Abu Kabab

Mediterranean restaurant · West Central

Abu Kabab

Mediterranean restaurant · West Central

3

720 N Lake Ave UNIT 9, Pasadena, CA 91104

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Highlights

Juicy kebabs, fluffy rice, fresh mutabal & shirazi salad  

Featured in Eater
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720 N Lake Ave UNIT 9, Pasadena, CA 91104 Get directions

abukebab.com
@abu_kabab

$10–20 · Menu

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720 N Lake Ave UNIT 9, Pasadena, CA 91104 Get directions

+1 626 808 9802
abukebab.com
@abu_kabab

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : U Pick Cafe

"Fresh made to order Middle Eastern food. This little spot will not disappoint. Everything down to the rice will leave you wanting more. All of the ingredients are well sourced and everything is fresh. This is a great restaurant for some serious flavor." - Friend of a Friend

https://onthegrid.city/los-angeles/highland-park/u-pick-cafe
View Postcard for Abu Kabab
@eater

Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week: July 1 - Eater LA

"The combination platter with beef lule and filet mignon arrived on a fluffy bed of rice along with two sides: a fantastic mutabal (roasted eggplant dip with tahini) and an equally memorable shirazi salad with chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, and parsley. Expertly grilled meats always hit the spot but when it’s coupled with service that goes above and beyond, we’re veering into customer-for-life status." - Eater Staff

https://la.eater.com/2024/7/1/24168205/favorite-best-dishes-la-los-angeles-eater-editors-july-1
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@onthegrid

"U Pick Cafe, Highland Park. Fresh made to order Middle Eastern food. This little spot will not disappoint. Everything down to the rice will leave you wanting more. All of the ingredients are well sourced and everything is fresh. This is a great restaurant for some serious flavor."

Los Angeles
View Postcard for U Pick Cafe

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Google
I visited Abu-Kabab for the first time and was truly impressed! I ordered the grilled chicken dish — it was absolutely delicious. The meat was incredibly tender, literally melting in my mouth. Paired with flavorful rice and a fresh salad, it was a perfect combination. The taste was outstanding and well-balanced. There’s also a large parking lot, which makes the visit very convenient. I’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place to everyone!

Reina P

Google
We went with a big group a little after the typical lunch time so it wasn’t so crowded. Everything came out accurately and was so delightful. Serge, the owner, is an Eaton Fire survivor and was so gracious and took such good care of us. Please support this business! The food was legitimately so delicious! I had the ground chicken wrap with tabbouleh. Everything was so well plated and seasoned. And there isn’t a shortage of food. Highly recommend!

Ms. Bui-Bernheim

Google
Their dishes are just delightful. Their salads and sides are just so fresh. The gyros and salmon very tasty . It’s worth the food coma .

Chris Preovolos

Google
We were passing through town and decided to stop here based on the reviews. The food is excellent and the portions are generous. Everything is fresh and the dips bright and delicious. The staff is friendly. It was well worth the detour off of the freeway.

Sare

Google
First time here today and omg this place is amazing! Chicken shawarma is 10/10. Sauces are so good. Yogurt cucumber delicious. Will be back!

Alexis Say (Lex)

Google
I came with my service dog and the owners were so kind and inviting! I always feel guilty bringing a dog where food is being served but I need her. They gave her water and didn’t bother me at all. The owners are doing it all by themselves too. They work so hard, this is the type of place I’d spend all my money on. They’re so cute Then the food came - woaaah. It was so good I went back and bought another plate with baklava. Huge portion of bomb food for $25 too. I sat outside and had a Mountain View while we ate which made my experience here even better!!

Jamie

Google
Been here twice and both times, my company and I have been satisfied and impressed by their quality of food and level of care. Everything we had tasted very fresh and seasoned well, and our favorites are lule, babaganoush, hummus, garlic paste, spicy chili sauce, tabbouleh, tzatziki, and chicken shawarma. The lule was cooked to perfection and the chicken shawarma was tender and moist. My least favorite was the baklava as it didn’t feel as crispy and sticky as I like it but I liked that it wasn’t overly sweet. But it was still good! Their portion is so big that one plate always yields two servings. The restaurant is clean and welcoming, the staff are also very kind and happy to answer questions. Would come back here again!!

Jeero Habeshian

Google
If you are looking for Authentic Mediterranean Food made from generations of family recipes, Abu Kebab is the place for you! The food is Always made fresh to order, the taste is delicious, and the portions are generous. The owner takes great pride in serving food made from his family's recipes and you will taste the quality from the first bite. Even if you are not local to Pasadena, the drive is well worth it. I live 20 miles away and dine there regularly, and I thoroughly enjoy it every time. They also have a Pop Up Stand 2-3 times per week at Rancho Bar in Altadena 2485 Lake Ave.
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Kama P.

Yelp
Amazingly DELICIOUS 5 piece lamb kebab, with yummy sides of tabbouleh and hummus. Comes with rice and pita. Excellent value, better food than other places, at a more reasonable cost! Ordered to go in case I didn't finish big portion which was smart. They play my favorite middle eastern music on the patio and delivered our "to go" order to our table very graciously. Staff was very welcoming and friendly, it's in a nice neighborhood, I felt safe and comfortable and had a fun time! I will definitely be back to support this establishment!

Feronika T.

Yelp
I ordered from Abu Kebab for my office party, and everyone was thrilled with the food. I went with several orders of original family special, salmon plates, falafel, chicken thigh tray. They were all outstanding especially the filet mignon and the chicken lule. Their jalapeños are so good and super super spicy!! The food arrived on time, per my request. I'll definitely be ordering again in the future. In fact, I'm planning to place another mid-month order to cater my own family gathering! Thanks Abu Kebab!!!
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Jamie W.

Yelp
This is the 5th time I've had Abu 5 times and the food was absolutely incredible every time! I ordered the beef filet mignon and chicken thigh combo, and it came with perfectly seasoned, juicy meat, a massive portion, buttery fluffy rice and perfect hummus Everything tasted homemade with unique spices. If you're in Pasadena and craving some amazing Middle Eastern food, Abu Kabab is a must try. I'm a regular now for sure!
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Margie D.

Yelp
This was our second 5-star visit in 2 weeks. Last time, we ordered for pickup. This time we ate there. Stelios was there, always with a smile and good humor. Today we tried: *Spinach pie - served piping hot out of the oven, crispy delicate dough with fresh spinach and herbs baked inside. *Chicken kabob - (a la carte order is one huge long kabob!) delicious minced chicken meat with herbs, grilled on open flame to perfection. Tender and juicy. *Lentil soup - honestly didn't expect it to be this good. So much flavor and even a little kick to it. Perfect for this cold, gray Pasadena day. *Lule kabob and chicken thigh plate - this was a repeat from 2 weeks ago because it's just that good. Served with fluffy yellow rice, 2 sides (we chose mutabel & cucumber yogurt). Next time, we're going to try the moussaka and one of their salads. This is a hidden gem on Lake. Don't miss out!
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Cole H.

Yelp
This is the best kebab in Pasadena, hands down. The quality of the meat is top tier and the marinations are very flavorful, but not overpowering. The rice is cooked perfectly, and the garlic paste has a lighter taste than Zankou, which I actually prefer. The owners are wonderful, and they create a lovely and comfortable environment. This restaurant warms my heart. Thank you very much for existing and providing such high quality food at a very reasonable price. Debatably the best food in Pasadena
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Isabella S.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I were excited to try a new mediterranean place since its vegan(him) friendly and meat lover friendly (me). I got the beef shawarma plate with tabbouleh salad and hummus. The beef was so hard and salad looked a day or so old, not very vibrantly green. My boyfriend liked his falafel and both sides (hummus and babaganoush). The portions are large but maybe I ordered the wrong thing? I prefer Sahara or Zankou chicken.
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Genevie Y.

Yelp
We got here early on weekday and found parking in front, there is also parking in back but kinda small. One person taking order and is also the one serving food. So be patient. We ordered the plates which comes with two sides it's a lot of food. I ate half and had the rest the next day. Really cute interior they also have outdoor seating. Good to try them out.
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Alvin L.

Yelp
Probably the best Lebanese food I've had, but with Greek flair. I got the chicken lule kabob plate with the tabbouleh and the cucumber yogurt, which was basically a tzatziki. Both sides were extremely fresh and added a nice tartness to the meal, which was a welcome relief. Let's talk about the lule kabob. It was juicy and extremely well seasoned. It packed a PUNCH. The owner mentioned he used Greek seasoning, and it's the most flavorful lule kabob I've had, which are in my experience usually dry and one-note when it comes to spices. The rice was well cooked as well, finished with olive oil and a little salt. Honestly, one of the best meals I've had in the area. If I lived here I'd be back weekly.
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Montse S.

Yelp
Family owned business with delicious food. I ordered for take out and was so happy while eating dinner and enjoying their wonderful flavors. The rice was buttery and lemony. Hummus was nice and smooth. Babaganush was smoky from the toasted eggplant and delicious on bread. The chicken was juicy and perfectly marinated. We loved it and so did our kids. Call ahead, order and take it home to share the love.
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Alexandra K.

Yelp
My husband and I came in after a long day, needing something tasty and fresh. We walked in and the restaurant was very clean, and someone was able to take our order immediately. We ordered a combo chicken thigh and beef lule plate, with a side of tabouleh and hummus. Everything tasted fantastic and they even gave us an extra skewer! The tabouleh was zesty and bright, their garlic sauce was perfect, and the hummus was so creamy. The ambience is the perfect family business, and when we were enjoying our meal, some regulars came in and the owners even knew them by name! Love this place, Will definitely be back.
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Tara O.

Yelp
My husband and I have officially found our new favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Abu Kebab is truly something special and a gem in the Pasadena food scene. Finding places to eat that truly feel like you're having an authentic home cooked meal is an important quality to me, and Abu Kebab excels at this. The environment and service is warm and welcoming to say the very least. I believe the owner was who helped my husband and I and he was so helpful and friendly. Much to my surprise, the majority of the menu is without gluten, which is truly a gift. We ordered a side of falafel and a chicken thigh & beef lule combo plate with hummus and tabbouleh. Tabbouleh is one of my favorite foods, but I haven't had it in so long since I went to gf and typically it has bulgar wheat in it. Abu Kebab doesn't use bulgar wheat, so I was excitedly able to indulge. The meats are absolutely incredible. I am not certain how they are seasoned, but the flavor is so good, and I cannot say I've had any meat that tastes similar. Abu Kebab is a stand out restaurant and deserves all the praise. I cannot wait to go back !

Juanita V.

Yelp
Best Mediterranean food in pasadena is not the world!!! The people are friendly and kind and they were giving meals to first responders due to the current catastrophe. Love love love the food and the people!!!
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Doreen T.

Yelp
yummy! This was the best Chicken Shawerma Plate I've ever had! Portion is very generous and the chicken is juicy and tender. You can definitely share this, but I chose to have the leftovers all for myself the next day. Hubby was hungry and ordered the chicken thigh with beef filet. We didn't know the portion was gonna be that huge and he added a chicken lule. Everything tasted even better the next day. For sides we had: 2x hummus, tabouleh, babaganoush (matabal). The only thing I would note is the tabouleh had too much lemon juice the day we went, it was a bit tart for our taste. However, if you mix it with the rice then it's kinda just right! We also wanted a salad with one of our entree, but we got rice instead. No worries, we will save carb free for another day!
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Jodie F.

Yelp
Outstanding food and service. I had the chicken shawarma wrap and it did not disappoint. We even received a free cucumber, tomato salad while we waited.
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Akira N.

Yelp
Abu Kebab defies all of your expectations of taste in the best ways. Lentil soup is surprising. Chicken breast (usually dry at other restaurants) is moist and delicious. Garlic and hot sauces made from scratch. The owners are so kind humble and friendly. I'd eat here every week if I could resist eating all the yummy rice and pita bread. 150% recommend!
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Eric A.

Yelp
If you're looking for a good place to eat - stop searching, and pay this place a visit. You will not regret it. My wife and I were looking for some good Mediterranean food near Pasadena. We decided to give Abu Kabab a try. No exaggeration, this is probably my new favorite restaurant in the area - definitely in my Top 3. The food is fresh and you can tell they use quality ingredients. We had a Beef Gyro Wrap, the Chicken Sultani Plate, Yogurt Cucumber, and Tabbouleh. All delicious. The food speaks for itself - I recommend you try this place.
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Zee P.

Yelp
Abu Kabab is a culinary haven that will transport your taste buds to the Middle East! The Chicken Shawarma is a masterclass in flavor and texture - juicy, tender, and infused with the perfect blend of spices, herbs, and a hint of sumac. The Salmon is equally impressive, with a beautiful char on the outside giving way to a moist, flaky exterior, all wrapped in a subtle hint of lemon and olive oil. But the magic doesn't stop at the proteins - the rice is cooked to perfection, fluffy and light with a subtle saffron flavor that complements the dishes beautifully. And the Hummus? Creamy, rich, and indulgent, with just the right amount of tahini and garlic to make it sing. And then there's the Tabouleh - a symphony of fresh parsley, bulgur, mint, and lemon juice that's both refreshing and invigorating. Each bite is a masterful balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Abu Kabab's attention to detail and commitment to using only the freshest ingredients shines through in every dish. If you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, or just looking to try something new, do yourself a favor and head to Abu Kabab - your taste buds will thank you!
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Summer S.

Yelp
So so yummy we ordered every type of meat and it was so tender and delicious! Try their garlic sauce and their spicy sauce soooo yummy 10/10 found my new mediterranean spot
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Hank W.

Yelp
Great food. Friendly staff. Good portions. Reasonable price. Very casual. Highly recommend Abu Kebab if Mediterranean is what you are craving.
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Jerry M.

Yelp
This place has the best lamb chops I've ever had! Great Mediterranean/Greek/lebanese restaurant. The staff is incredible nice and accommodating.
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Katie C.

Yelp
My sister lives around the neighborhood and I convinced her to try this spot after the good reviews and closer proximity instead of her usual kebab place in Glendale. My goodness was it amazing! We got the chicken shawarma, gyro, hummus, mutabal baba, and baklava. It was all delicious! We'll definitely be going back. The gyro was really tender, I feel like I could have eaten two!! It wasn't huge but comes with another side. Ate it too fast to take a picture. Haha My star rating: 5 - must go!!! 4 - liked it, give it a try! 3 - it was alright 2 - I probably won't go back 1 - turnaround and run
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Anne P.

Yelp
We ordered a catering menu for Thanksgiving at my friends house and the food was incredible. I just placed an order for Christmas and the owners were so nice and accommodating. I highly recommend this place.
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Monica B.

Yelp
I've visited a few times and have had a great experience each time! Portions are all extremely generous. All of the sides are delicious. They have great homemade falafels. One of the times I visited I was with relatives who have celiac disease and have never tried many of these dishes - the owner did a great job explaining everything so they were able to try something new. Everything was gluten free expect the pita. My relatives did not get sick and raved about this meal their whole trip!

Megnificent L.

Yelp
Like most reviews of this restaurant, I want to saythe food here is soooooo good, and it is, I've eaten here many times, the quality is always perfect, as are the portion size. But I also want to say that the family behind the restaurant are examples of what makes living in north Pasadena and Altadena wonderful. Our community cares about one another, and these guys care and it shows. It Shows!!
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Tiffany S.

Yelp
The best Mediterranean food in Pasadena and possibly the best I've ever had in my life! The mutabel is uniquely creamy and delicious. Ask for the hot sauce - you will be amazed!
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Derek B.

Yelp
Sho' am good ! Back in the day...when I was toddler my mother was amazed on how much food I would eat. She said I that I often said " all gone gone Mommy" after I cleaned my plate. The aggressive eating still continues and I think her and think to myself " All gone gone Mommy". The lamb kebabs tonight from Abu Kebab on Lake Street were fabulous. Definitely sho' am good: lamb kebaba, hummus, pita bread and a tasty small salad. Lip smacking slap yo' mama good!
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Cassandra F.

Yelp
The food is delicious here! I ordered the chicken breast wrap with a side salad. My mom ordered the chicken breast plate with hummus and a side salad and our friend ordered the lamb chop plate. It was all so good and flavorful! The portions were great too and well presented. The service is friendly and attentive and it's a clean, nicely decorated place. We will definitely come back!
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Mary A.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious! When I'm looking for chicken shawarma, this is what I'm looking for! I had the chicken shawarma wrap and it was so good: great seasoning, pickles, sauce, and the right texture. We had the gyro wrap too which was also amazing, and a perfect Greek salad. The hummus and tabouli were also perfection. Everything tastes fresh and made with care. Friendly service plus indoor and outdoor seating (nothing fancy but comfortable). Will def be back!
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Joseph G.

Yelp
Wow hands down best kabob place Pasadena. Lamb had great taste and texture A+ quality. Service was amazing friendly environment. Definitely recommend
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Sedric S.

Yelp
Best food best atmosphere great environment. Employees and owners are very friendly now that they have beer and wine. It makes it a lot cozier
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chelsea k.

Yelp
THIS PLACE IS 10000/10! The chicken is so moist, tender, and perfectly seasoned! The owner and staff are SO FANTASTIC their service always is top notch. Also the garlic sauce is the best I've ever had! Everything I have from here is great. Tonight I tried the whole chicken meal and it was wonderful!
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Aleena R.

Yelp
The food portions here are huge and worth the price! I wanted to support a small business rather than get CAVA and i'm really glad I went here because it's authentic and so much better! The guy who took my order was very kind and patient. He brought out our food and was so polite, he even boxed our food for us afterwards :) I felt welcomed here and the place itself was really nice inside. I would say though that since the sun was facing the restaurant when I went it did get hot in there despite the AC being on but other than that the food and restaurant were great ! I will definitely be coming again

Lisa S.

Yelp
This is the worst gyro I've ever had. I've eaten many gyros (including in Greece) and these people don't know what they're doing. There wasn't any fresh lettuce or tzatziki sauce, the pita was grilled so it was really tough. And it tasted horrible. I also ordered the lamb kebab and it was fine, but I was so turned off by the gyro I will never order from this restaurant again.
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Shane L.

Yelp
I was such a fan of this location's incarnation when it was called "U Pick" before new owners took it over and it went downhill. I've had Abu Kebab on my list to try since they remodeled and changed the menu. Today was that day and I have to say we were VERY impressed. I love that the menu is handwritten on chalkboard, the young woman who helped us today was the only person working there that I could see, and she did a wonderful job preparing our food. We ordered the chicken and Lulu kebab combo plate with grilled veggies and hummus and the house salad. We decided to share so that we got a good amount of veggies. The food was presented beautifully. The salad dressing was on the side - plenty of it and it was absolutely delicious - I love whatever herbs and spices they are putting in the dressing. The rice was delicious - kind of a rice pilaf kind of vibe. The grilled chicken thigh chunks were perfectly marinated and cooked - so flavorful and tender, juicy! The lule kebab was well seasoned - not overly so. Loved the hummus - they kept it simple which is my favorite kind of hummus - without adding spices. All of the flavors were beautiful together and we sprinkled plenty of sumac on top to just add that last touch. We will be coming back here often!
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Keilab A.

Yelp
I'm still thinking about this meal. I got the chicken sultani plate that comes with a chicken kebab and lule along with two sides. I opted for the grilled veg and mutabbal (eggplant). The ordering process was seamless and the service was quick. I've been here before the ownership change, but I have to say that I was very impressed with the quality and taste of the food. It was tasty before, but it is 10x better now. The chicken was so moist, the rice fluffy, mutabbal was out of this world. The smoky flavor was delicious and I will definitely come here again to get my Mediterranean fix.
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mike r.

Yelp
This place is great! I suggest the Crispy Pita Bowls. Great food, reasonably priced, friendly service.
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Nelson S.

Yelp
I've been here probably like 3 times, it's a great place to eat healthy and delicious, service and ambience are also great, I'll definitely keep coming back more often, great job guys!
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Meena N.

Yelp
Tried some take out again. Tried the house bowl which was different because it comes in a crispy bowl. Very tasty. My husband got the chicken plate. Nicely seasoned.
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Lidia M.

Yelp
The food was delicious, even my picky eaters agreed. The owner was really sweet and attentive.

Brian M.

Yelp
Shawarma is my favorite and this place is the best in all LA County. Food is the best.
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Marco C.

Yelp
It's not real shawarma It's dripping oil and and the meat is chewy. So not impressed. Another mediocre establishment

Rich R.

Yelp
Good and authentic. Recommend the chicken and filet combo. Large portions so the combo is good for at least two meals for me. Good hummus.
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Patrick T.

Yelp
The food was delicious, it came out fresh and the people were very welcoming and kind. The lighting is ambient and the room allowed me to feel more relaxed. I love that they use high quality ingredients to make their food. Will definitely come back here for another bite.

Priscila L.

Yelp
Food was delicious, we got the whole chicken with fries and added extra sides... Everything tasted great, def coming back!
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Steve S.

Yelp
Abu Kebob is GREAT! Great in every way! I'm so overdue for an order or two! So, see you soon!

Mar M.

Yelp
Customer service was Amazing and on point, food was ready on time, kebab tasted AMAZING and was prepared PERFECT, so was the lule, can't wait to go back for the swarma (might have spelled that wrong) that blew my mind w/and w/out the sauce. All meats were juicy and tasty, none were overcooked or over seasoned. - I Always recommend their cheese boreg - You can never go wrong with their: - Mutabel (Babaganush) - Hummus - Yogurt Dip (w/cucumbers)
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Valery V.

Yelp
I have already had them twice in the last 24 hours. The kabobs are super flavorful and come in great portion sizes. The owners are the sweetest and really took care of my gluten allergy (Celiac Disease). You can tell that they take a lot of pride in their ingredients. I already know this will be one of my favorite spots.
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C. B.

Yelp
Excellent fresh and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. If you order through DoorDash, you can call them on the phone about requests to change something. They have great customer service!
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Danni C.

Yelp
So delicious! excellent customer service! we'll definitely be back This is my new favorite spot for shawarma.