclusion, I cannot recommend this place enough. This is one of two places that I would demand anyone that I meet visit if they were visitng the Common area in Boston. Probably not good for anniversary dinners though ...
(5)
Nik A.
I just don't know about this place........the food was not that special I have to say. I am surprised at the other good reviews. I have lived in Boston for 5 years and there are plenty middle eastern places just like this that are simply either the same or better. Nothing differentiates this place from the other guys other than it has a downtown location. I did like the spacious dining area and the high ceiling. So for the food...I had the Falafel Platter and the Beef Shawarma wrap-up combo. The platter came with a couple balls of falafel, some pickled beets or radishes (I honestly couldn't tell) a lettuce basil salad with diced radishes and diced tomatoes, and one pita. The salad wasn't "tossed" (hehe) and there was absolutely no salad dressing or anything on it. I asked for garlic sauce and hot sauce for my platter and they gave me a tiny teacup amount. I had to go back and ask for more but it still wasn't a decent amount. I was basically begging for sauce for my platter. The falafels were good but it didn't feel like a platter - it was just falafels and loose greens. For the Beef Shawarma wrap-up combo. The wrap-up was good, the meat was tender, I liked it. But they added french fries inside it (I don't know how authentic this is but whatever, I like french fries). The problem with this was that the combo comes with a side of fries so I had a wrap up with fries in it and a side of fries - it felt a little redundant and then again, i don't know how authentic fries are in Lebanese cuisine. Overall, I am a huge fan of falafels and middle-eastern wrap-ups so the food was fine for me. I just think the execution of the platter is a little off and the wrap-ups don't need the added fries, in my opinion. All said, I would still come back here (they do frequent buyer cards). But hey, they have a ton of good reviews already so maybe I am wrong about the platter/fries thing.
(3)
Jason B.
Great falafel downtown, near State!
(5)
Kevin A.
Their food reminds me of very ok. I have had the shawarma as well as the platter. It was quite ok. I expect my Mediterranean dishes to be bursting with flavor. Not in this case. I was wondering if that's the case with their platter and the bigger dishes. So I tried the chicken roll. Same result. Very sub standard. Lacking flavors. I wish they could improve the quality and focus a lot on spices and flavors. Shame that it's so close to my work but everytime I get lunch from here, I keep craving for more.
(2)
Mel B.
I ordered the chicken shawarma roll up and a side of hummus. The pita that came with the hummus was perfect. I only wish I had more! The serving sizes were generous and my meal was very reasonably priced. As an added bonus, the gentleman who took my order was very friendly. I wish I lived closer to this place!
(5)
Joelle K.
I came here for the first time last week and had a falafel roll up. The service was pretty quick, and all the employees were incredibly friendly. I wanted to get a small side of hummus on the side. When I asked for this, I was told that there were multiple options. It was obvious that I wasn't sure what I wanted, so I was given a sample of the spicy hummus without having to ask. The spicy hummus was incredible. The falafel roll up was very good.
(4)
Dolphia N.
We ate twice at this restaurant, which explains how good it is. Right? I am very particular when it comes to Mediterranean food. I have eaten at bunch of places in Boston, but I liked very few of them and recommend to others. But I can recommend this restaurant to any of my fellow if they want to have authentic Lebanese food. We ordered beef shawarma, soujouk platter. Serving is very generous and each dish comes with 2 sides. I personally loved the hummus harissa and falafel. They know how to use spices and use in an exact amount. Nothing is overly spicy or undercooked. I am a food blogger and restaurant hopper. I like if my dish is perfectly seasoned and cooked well. Another bonus point is their price - their price is very reasonable - we ordered a dinner for two and it was only 30 dollars. Would love to go there or order a takeout always!
(5)
Matt G.
I have been a semi-regular at Shawarma Falafel since it opened, and it is without a doubt one of my favorite places to grab lunch in Downtown Boston. The food they serve is authentic, fresh and tasty. I generally will go with one of the platters, the Shish Tawouk is my top choice. The platters come with either rice or fries and two sides with plenty of available choices; as well as warm pita bread and either Garlic Paste or Tahini Sauce, depending on which platter you get. The hummus is particularly tasty, very creamy and flavorful, great for dipping the warm pita bread in. The roll ups are quite tasty as well, if perhaps a little on the small side. For a little more you can get a roll up combo, with fries and a drink. The owner is as nice a guy as you could hope to meet, providing good service and making you feel welcome are clearly a high priority for him. Go there a few times, he will recognize and acknowledge you. The rest of the staff seem quite friendly as well. Other perks include a buy ten meals, get the eleventh one free card, spacious and opening seating, also while it doesn't apply to myself directly, they offer a discount for some businesses and students. Take a walk just slightly off the beaten path downtown and stop in here, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Felicity L.
I'm deaf, and used Relay to call them several times. They hung up on me every single time. Their food is good, but I cannot support a restaurant that discriminates against disabled people.
(1)
Carolyn S.
Great food, super nice people. Easy in, easy out. We stayed at the Omni Parker, and this was a great choice for a fast and reasonably-priced meal. They have traditional Lebanese food for all meals including breakfast. The rice is traditionally spiced, and they encourage people to taste test items.
(5)
Noor A.
SOOOOO DELICIOUS!! I'm not usually a shawarma or falafel fan, but this place has me craving shawarma ever since I went. The owner is super friendly (I think his name is Serge?) and treated us with the best customer service. Highly recommended.
(5)
Brian C.
Went as a large group after an event in the area. Had the chicken shawarma platter and it was delicious. The hummus is thicker than what I'm used to but it's delicious! Staff is super nice and offer lots of free samples and very accommodating. Will definitely go again and recommend everybody give it a try, especially for a tasty lunch!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Abir H.
was so happy to hear that a lebanese food restaurant opened up in downtown Boston because there are so few. Tried their chicken and beef shawarma....both are great! The hommos and batatta harra were great as well. Definitely a great place to try!
(5)J M.
5 Stars Food 5 Stars Service 5 Stars Value 5 Stars Quality Amazing food! Especially the garlic sauce. Friendly owner. Great bang for your buck.
(5)Joe J.
This place serves up some authentic and tasty Lebanese food. I would give the food four stars, and the service five stars. Extremely friendly. To recap, we had the beef shawarma, chicken shawarma, and veggie plate. Note that the shawarma wraps come with french fries in them, as they should to be truly authentic.
(5)Jacob D.
Excellent shawarma at a reasonable price. The gentleman who owns the place is extremely kind and hospitable. Emerson students (and any other surrounding colleges) get a 10% discount as well.
(5)Tessa A.
Falafel rollup was bright with all the mint, and the falafel itself was spicy, crunchy, and moist! Excellent.
(5)Jeff G.
Great food and excellent service. One of my favorite stops when I was attending Suffolk.
(4)Enkelejda H.
Very nice food. Perhaps the best beef platter.The rice was awesome and perfectly cooked.We will come again. The owner is very nice!
(4)Richard M.
Lamb roll-up was nothing special. It was good but also very average. They put French fries in it which I wasn't thrilled by.
(3)Chris O.
Good food. Great service. Warm garlicky chicken schwarma roll up hit the spot. Decent coffee to boot.
(4)Richard F.
We came as a large group. I ordered the chicken kabob platter and it was delicious. Didn't know what to expect from my first time having Lebanese food, but I will definitely be going back. Not only was the food good, but the serve was phenomenal! Really nice, accommodating, friendly.
(5)Padraig M.
Great shawarma, especially the chicken. Kebabs pretty good too. Have tried lamb kebab roll up, really enjoyed it. I go after the lunch crush : super nice hospitable run this place.
(5)Brian M.
Excellent service, the owners really care about you as a customer, and they are proud of their food. The food is delicious, but they are stingy with the portions of meet on the shawarma platters. The plates are loaded with rice and then topped with a few pieces of meat. I'd give it four or five stars if they went lighter on the rice and heavier on the meat.
(3)Justin K.
I went here last week based on the uncanny amount of 5 star Yelp reviews; it was my first and last trip to Shawarma Falafel. I had a vegetarian plate with falafel, hummus, fattoush, and grape leaves. Let me break it down real quick. Failure #1: The falafel was cooked to order, which initially had me pretty excited. Unfortunately, it wasn't cooked enough and tasted of raw beans. Failure # 2: The hummus similarly had a raw chicpea taste. It was extremely thick, the tahini was overpowering, and there was not a drop of lemon to be tasted. Thick, bitter, and horrible. Failure #3: A defining characteristic of fattoush is the crunchy pita, which was nowhere to be found. Instead, I was served what I can only describe as a pile of not-so-fresh lettuce and vegetables drowned in a terrible oily dressing. There was no sumac or no citrus, just oil and dried herbs. Failure #4: Soggy, flavorless grape leaves. So soggy that they actually dripped mystery liquid. Perhaps this was from the aforementioned "salad dressing", but either way, I couldn't even swallow the one bite that I forced myself to take. I will say that the folks running it were very nice. But I am baffled by the all positive reviews. Long story short, if you are looking for falafel in the downtown area, do not waste your time or money here- walk the extra 20 steps to Falafel King.
(1)Olena D.
So delicious, I can't wait to be back! If you love shawarma than this is the place for you. The service wasn't just great but it felt like I was being served by family and friends although this was my very first time! Try the chicken shawarma (if you tend to hate chicken, than you must try, it was so tasty) and also try the lamb plate! Overall, everything was very fresh and the place is very clean!
(5)Hyun G.
The food was AMAZING and the owner was extremely friendly and hospitable. Definitely going there again.
(5)Ahmad M.
it opened 6 months ago and i didn't know about it ?!!!!! 1- the owners and workers are super super nice (i care a lot about customer service). 2- my falafel was cooked to order and it was AWESOME. and loved their spicy hummas. 3- prices are great for what you get. 9 and something for a big plate of 2 falafe, rice, chicken shawerma, garlic souce and tahini, and a piece of bread. 4- very clean restrooms and place. quiet away from downtown buzz. will def come again and try their breakfast.
(5)Adam M.
It's close to where I work (inside the building actually) so the convenience can't be beat. The food is freshly made while you wait and the staff is pleasant. It's a little off the beaten path, but a quiet oasis in downtown crossing.
(5)Muni M.
I have finally found what I've been missing so much! Boston needed a place like this :) The perfect shawarma with the perfect hummus and baba ghanouj on the side. So glad I stopped by and will definitely come back!
(5)Kay S.
I ordered the lamb platter with hummus harr and baba ghannouj. Delish! THE tastiest lamb platter I've had! The place is clean and the folks are super nice. They explain everything if you're a first timer. The price commensurates with the quality and quantity! My only suggestion is to serve with silverware to truly enjoy the hours of prep and love put into the meal.
(5)Alex P.
Been coming here since the week it opened. The best lunch place in Boston. Best service, best food!
(5)Chris C.
Great chicken shawarma roll-up and falafel plate. Quick service (130pm Tuesday), staff are very nice. Restaurant is clean and welcoming. Will go back, nice to have another lunch option without going all the way downtown.
(4)Chloe M.
The service was absolutely amazing, the food was so good (I had a chicken shawarma) I couldn't stop eating until I felt sick. MUST STOP RESTAURANT! If I ever make it back to Boston this will be my first stop!!!!
(5)Karim C.
This place is awesome. Really clean, very friendly people. The food is great. I tried the man'ouche for breakfast. It doesn't show on the menu but they make it everyday between 8-11 am. I would definitely recommend this place, especially for breakfast.
(5)Scott H.
Good shawarma, very good falafel and fantastic service. Owner was very friendly and attentive. Loved it!
(5)Suzi M.
Not only was the falafel amazing, the people were incredibly nice that run it. Customer service was incredible and we were in and out in no time!
(5)Alex T.
After visiting the MFA, we were kind of hungry. We stopped at this neat place, attracted by real falafels. We were told to wait 5 minutes as they would be made fresh for us (it was 5:30PM). The falafels were delicious. The hummous was incredible, the best I had in the US and in France. The pita was fresh (certainly home made). The baklava (square ones) were also fantastic. Right amount of honey, not greasy/fat, fresh in mouth. The slices and size were generous. The manager was very friendly, taking care of presentation, wrapping... and we spoke in French. We highly recommend this place. The only downside was parking as we were coming from Virginia with our car. There's a 15 minute place up in the street in front of an ATM which was useful as we took the food to go.
(5)Maheen U.
I tried the beef shawarma and it was one of the best I've had anywhere (middle east, UK, Pakistan). The owner was very friendly and courteous and even offered a complimentary (Pink coloured!) humus sample which was great! Definitely a place to try for those who like authentic Lebanese food.
(4)Erica H.
First time having falafel. My boyfriend loves the place! We showed up about 20 min before they opened, and they opened early just for us... That's good service... And with a smile. We'll be back for sure, and maybe I'll hire them for catering as well:) Def get the falafel!
(5)Ian T.
Ordered the Chicken Shawarma plate with vegetarian rice, hummus, and the potato side I forget the name of (it's the one that costs $1 extra). Also ordered one piece of falafel. The service was friendly, though a bit slower than I'd expect for a lunch place downtown. I had to wait for the potatoes to be fried, which took a while. The potatoes were good, and the hummus was outstanding, but the chicken and rice were a bit bland. If I were only judging the place on the food, I might give it 3 stars. Decent, but nothing special (other than the hummus). The slow service and relative expense (my total was almost $13) knock it down a star. I might come back some time just to get the hummus (their hummus plus Falafel King's falafel would be amazing!), but overall I wouldn't recommend this place.
(2)Theresa H.
Amazing food and staff. They food was delicious but the guys there are so friendly. They gave me a ton of other free food as I was eating. I couldn't eat it all. I paid $12 for my initial combo meal. Definitely recommend
(5)Abhishek P.
Excellent place for falafal lovers!!!! Very good service. I am not a falafal lover but liked everything about this place. Try their side order of Batata hara
(5)Michael T.
Wandered in close to closing on Saturday afternoon when a lot of the good places in downtown crossing are not open. I was fully expecting to tell them how I want my falafel wrap, but the owner very nicely suggested I try the Lebanon style and to give him feedback afterwards, so I agreed. Great decision, I loved it. Its rare to find nice people working in this area so for that and the great food, 5 stars.
(5)Lizzie B.
I generally do not write reviews, but I felt compelled after the wonderful service these folks provided. Get the lamb kabob platter, it is simply divine. The meat is perfectly tender and flavorful and comes with two hefty sides: I got the baba ganoush and the tabouli salad, both delicious. The platter also comes with some sort of garlic dipping sauce which brings the whole dish together. The hospitality, however, is what makes this place special. Owned by a husband and wife team, they both are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the food. They use their own home recipes and generally care whether or not you are satisfied with your purchase. They also have a loyalty card and hand out free samples of their hummus (if they don't offer it- ask- the "hot" hummus will clear out your sinuses and put a spring in your step).
(5)Chris C.
I'll let yelpers in on the best kept secret in Boston: the chocolate croissants at Shawarma Falafel. The owner is classically trained in French cooking and hand makes all of his croissants. He also makes a Lebanese breakfast roll up called man'oushe. Very healthy thin, light flat bread smeared with a sesame seed spread, baked and finished with mint leaves, tomatoes, olives. Doesn't sound like breakfast, but I recommend it, especially for the health conscious among us. The ingredients here are fresh, the consistency excellent, and the owners pleasant, polite, and engaging. Also the place is spotless. A rare gem in Boston.
(5)Eric L.
This little shop has some great quality shwarma and falafel. My first time in I tried the falafel roll-up and the shwarma roll-up in order to get a taste of both. On a side note the owner is probably the most friendly and likable person in the restaurant business. The falafel was served rolled neatly in a pita gently pressed. The falafel was nice and crisp with a soft airy center. The condiments (tomatoes, mint, turnip pickles, radish, tehini sauce) complemented the falafel creating a nice balance of flavors. The beef shwarma was also neatly presented, pressed, and sliced in half. The meat was nice and savory with an array of condiments as well (cucumber pickles, grilled tomato, onion, parsley, tehini). The owner brought us a little container of spicy hummus on the house too. Overall the experience was great and I will definitely return on another trip to boston.
(5)Liam S.
This place has really really good shawarma and falafel wraps with nice and fresh french fries. THE HUMMUS IS TO DIE FOR. But the customer service is 100% the reason I'll be coming back. Super friendly, quick, helpful and gave plenty of free samples. Love this place.
(5)Piri R.
Best beef shawarma in town. If you don't like tahini sauce make sure you mention that. Owner is very friendly as well. Overall great experience. They have a clean and spacious place.
(5)Raj S.
Really delicious and tasty roll up. I forget the exact one but it was spicy beef chunks. It's a tad small but very flavorful. Fries are tasty too if you make it a meal. Lots of open space! Friendly folks. The large tray does not help - makes the roll up look puny!!! Ha ha... -1 star for small start and for being pricey compared to other option around.
(4)Karim D.
This food is by far the best Middle Eastern food I have eaten outside my grandmother's kitchen. It is authentic, well-made, and absolutely delicious. It is also extremely reasonably priced. I will eat here every day that I'm in Boston, for sure.The food is making me happy.
(5)Nashrah R.
Move over Falafel King. For around the same price, you can get tastier food at this place. I had the chicken shawarma plate which came with minced beef rice, salad and two sides (I chose falafel and baba ghanoush) for around $10. The proportion was very generous. I prefer this place to King because the chicken is tender and actually has flavor. The rice is also well cooked and nicely spiced. The baba ghanoush is a little bland, though, and lacks a kick. Overall, if you had to make a choice, I would recommend Shawarma.
(5)Rachel S.
I wish I could give them a zero star the customer service was awful the woman was so rude to me and my one year old daughter she told me that I had to be a customer before I use the bathroom in which I was going to purchase food the food was tiny hardly any meat overly salty absolutely terrible I would never go back there again yuck
(1)A S.
Absolutely delicious. Will give closeby competitors a run for their money. Very friendly staff too.
(5)Lindsay G.
The garlic sauce served with the chicken shawarma was super garlicky heaven. The baba ghanouj and spicy hummus were also very tasty and I appreciated that the pita came out piping hot. My only very minor gripe was that the rice seemed a bit oily. I easily made two meals out of this - great value for $9.45. Wonderful staff, and extremely delicious food - go try it out!
(5)Andrew C.
Very tasty food. The the falafel was hot, crunchy and delicious. I am certainly going to return.
(5)Sanjay G.
This is hands down the best falafel/ Lebanese place in the Boston/ Cambridge area and beyond. In fact, I don't remember a better Middle Eastern place in my years in 5 cities across the U.S. The food is as as fresh as it is flavorful and the people genuinely seem to enjoy preparing it. It is barely a year old and I hope they maintain the quality as their business explodes, which it is bound to. - Jay
(5)T N.
Apparently this place only opened last year, but it was doing pretty good business when I stopped by the other day. It's right in downtown and is moderately priced, so I am sure they are doing well for themselves. The (owner?) and workers were all so friendly and inviting. They asked questions like if this was our first time visiting and how we had heard about it (I truthfully answered, through yelp!). They have an extensive menu and the food only took about 10 minutes or less to prepare. It was cooked well and tasted great! I will definitely be back. They also have a loyalty card (10th visit is free, I believe).
(5)Sarah A.
This is an absolutely fantastic restaurant! As a Middle Eastern, I struggle in finding a place that serves authentic food and I found it here. They also recently switched to a completely halal menu which I applaud them for. Not sure about what to order? Just ask for a sample. P.S.: They offer a student discount to many local college students, and they also have a neat rewards program.
(5)Collin R.
They gave me a wrap with just chicken and fries and looked at me like I was crazy when I asked where the rest was. Fries are good though.
(2)t w.
I just recently came back from a trip to Oman and Dubai. I was missing the food pretty badly and found this place through yelp. The food completely lived up to expectations and hopes that it would be like what I had on my trip. I order the falafel. It is everything you could hope for, crispy on the outside, hot and warm on the inside. Also ordered the lamb plate, very very good. I got a side of baba ganoush, hummus, and tabouli. Incredibly delicious, especially the baba ghanouj. The owner is a very nice man. He gave us a sample of the herbed potatoes. They are perfectly made. Crunchy on the outside and hot on the inside without being overly salted or greasy.
(5)Rachel E.
I created an account just to rave about how great this place is. I've walked past it several times, but I finally strolled in for a late lunch today, around 3:30pm. The place was empty but the owners behind the counter were dying to chat me up. They offered recommendations and samples without hesitation or asking. The chicken shwarma roll up was the best I've ever had! Falafel King doesn't even compare. Excellent experience, without a doubt would recommend!
(5)Brooke H.
A most delicious find! We walked in not noticing that the restaurant would be closing in a few minutes. We apologized and started to leave when the owners asked us to stay. The staff were gracious, welcoming, and patient with those not familiar with Lebanese cuisine. The Lebanese are noted for their hospitality and we got the complete treatment! Oh, yes, the food is great, too! Between the three of us we ordered the beef shawarma, falafel, hummus, and baba ghanouj. The garlic sauce went well with fries and pitas. Unfortunately, they were out of tabbouleh (it was closing, after all). I'm going to go back because I am sure it is good. Every dish was just right. The portions were ample and fairly priced. Shawarma Falafel is a keeper!
(5)Samantha G.
This place is the bomb. I ordered the veggie falafel plate and was blown away. Easily the best falafel in the area, let alone the best I have ever had. The friendly man behind the counter made me fresh new falafels, and he gave me various samples of spicy hummus. The portion was huge and I loved the pickled turnip, mint, radish, and tomato salad. I will be back!
(5)Scott L.
Some of the best baba ghanouj, hummous and shawarma I've ever had, and I've probably eaten at 25 different falafel places. The baba ghanouj has an amazing smokey flavor and creaminess. The hummous had olive oil drizzled on top and mint leaves to garnish on top, which felt like this fast food place goes the extra mile. Even the pita was freshly warm. Everything about this place rocked.
(5)Shar p.
This place lived up to the rave reviews I gets on yelp. I had a beef roll-up and a side of two felafel. The roll-up was good (4 stars): good taste, though nothing outstanding, and a bit small. But, the felafel was one of the best I've had. While the owner/chef was preparing a new batch of felafel, he gave me a couple of different samples of humus - both of which were delicious. The platters looked great (although I didn't have one). Overall, I rate: Food: 4+ stars Service: 5 stars Price: 4+ stars I would definitely come back here and try some other dishes.
(5)Allison B.
I love this place. I have been four times and it is always delicious and fresh, it's a great value, and the staff is very kind. The owner is happy to talk about the foods from his hometown and you can ask for the special Lebanese spice blend if you like spicy. I love falafel, and especially here how there are other flavors I don't usually have in falafel like fresh mint and homemade pickles.
(5)Youmna L.
The most authentic Lebanese food I've had in years it reminded me of the food in Lebanon. It's hidden past Boston Commons. The owner is very friendly and offered us samples to try. Try the authentic Kebbe and the spicy Hummus. The grilled halloumi sandwich and Falafel roll is great for vegetarians!
(5)J J.
Best Middle Eastern food I've ever had bar none. Ever. Best hummus I've ever had too. Smooth yet complex flavors. I'm addicted to this place.
(5)Nikki O.
Soooo good. I'm gonna be a regular :D. Finally a shawarma place in Boston worth raving about.
(5)Jonathan C.
My fiancée and I stopped in for lunch on Saturday after seeing the positive reviews on Yelp, and we discovered that the five-star average rating is well deserved. I had the chicken shawarma platter, and I found that the meat was perfectly cooked. My fiancée had the beef shawarma on a bed of french fries -- an odd combination that was nevertheless delicious. In terms of sides, we particularly liked the spicy hummus, though the standard hummus is also tasty. The restaurant itself is well designed and clean, and the employees were all friendly -- they even gave us some complimentary yogurt salad (which was also good). We were really glad to find such a good lunch spot so close to home, and we'll definitely be returning soon.
(5)Julius H.
Great Lebanese food and so is their service, our family really enjoyed and prices are family friendly as well. I hope these guys will offer more dishes in time, Lebanese kitchen is one of the best in the world.
(5)Nilesh D.
This new Falafel joint in Boston's downtown is a great addition indeed. We had gone to enjoy the old Falafel King and discovered this hidden jewel. The owner of this place is very hospitable and loves to feed. He offered a lot of varieties of hummus for free just to try. This place is bigger than usual falafel places and has a great ambience to it. We even got some extra food back along with yummy baklavas. I would suggest this place to anyone who loves to eat authentic Lebanese food and want a bang for their money. We will definitely visit this place again- soon.
(4)Ervin B.
My first experience with Lebanese cuisine and it was fantastic. I went with the beef shawarma roll up and it was the right size with the perfect ratio of beef and condiments to my taste. Glad I took a to go menu with me, cause I will be back to try some thing else.
(4)Gary C.
We discovered Shawarma Falafel by accident. What a wonderful accident !!! The food here is fabulous, and the owner couldn't be friendlier. After ordering we sat at our table waiting for our food to arrive. While we were waiting, the owner brought us 2 complimentary stuffed grape leaves. They were excellent. Our 2 lunches arrived a few minutes later, and they were equally good. The Shawarma was superb, as were the side orders we had. A short while later, the owner came over again, and this time he brought us a complimentary very flat "bread" for us to use to "soak up" the couscous we had ordered. It was unlike anything we had ever had, and was outstanding. I'm not sure it is on the menu, but if you eat here, it is not to be missed. Everything was so great we wanted to come back the next day (Sunday) to have another meal, so we asked the owner whether they were open, but sadly, that's the one day they are closed. Shawarma Falafel is wonderful discovery with superior food and a terrific staff. We will definitely be back.
(5)Veronica B.
My new obsession, best Lebanese food I've ever had in America. Also the staff there is so nice and accommodating. The lamb wrap and garlic paste is the best
(5)Annie F.
I stumbled on this new gem killing time downtown. My lucky day! The owners, Serge and Mary, graciously welcomed me to sit down and enjoy my chicken shawarma roll up just as they were closing the restaurant. Serge gave me complimentary spicy hummus and babaganush, which were both out of this world and made with perfect proportions. I've never had traditional Lebanese food, and its spices and flavor is excellent! I could tell they put a lot of thought and love in their food. And their Customer service is excellent!
(5)Joshua G.
Crazy delicious Lebanese food. This place is WAY better than Falafel King or any of the other falafel places downtown. One of the best lunches I've had in downtown Boston. And the these folks are really nice and friendly. They brought me a complimentary dolma!
(5)Sana T.
Coming from a Middle Eastern, the food was mediocre at best. I ordered the chicken shish platter which came with rice (odd combination as we don't eat it this way in the Middle East), humous (home-made and very bland, needs serious seasoning) and pickles which were good. Chicken was bland and very dry as it was precooked and reheated to order and also lacked any of the chicken shish seasoning you would taste elsewhere. I also ordered a side of falafel which was very good and freshly made in front of me. I would only go back for the falafel nothing else. Good value for money when looking for a quick fast food fix in the city. Friendly staff especially the owners who are super welcoming and very warm (hence the 3 stars).
(3)Krysten S.
This place is GREAT! I had the chicken shawarma platter and it was excellent. If you're a big eater, it is a generous amount. If you eat small amts frequently throughout the day, like me, that platter was easily enough for two meals. The owners are really nice and happy to have customers, as well. Hidden gem.
(5)Laura P.
If you love lebanese food like I do, this place will blow your mind. This is a true hidden gem in every sense of the word. It is on a side street that doesn't get much foot traffic so the place has not become super busy yet, but I believe it will once word gets out how incredible the food is. The food is fresh and magical....there is nothing as authentic as this place in Boston. The flavors dance on the tongue. The chicken shawarma and falafel is to die for. The hummous harr (spicy hummous) is phenomenal and don't get me started on the garlic paste...I could drink that stuff, literally. Definitely check this place out if you like authentic lebanese food!
(5)Janet J.
The best place for a shawarma and falafel! This is the authentic Lebanese style. They have roll-up sandwiches and platters. Beef, lamb, chicken, fish, vegetarian dishes. All sort of side dishes and desserts. Prices are very reasonable. My favorite is the chicken shawarma roll up. It's a perfect amount. Not too much and not too little. The falafel is not greasy or dripping in oil. Their hummus is also very good. Not too tangy and not too heavy with the tahini (sesame paste). Theirs is the only one, besides my mother's, that doesn't give me a stomach ache. all the ingredients are fresh and they make it right in front of you. Very clean place. About time a place like this opened up. This is my to-go place for lunch every day.
(5)Jason S.
I've been here about a half dozen times, and each time I've been made to feel like I was the most important customer in the room. The friendly service alone would keep me coming back, but the fact is the food makes it worth it, as well. I've had falafel wraps and chicken shawarma wraps, and both were incredibly flavorful, fresh and generously proportioned. Even the "small" hummus (great for garlic lovers) was enough for me to take back to work and eat for the next two days. I'm glad to see so many other positive reviews because I was afraid people were missing this hidden gem. Sure, I'm also a fan of Falafel King like everyone else, but if you're looking for exceptional, friendly service in a relaxed environment (I usually eat in) and delicious food without long lines and that assembly line feel, this is the place.
(5)August Z.
Shawarma Falafel far exceeded my expectations. I ordered the Lamb platter with baba ganoush and tabouli. Everything was made with fresh ingredients, delicious lamb that I recommend to all who pass by this location which is a Middle East Gem in Boston! True authentic food with owners who take pride in what they serve!
(5)Emma D.
While I was not crazy about the chicken (lacked flavor), everything else was good! The hummus and spicy hummus were great. The service was great, and everyone was extremely nice and polite. I would return to order something other than the chicken!
(3)Matt D.
I don't write that many reviews but I made my first visit to Shawarma and I was really impressed as well as puzzled by one of the negative reviews. The menu looked interesting but I thought for my first time I would start with the basics and ordered the falafel with a small side baba ghannouj. I was a little concerned at first because the falafel wrap did not come with a lot of toppings/extras - no feta, no lettuce, etc. However, when I received the wrap, I understood. The secret of the falafel wrap is in it's simplicity, it has great fresh flavor and didn't need to be drowned with other toppings or sauces. The taste of the fresh parsley comes through nicely and the wrap has just the right amount of crispness. One of the reviewers complained about the taste of raw chickpeas but what I tasted was a falafel with a nice chinky texture that tasted homemade and where you could tell what it was that you were eating. Again, the ingredients and flavor were so fresh that it made me think that maybe I had forgotten what falafel is supposed to taste like - no need to grind up chickpeas with a bunch other ingredients so that the end result is some dense ball of things that I cannot identify. The baba ghannouj had a great smokey flavor and even the small was enough to take a little extra home for a snack. Don't forget about the desserts. They are homemade and excellent - just the right size for a little treat. Overall, I think this place is a winner. The food is fresh, the restaurant is spotless and there is real pride of ownership.
(4)pippi p.
I tried Shawarma Falafel for the first time today, and am happy to report that it was delicious! I had the Lahem Meshwi (Lamb Kebob Platter) with baba ghannouj and tabbouli as my sides. I was very impressed with the flavor and quality of the dish. The restaurant is very clean and well lighted--always a plus. I live nearby and plan to return often! Only request: I wish that the owners would put a bit more explanation on their menu, as I was uncertain of the ingredients in several dishes. (Their take-out menu didn't elaborate either.)
(5)Shreya P.
Awesome Lebanese food and really great customer service. The veggie combo was even too much to finish. Spicy hummus was really smooth and tasty!
(5)Ash J.
From an Arab, this place serves the BEST falafel sandwich in Boston. Also, the "Samkeh Harra", or spicy fish, sandwich is the best fish sandwich in Boston. The kibbeh is great too. Thank god for this place.
(5)Olivia S.
I really like this place. Hands down the best Lebanese I've had in downtown Boston (fyi this is 1 of 4 places). Lucky for me, it's near where I work so I stop in for lunch. I've had the chicken shwarma, beef shwarma, baba ganoush and tabouleh. The very nice owners have also given me tastes of the spicy hummus, traditional hummus, and falafel. All of it was really good. To top it off, the people are nice, and the place is clean. I recommend eating here.
(5)Carrie P.
I had the chicken shawarma roll-up. Best shawarma I've ever had. The addiition of the french fries in the roll up gave it a different taste and texture. When I questioned where the french fries were as I was handed my roll up to go, the owner explained that they were inside the roll up, which is the real Lebanese way. I was very impressed and hope they do well despite the fact that the restaurant is in an out-of-the-way location. I will defniitely go back to try to complete my frequent customer card. Buy 10, get the 11th free. They have delivery through Diningin!
(5)Jen M.
Authentic Lebanese food at its finest. The grape leaves, batata harrah (spicy potatoes), baba ghannoush and falafel were all excellent. Highly recommended!
(5)Erik B.
Amazing, friendly service and truly great food. Best falafel I have ever had, and we loved the hummus, spicy hummus, and baba ganouj! Great experience, I highly recommend!
(5)J p.
Great falafel and hummus! Very friendly and accommodating staff! Thank you!
(5)Usman N.
Went there today and definitely the best shawarma that I have had in Boston. The owners are very friendly and the sitting area is nice. Will definitely be going again !
(5)Anne Marie S.
I picked Shawarma Falafel for lunch with a friend today after looking on yelp for recommendations downtown near the T. I absolutely love Lebanese food, and this place is some of the best I've had! I don't eat a lot of meat, and Lebanese food always has many delicious vegetarian options. It was a tough choice between the falafel platter and vegetarian combo, but I went with the vegetarian combo so I could sample more, and I'm glad I did. 3 delicious large, non-greasy falafel, 4 grape leaves, tehini, and for my two sides hummus and baba ghannouj. Warm pita on the side, and they made a point to tell me to come back if I wanted more pita! All of this for under $10! And, as if it could get better, the service was impeccable. Everyone was warm and helpful. When I asked for a to-go container (the portion was huge, and I'll have enough for another meal), they wrapped it up for me, throwing in another pita - again with the pita refills - amazing! The place had a good stream of people coming in to pick up and eat in, but we had no problem finding a place to sit down. It's a decent-sized, modern-looking, clean establishment with a good amount of table and window seating. An employee told me they've been open for three months, so like another review mentioned, I expect they will only become more popular. I left feeling like I'd visited my family, they were so kind and inviting! I look forward to another visit and trying a new dish!
(5)Rachel S.
This place is amazing. The thing that I thing that I think makes it so special is that the product is amazing (I had a sample platter and one thing was better than the next and they even brought me a free grape leaf sample), but the people who work here are SO kind and wonderful and the place is also super clean. I love it here. This place is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
(5)Erica J.
If you want delicious Lebanese food in ample portions served by friendly people and a place to sit down to eat it, this is the place for you!
(5)Cass L.
Perfectly portioned, perfectly priced! These folks are super friendly and helpful and gave us a complimentary salad, pita bread, extra tahini, baba ganoush.....my husband had the beef shawarma and I had the falafel platter...both were HUGE and delicious....it was awesome...highly recommend!
(5)Benjamin M.
Our second time here. The first time was not a fluke! Everything is excellent and the proprietor is not going to let you down. No problem for me to find vegan and vegetarian food. And it is all just so good. And exceedingly reasonable for downtown Boston! Tip: Eat the fries as soon as they are not too hot to eat, but will still melt in your mouth.
(5)Akhila K.
We stumbled upon this place randomly, and boy, is it AMAZING. Possibly the best middle eastern food I have had recently -- and certainly in Boston! The falafel here is SOO good. It's crispy and soft, and really tasty. The rice here is amazing too - again, very soft and fluffy. The batata harra side and baba ganoush are amazing. Overall, all the food is basically mouth watering and perfect tasting. Authentic Lebanese food as well. On top of this, the service is incredible. The owner is so sweet and kind, and super friendly. It's fast /casual eating so it's great for a casual lunch or dinner meal. You're served fast without much of a wait. Highly recommended!
(5)Sean M.
4.43333333333 Stars Location: Is on Province St, the good news is it's a great street for pedestrians, not so much for cars. The shop has ample seating, tables and stools along the front windows. You order at the cashier's station, pay, get a receipt, wait for your number, fairly standard drill, they move you along. Food: The cuisine is Lebanese, and they are on top of the Boston Falafel Circuit in my book. I actually prefer the vegetarian fare, Humus and other spreads/salads but I really like the Hummus Harr (spicy). The other item I really like is the Halloumi Cheese rollup (mint, tomatoes, and olives). Of course they have lamb (kebob), beef(shawarma, kebob, ground beef aka soujuk, and sausages aka makanik), chicken(grilled, shawarma, kebob). The even have a fish rollup (Samke Harra or Lebanese Spicy Tahini Fish). The ingredients are fresh (see pics) and infused with authentic flavors. * There are 55 items on the menu so explore a bit. * parking: even if you could find a spot it's not a good place to leave your car. * staff are friendly, go off the beaten track (one of the lesser known 55) and earn kudos. * prices are in line or only slightly more than other falafel shops, it's worth a premium.
(4)Jose S.
First Lebanese-like food in my trip. Today I was craving for trying another kind of food and we decided to go here as it has very good reviews. I was thinking on having the classic falafel or shawarma, but when I saw the big poster on the wall with the menu I changed my mind. I wanted to try another dish, I had these ones so many times, so I decided to give Lahem Meshwi a try. The dish comes with two sides, to choose from a list of six sides. The place was like a bar with very few tables and some lanes to order the food. As soon as I paid ( there were some trouble to get my receipt due to Wifi problems, but I finally got it ) I had my order in the bar next to the cashier. Meals are really affordable and the quality is really good, I have never had this dish and I really enjoyed it. The only thing to point it I finish my bread before hummus, so I had to 'dip' with the spoon ( plastic cutlery is provided ). The amount of food was more than enough for me, the place was clean and staff was very kind.
(4)Sherley R.
This place is amazing!! The food is super fresh and very flavor. I have found a new go-to place for lunch.
(5)Simone H.
This cute place is right around the corner of my gym! yay for me. The place is spacious and clean, the staff is very friendly. If you decide to eat in, your food will be brought to you if it's not too busy. I had the chicken shawarma roll which tightly rolled into the perfect size, super delicious with plenty of veggies inside and surprise! french fries, which makes my Pittsburgher self [we put fries on everything] very happy. Leaves you full but not heavy.
(4)Ruth C.
Really tasty! I came in around 6:15pm on a Monday to order to-go for dinner for 3. I ended up getting the Chicken Shawarma plate, the Falafel plate, and beef kebab. Beef kebab was the best!! Of all the sides, you can't go wrong with hummus, tabbouleh, or spicy potatoes. I really enjoyed the mix and generosity of the portion size. I've had better hummus elsewhere (more flavor) but this version was mild and creamy. Maybe next time I will try the spicy version! The baba ghanoush was also pretty mild and not as smoky as I'm used to - but I liked it all the same! I wish they gave more pita bread! The place overall is quite clean and open. There are plenty of seats and I can see this as a popular spot for lunchtime for the business rush. My favorite part of getting food here was - by far - talking to the owners. You can tell they have a big passion for sharing their food and love to make recommendations. Lovely family owned place and I love to support small businesses such as this one.
(4)A T.
This place is fantastic. I was visiting from Southern California and was staying at the Omni Parker House. I found this place on yelp and it was a short walk away. So, I thought I'd give it a try. My taste buds thanked me. I have had my share of Lebanese food. This is definitely some of the best I have had. It was very authentic and delicious!!! I could tell from one bite that the hummus and baba ghannouj was made fresh. When I asked the owner, he confirmed that everything is made fresh, including the pickles. Yum! The owner was really nice and I could tell that he takes pride in the food, which makes a difference. Everything I had was good, but I highly recommend the shawarma and hummus harr (spicy hummus).
(5)Philip M.
Simply put - Beirut-style authentic Lebanese food which delivers absolutely what you hope it will. Delicious, fresh, MASSIVE falafel. Crispy on the outside, moist and bright green with spices on the inside. Chicken Shish Tawouk is off the hook. Hummus Harr - lightly spiced and flavorful. The staff are Lebanese, the owner is there in the shop. It's exactly what I needed on a blustery spring day after a long flight in from Los Angeles. 100% recommended.
(5)Nora B.
First of, the shawarma is to die for. Second, I didn't think I will find the best shawarma outside the Middle East but I just did. So much so I am compelled to write a review with one hand typing the other holding my wrap. I am dedicated like that! The falafel is equally amazing and the kibba. Get the kibba for sure, crunchy crust perfection! The cost of 1 kibba, 2 falafels, one shawarma came up just over $12 and the amazing service to top up the whole experience is ofcourse priceless.
(5)Carmen M.
Delicious! I'm a first time customer and I was so pleased with their food and service. I work down the street and this will be my go to spot. I got the Falafel Roll Up. The falafel was perfection. I can't wait to come back and try their chicken roll up. Also, bonus stars did cleanliness. Drop what you're doing and GO GO GO! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Ojus P.
Met the owner Serge while ordering and couldn't help but root for this place. He asked me to provide feedback on my takeout order! Have to love that passion for improvement. Got a whole range of stuff with the highlights being the lamb platter and falafel roll up. Definitely interested in coming back. Easily fed 6 people with probably a full dinner of leftovers for $50.
(5)Jim S.
Not only the best shawarma and falafel pita in boston but one of the best things to eat in The Hub. Pickles are fresh and crunchy and give me a straw and I'd drink the tahini. The older woman and gentleman who I suspect own the place are always friendly. If you like spicy food ask them to add some heat to your pita - dam good. Only downside is there's rarely a place to park so if your driving bring a runner to pickup your pita while you double park. Now I'm hungry...may need to drive into the city for a pita.
(5)Ryan L.
Another place I'm convinced has a falsely created high Yelp rating. Average at best. I eat Lebanese food once a week normally and I can't remember a place this bland. Their hummus was bland and their fattoush soggy. Falafel King and Boston Shawarma are better choices when in this area of town.
(3)Anne J.
The worst place I've ever seen in my life. The owner cheating on me and make me pay more. The sandwich is empty and vegetables are not fresh
(1)Norah Q.
Best shawarma in Boston. I tried the chicken shawarma wrap and the falafel wrap. Give it a try and u will like it!!
(5)Nishant S.
Very average falafel wrap. Had a falafel and couple of veggies and that's it. I've had falafel at multiple locations in new England and this was by far the most average in terms of taste.
(2)Alicia B.
The shawarma wraps (we ordered both beef and chicken) were great! Our favorite was the beef. The cucumber pickles along with the tahini/tarator sauce in the beef wrap is to die for. Not only is the food great, but the cafe is clean and the management/ownership is very friendly. An A+ stop for any shawarma lover!
(5)Eric S.
This restaurant is excellent. The service and food is second to none. The gentleman who takes your order is always friendly, upbeat, and an absolute pleasure to order from. The food is fresh, tasty, and expertly put together. One of the other reasons for giving this establishment five stars is consistency, too often I will get lunch somewhere and have it be great only to return and have the same order be nowhere near the first. Here your order is satisfying, and reasonably priced and delicious, day in and out.
(5)Noa C.
I'm going to compare this to Falafel King. Shawarma Falafel is better! The portions are a bit smaller, but that's ok. The meat is better and their garlic sauce is amazing! Also, I found the salad to be fresher. Very tasty.
(4)Mika S.
Definitely one of the best Lebanese restaurants i've been to in Boston! It's fast-casual, so you won't wait longer than a couple minutes to get your food. The restaurant is open concept, with lots of space, seating and light spilling through the windows. The first things I noticed after walking through the door was the cleanliness of the restaurant, and the friendliness of the staff. Before I even approached the counter, a staff member smiled at me and asked me how my day was going. Later on, I had another staff member stop by my table and ask me how my food was! Overall, the staff are an amiable group of people, with excellent customer service - just exchanging a few words with them put a smile on my face. I came here with my boyfriend, and we split the Falafel Platter, with the Beef Shawarma Roll-Up Combo. The Falafel Platter came with 5 big falafel, a pita, some lettuce, vegetables and Tahini sauce. The Falafel was delicious (arguably the best i've ever had) with a crispy exterior and a very fresh interior. I put two of the falafel into my pita, with the veggies, sauce and lettuce and enjoyed it immensely. Despite how good the falafel was, the Beef Shawarma Roll-Up made me want to weep, it was so delicious. The beef was SO juicy, and the pickle that they put inside added the perfect amount of crunch to the wrap. Each bite I took was exploding with flavour. The combo also came with a soft drink and a side of fries. Although the fries were good, I wish I had ordered a side of something more authentic, like the Fattouch or the Baba Gannouj. Next time I come, I want to try the Lahem Meshwi Platter. My advice to future customers is to avoid ordering a Roll-Up combo! There is such a good selection of delicious and authentic Lebanese sides, that you don't want to waste your time getting french fries. If you decide to go for a roll-up, I recommend pairing it with something more authentic.
(4)Rose Q.
I got a chicken shawarma salad with hummus and it cost me $10.88. It was a small salad with not much chicken or hummus on top. There are many other places in the area that give you more food for less than that. I will most likely not go back.
(2)Kia C.
I am so glad that I saw the postings for Shawarma Falafel. I am in town on business and needed to pick up a quick lunch. I was greeted with really friendly, genuinely warm salutations. The food was fantastic. I ordered the beef shawarma roll up with a side of falafel and a chocolate chip cookie. Delish! I also picked up the falafel platter for my coworker to which she gave 2 thumbs up. I will definitely return the next time I am in town.
(5)Brandon R.
Excellent food, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful! Would highly recommend!
(5)Sheena J.
My husband and I had our first and best meal in Boston in this restaurant. The food was 5 stars, but what took it over the top was the excellent customer service and cleanliness. We really enjoyed talking with the owners. We weren't sure if we wanted breakfast or lunch and went with lunch. I mentioned we had never tried Lebanese breakfast and the owner brought us a sample of breakfast with our lunch. I can say everything we tasted (lamb entree, fries, spicy hummus, rice, breakfast, salad) was delicious. My husband even loved the salad and it was one of my favorites as well. Portions are large (I left full and still regret not trying the owners homemade cookies!) and prices are good.
(5)Roscoe R.
Where's the 6th star? I want to give Shawarma Falafel 6 stars! After a really long run, I was craving shawarma. I don't know why. I just was. So I looked online for the best shawarma in Boston, and this place came up frequently. I had walked right by here a million times (it's next to the back entrance of 333 Washington St.) but never got food here before. I got the Ramadan Feast, a.k.a. the best bargain in town. For $17 you get ALL this: (1) your choice of either apricot drink or jallab (I got the jallab); (2) vegetable soup; (3) the platter of your choice (I got a combo of shish tawook, beef shawarma, and beef kebab); (4) rice (he gave me both types of rice, the vegetarian and the hashwi rice); (5) 2 sides of your choice (I got baba ganoush and fatoosh); (6) warm pita; (7) a soft drink; and finally (8) dessert of your choice (I got the namoora). I also got garlic paste (for the shish tawook) and tahini (for everything), and I added one piece of falafel because I figured I had to try it. Yes, I eat like a pig. Of course, what really matters is the quality: Is it good? YES, it's actually PHENOMENAL! The cold cup of jallab was sweet, fragrant, and tasty -- I actually got a bit extra in lieu of a soft drink. The veggie soup was certainly tasty, though I probably wouldn't order it a la carte. The beef shawarma was nicely spiced and really tasty, and the beef kebab was tender and perfectly cooked. The shish tawook was especially good with the extra garlic paste, which it definitely needs (so ask for that garlic paste on the side). My favorite of the two rice types was the one with the occasional little noodles in it -- I think it was the vegetarian but I'm not sure -- but both types of rice were tasty. The fatoosh was nice and cold, with a robust dressing, and the baba ganoush had a smoky flavor which was clear but not overpowering (nicely flavored). The namoora was the perfect sweet dessert to top it all off (it was the only thing I didn't finish -- I took it home -- because that little brick was super dense and heavy). This was a TON of really good food for $17. Oh -- and the falafel that I added might've been the best I ever tasted. It was a HUGE piece, really flavorful and moist, that came on a little bed of greens, some other veggies, and I think tahini dressing ... for 65 cents! The gentleman who took my order was, I assume, the owner. He's amazing and perhaps the most polite person on the planet. He was insistent upon going out of his way to make everything perfect. Example: "On your combo platter, do you want the meats mixed together, or do you want them side by side?" And while I was eating, he came out to ask if I wanted more bread or anything else. Service could not have been better. My only complaint is about myself: Why did I walk by this place so many times without previously stopping here to eat?
(5)Ben S.
To anyone that doesn't think to look past Washington Street, you might think DTX only has chain restaurants to offer. Take the back streets, and you may stumble upon a hidden treasure like Shawarma Falafel. Simple, inexpensive, unpretentious and delicious. I'm not as big a connoisseur of Lebanese food as I want to be, but as an enthusiast for all food, I have a good sense for authenticity; this is it. So far I've had the falafel and beef shawarma roll ups, and both were fantastic. For an eating experience that outweighs anything else I've had in the area, somehow I end up spending less. Who says you can't have it fast, cheap AND high quality? I've found my unicorn.
(5)Rishabh G.
This place is really clean and the people running it are super friendly and nice. I split the lunch falafel combo, which comes with a falafel wrap, fries, and soda. It's priced fairly for a meal. The falafel wrap tasted fresh and clean. The texture was smooth and the vegetables had a nice crunch. However, I felt the flavors were very mild (and I don't mean the spiciness). I didn't feel there was anything special about them. Overall, good food but nothing too exciting.
(4)Johnny F.
I came across Shawarma Falafel, and was so happy I stopped in to check it out! After being in Boston for a few years, I have yet to find a Lebanese restaurant that made food good enough to remind me of home. Super authentic, and I'm definitely going to be stopping in for some mankouchi tomorrow morning. The owner, Serge, was extremely welcoming, and you can tell how much they care about what they do. Best Lebanese food in Boston.
(5)X Z.
I am not an expert about Lebanese food, but this is excellent. The owners are very friendly, and you are treated like family. I tend to avoid takeout as everything here is so carefully prepared and usually comes out piping hot/fresh - definitely enjoy your food in the restaurant. I have not had anything that is bad here. My favorites have been the falafel wrap (with fries) - absolutely wonderful flavors. The chicken shawarma platter is also excellent - there are various rices (notable is the vegetarian rice with vermicelli noodle). There are various options for side dishes with some of the platters. The baba ganoush is the best I had in Boston. There is also a spicy potato dish that costs a little extra but is delightful. The restaurant also offers breakfast, which was fairly cheap and excellent... never had anything like it before. The main issue with this place is that it is more like casual dining rather than a quick take-out place. As above, they take very seriously preparing fresh food, so sometimes I have had to wait about 10 to 15 minutes after ordering. If you are trying to get a quick lunch, this is suboptimal. However, the wait is well worth it given the exceptional quality of the food. They also have a free meal card (buy 10, get one free) in addition to discounts for students and workers at nearby businesses. This is a great place to grab lunch or any early dinner (closes at 7 PM) in Downtown Crossing!
(4)Sam A.
My work lunch was some mediocre, mass-produced dreck so I needed something good to apologize to my damaged taste buds. I chose very well by taking a walk to Shawarma Falafel. I ordered their lamb kabob plate with rice, hummus, and salad; as well as three falafel and garlic paste on the side. Suffice it to say that everything was delicious. Even better, the proprietor who brought out my meal offered some of their pickled cucumbers and some other extra veggies to make my dinner even better, and his kindness really did make an excellent meal superb. Amazing food, great prices, and a friendly, gracious staff means I'll visit Shawarma Falafel again when I'm next in town.
(5)Carol L.
First time getting shawarma and loved it! Went with my kids for a break on our Freedom Trail adventure. Owner was super friendly and helpful. Restaurant was super clean and comfortable.
(4)Bernard B.
When I first arrived to Boston from Lebanon, it took me a while to adjust to the food. Despite the abundance of Shawarma and Falafel places, I wasn't really satisfied. I discovered Shawarma Falafel by mistake, when I was looking for an open place during the infamous 2015 blizzard. It was the best discovery I had in Boston so far, as I live and work in downtown Boston and the restaurant made me feel like I never really left home. As someone who moved a lot in their lives (I tried Middle Eastern places all over Europe), I can say that Shawarma Falafel is one of the few Lebanese authentic restaurants I tried outside my home country. If you order a chicken Shawarma, they know that you love it with the famous Lebanese garlic sauce, and you get it. Their Taboule and Fattoush feel like real homemade Lebanese salads, and that's the best thing a Lebanese can say about it (as our favorite is always our mom's). Besides the food, the staff are really friendly and you're sure to get your food really fast. As a personal recommendation, if you haven't really tried Lebanese food, I would say you should try the chicken taouk sandwich. Make sure you ask for some extra garlic sauce! (Unless you have a date later on). A taboule on the side is always good too!
(5)Joe A.
Extremely friendly owner who went out of his way to welcome us to Boston. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. The place was clean and comfortable. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in Boston!
(5)Ben S.
I've gotten lunch from here delivered to work a few times now. Delivery was timely, no problems there. I got the same thing every time: a chicken platter with tabouli and baba ganoush. Also some falafel balls. It just wasn't that good honestly. I'm not a picky eater by any means. I've just had better versions of each dish from other places. And on top of that, it made me and a few other coworkers feel crappy afterwards. Maybe the food is better for dinner, I can't speak to that. I'm not telling you to avoid this place at all costs. I'm just saying it's not that good. And I'm honestly surprised that this place got so many positive reviews on here.
(2)Aditi P.
I've no idea why I haven't written a review for this place before. Maybe because I was in a food coma from the delicious falafel and chicken shawarma dinner.. ;) Seriously though, this place is a gem! My friend ordered a falafel dinner and I got the chicken roll up (do not forget the Yogurt drink!). The food was made fresh, the falafel was piping hot and crunchy and the flavors were perfect and not overpowering. (I actually broke my 'Joey doesn't share food' rule and swapped meals) My roll up sandwich was delicious; the chicken was fresh and seasoned very well. And oh my God the Batata harra! No words! There is a student discount with valid ID, and they have a rewards card. The seating area is squeaky clean and spacious, too. The owners are very friendly and charming. They kept bringing us more pita bread (which is really good, btw) until we could eat no more. In the end, we wrapped up our precious leftovers, waved goodbye to the hosts and walked out into the cold Boston night. Can't wait to come back here! :)
(5)Maha A.
The food is so tasty the best kabob ever in town the kabob was so chewy and easy to eat also its halal. The service is amazing the people here are so friendly and came ti us twice to ask us if we needed anything else. For sure i'll visit this place again. I ordered beef kabob platter with shaeeri rice and for the side tabouleah with hot potato.
(5)Kerri C.
This was a great surprise for a quick but delicious dinner in town! I got the Ramadan Feast and it fed all of us. Everything was delicious and be sure to get a sample of the desserts as they are equally tasty!
(5)tina t.
Just happened to pass by on a cold, rainy afternoon and found a hidden gem!! I had the vegetarian plate and it was simply delicious! I selected humus and tabouli for my two sides, and it also came with three stuffed grape leaves, three amazingly lite falafel over romaine, and a warm pita. While I was enjoying my feast, the owner came by my table and shared a sample of the lentil & lemon soup and a garlic spread that was like nothing I've ever had. GET this SOUP! OMG! Fresh, authentic Lebanese food, clean, friendly husband & wife owners, great traditional music, and very reasonable prices! You'll be glad you stopped by! I was!! They're open later than most places in this neighborhood, too!! Bil Hana (Bon appetit!)
(5)Sonya F.
In one word this place is amazing. Skip the lobster rolls and come here. I was in town for a convention and was looking for someplace to eat close to my hotel without having to get dressed up to have dinner, it is just around the corner from the Omni. ordered the beef shwarma,vegetarian rice,hummus and babba gonnouj. It was all amazing and delicious. I was greeted with a big smile and a hello when I walked through the door. I am assuming it was the owner. These are the types of places I hope stay in business forever. You not only get an amazing meal but your supporting a local business that truly deserves it. Eat here its amazing.
(5)Sal W.
They just raised prices. It's pushing $10 for a bird's size meal. Don't get me wrong, the taste of the roll ups is exceptional, it's just that I am a man and and need a man's portion size. I don't want to have to go out and buy a second lunch a couple of hours later. The people who work here are pretty nice. The guy behind the counter offered me a sample of the pink hummus. Damn it was good. If you are on portion controlled diet, and want some great tasting food, this place is for you!
(3)Tim M.
This place is awesome! The wraps are great - can't say a bad thing about it! Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. I'd say it's worth a detour!
(5)Kunal K.
I used to live in Montreal, where you'll find these kind of shawarma shops all over town. So I'm pretty familiar with this style of cooking. Let me tell you - this place is the place to go to. Not only is the food fresh, but it tastes good. Really ask yourself - how many places can pull that off? The fattoush was fresh and light, the meat was just perfectly seasoned and at the right temperature, the rice was fluffy soft tasty AND textured (yes - all 4). And if you're one of those people that must be treated with respect and dignity at all restaurants in order to like it (I'm not - feel free to treat me poorly, just so long as you give me good food -- it's all good)...then you would love this place. The employees (at least the guy I interacted with) was extraordinarily nice and kind, and patient. Look, I can't tell you what the capital of Lebanon is, but I can tell you what good Lebanese food tastes like, and this place has good Lebanese food. It's funny how eating at a restaurant like this makes me want to visit Lebanon City. Lebanonville? San Lebanon? Okay, I'll stop.
(5)Guillermo M.
Compared to other falafel roll ups (or sandwiches) I have tried, this one wasn't amazing. I was surprised because I saw a lot of great reviews from this place. I thought the combination of flavors wasn't great (the onion, sauce etc.) and it was room temperature instead of warm. I prefer Shawarma King.
(3)Anna M.
I had the falafel plate and my husband had the chicken shawarma plate. They were both amazing. I haven't had Lebanese food before, but I've had shawarma and falafel in Israel and Jordan and this is some of the bet I've had. The service is amazing too! The staff was so friendly and talked with me for a while about the places I had visited and their native land of Lebanon. We also discussed the World Cup that was playing on the tv. Not to mention they came partway through our meal and gave us two free hummus samples- the eggplant and spicy hummus, which again, were amazing. Price was reasonable for the amount of good we got. We were stuffed after finishing everything. We will definitely be returning!!
(5)Sheff J.
This place was amazing. There falafel is the best I've ever had and the service is second to none. I have never felt more at home in a restaurant and I was very happy with the great price for great portions.
(5)Oliver O.
Shawarma Falafel is a delightfully delectable place located just off the common. I've been to all of the various pita / falafel joints around the area and can say with confidence that this is the best in town. The place is very clean and set up well. The ingredients are very fresh and the owner is extremely friendly and genuinely wants to make sure your food is delicious. While all of the meets are genuinely delicious and very well spiced - I would recommend the lamb with the fatoush salad. The combination is very fresh and tasty. The hummous here is also above average - but even the spicy hummous haar can use a extra splash of their hot sauce. In conclusion, I cannot recommend this place enough. This is one of two places that I would demand anyone that I meet visit if they were visitng the Common area in Boston. Probably not good for anniversary dinners though ...
(5)Nik A.
I just don't know about this place........the food was not that special I have to say. I am surprised at the other good reviews. I have lived in Boston for 5 years and there are plenty middle eastern places just like this that are simply either the same or better. Nothing differentiates this place from the other guys other than it has a downtown location. I did like the spacious dining area and the high ceiling. So for the food...I had the Falafel Platter and the Beef Shawarma wrap-up combo. The platter came with a couple balls of falafel, some pickled beets or radishes (I honestly couldn't tell) a lettuce basil salad with diced radishes and diced tomatoes, and one pita. The salad wasn't "tossed" (hehe) and there was absolutely no salad dressing or anything on it. I asked for garlic sauce and hot sauce for my platter and they gave me a tiny teacup amount. I had to go back and ask for more but it still wasn't a decent amount. I was basically begging for sauce for my platter. The falafels were good but it didn't feel like a platter - it was just falafels and loose greens. For the Beef Shawarma wrap-up combo. The wrap-up was good, the meat was tender, I liked it. But they added french fries inside it (I don't know how authentic this is but whatever, I like french fries). The problem with this was that the combo comes with a side of fries so I had a wrap up with fries in it and a side of fries - it felt a little redundant and then again, i don't know how authentic fries are in Lebanese cuisine. Overall, I am a huge fan of falafels and middle-eastern wrap-ups so the food was fine for me. I just think the execution of the platter is a little off and the wrap-ups don't need the added fries, in my opinion. All said, I would still come back here (they do frequent buyer cards). But hey, they have a ton of good reviews already so maybe I am wrong about the platter/fries thing.
(3)Jason B.
Great falafel downtown, near State!
(5)Kevin A.
Their food reminds me of very ok. I have had the shawarma as well as the platter. It was quite ok. I expect my Mediterranean dishes to be bursting with flavor. Not in this case. I was wondering if that's the case with their platter and the bigger dishes. So I tried the chicken roll. Same result. Very sub standard. Lacking flavors. I wish they could improve the quality and focus a lot on spices and flavors. Shame that it's so close to my work but everytime I get lunch from here, I keep craving for more.
(2)Mel B.
I ordered the chicken shawarma roll up and a side of hummus. The pita that came with the hummus was perfect. I only wish I had more! The serving sizes were generous and my meal was very reasonably priced. As an added bonus, the gentleman who took my order was very friendly. I wish I lived closer to this place!
(5)Joelle K.
I came here for the first time last week and had a falafel roll up. The service was pretty quick, and all the employees were incredibly friendly. I wanted to get a small side of hummus on the side. When I asked for this, I was told that there were multiple options. It was obvious that I wasn't sure what I wanted, so I was given a sample of the spicy hummus without having to ask. The spicy hummus was incredible. The falafel roll up was very good.
(4)Dolphia N.
We ate twice at this restaurant, which explains how good it is. Right? I am very particular when it comes to Mediterranean food. I have eaten at bunch of places in Boston, but I liked very few of them and recommend to others. But I can recommend this restaurant to any of my fellow if they want to have authentic Lebanese food. We ordered beef shawarma, soujouk platter. Serving is very generous and each dish comes with 2 sides. I personally loved the hummus harissa and falafel. They know how to use spices and use in an exact amount. Nothing is overly spicy or undercooked. I am a food blogger and restaurant hopper. I like if my dish is perfectly seasoned and cooked well. Another bonus point is their price - their price is very reasonable - we ordered a dinner for two and it was only 30 dollars. Would love to go there or order a takeout always!
(5)Matt G.
I have been a semi-regular at Shawarma Falafel since it opened, and it is without a doubt one of my favorite places to grab lunch in Downtown Boston. The food they serve is authentic, fresh and tasty. I generally will go with one of the platters, the Shish Tawouk is my top choice. The platters come with either rice or fries and two sides with plenty of available choices; as well as warm pita bread and either Garlic Paste or Tahini Sauce, depending on which platter you get. The hummus is particularly tasty, very creamy and flavorful, great for dipping the warm pita bread in. The roll ups are quite tasty as well, if perhaps a little on the small side. For a little more you can get a roll up combo, with fries and a drink. The owner is as nice a guy as you could hope to meet, providing good service and making you feel welcome are clearly a high priority for him. Go there a few times, he will recognize and acknowledge you. The rest of the staff seem quite friendly as well. Other perks include a buy ten meals, get the eleventh one free card, spacious and opening seating, also while it doesn't apply to myself directly, they offer a discount for some businesses and students. Take a walk just slightly off the beaten path downtown and stop in here, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Felicity L.
I'm deaf, and used Relay to call them several times. They hung up on me every single time. Their food is good, but I cannot support a restaurant that discriminates against disabled people.
(1)Carolyn S.
Great food, super nice people. Easy in, easy out. We stayed at the Omni Parker, and this was a great choice for a fast and reasonably-priced meal. They have traditional Lebanese food for all meals including breakfast. The rice is traditionally spiced, and they encourage people to taste test items.
(5)Noor A.
SOOOOO DELICIOUS!! I'm not usually a shawarma or falafel fan, but this place has me craving shawarma ever since I went. The owner is super friendly (I think his name is Serge?) and treated us with the best customer service. Highly recommended.
(5)Brian C.
Went as a large group after an event in the area. Had the chicken shawarma platter and it was delicious. The hummus is thicker than what I'm used to but it's delicious! Staff is super nice and offer lots of free samples and very accommodating. Will definitely go again and recommend everybody give it a try, especially for a tasty lunch!
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