Lava Shawarma

Grabbed a quick lunch here to go. Got the Mix Wrap and a soda that unfortunately I had to throw out at the airport ),: food was recommended from a worker at bluestockings! Fry sauce was interesting, I think my friend and I got completely different tastes from it. Thankful for food before the airport.

We came and I got the chicken burger with fries and my boyfriend got chicken over rice. My chicken was nice and crispy. It was not oily or it was not hard. It was plane good loved it the cheese sauce was great. The fries were nice and crispy. Not oily just good fries. My boyfriend loved his chicken and rice with salad. He loved the seasoning the flavor or the chicken and he loved the ric. Overall great nice fresh food definitely try it you will love it.

4.5 rounded up. After a long road trip, I was craving something healthy and full of vegetables. The Vegan Arabic Sandwich hit the spot. The falafels were light and crispy. The tart pickles provided a great contrast in taste and texture. The cauliflower was roasted. The eggplant and zucchinis rounded out the sandwich. I think they even toasted the pita. 😊. Nov 2024.

This is very cute, small place. Very intentional and inspired seating and decorations. Upfront, I don't really eat this cuisine too much but I tried it today. Shawarma sandwich was tasty... It had french fries inside it... Different... Not my speed but OK, that's different.... The sauce was not my favorite, but I could see there was a lot of pride and thought put in to the dish.... Nice staff. No complaints. Very well appointed place.

The chicken shawarma, or chicken gyro or döner, was delicious. I like that they grill the whole world once it's ready. Besides its crust is crispy, the whole eating experience was not messy. I liked how it was served. The fries were not the best but they were pretty good. They had outdoor seating so it was nice to sit and eat my food in a relaxed environment.

Food was really tasty and beautifully presented. They also had some free tea drink which was a nice touch. Def coming back

Friendly staff. Small place (only 2 tables) you can eat outside but make sure it's good weather. The chicken shawarma plate was kinda sweet and not fresh. I paid $18.12 for the plate and $5.66 for the lemon juice. Both were overpriced compared to their website prices.

So happy we stumbled upon this place!! It is most definitely one of the best neighborhood spots we’ve found so far. We asked for their two best things (evidently the schwarma plate and the Arabic wrap) and both were SO INCREDIBLE and so different from one another. Even the fries were some of the best fries I’ve ever had! Also, they gave nice little ginger teas with the meal. We were 3/4 of the way through clearing our plates when they came out with a steaming bowl of rice pudding, telling us we needed to stay for dessert on the house. Overall, incredible food and service to match. Can’t wait to become a regular :)

Great food and friendly service! Stopped by to grab a quick bite and was not disappointed. The Chicken Shawarma Lava sandwich with fries was delicious and very filling. It tasted really fresh and came with a really good sauce. At the end they gave me some tea which was the perfect end to the meal. Just a note that restaurant is on the smaller side with only two tables for seating. Would definitely return if I'm around the area again!

Now one of my favorite New York spots! This place is authentic. A Mediterranean hole in the wall. The food is professional and some of the best Mediterranean I've tasted. I got the chicken shawarma lava and the lamb mix plate. For two people it comes out to $55. A little pricy, but you are paying for excellent quality. The lamb is the best and most tender lamb I've ever tried in my life. Delicious. The fries are crispy. The salad in the mix plate is fresh. They also sell the viral Dubai chocolate. I'll have to get that next time! Service is super kind. He offered me Arabic tea to get started. Really genuine and kind. I love this spot!

When I lived in LES, I would often go to pick up to-go orders from Lava Shawarma, and everything I tried was fantastic! The last time I was there, I ordered the Makdous, Mama Ghanouj, and pita, and I was impressed by both the flavors and quality. The Makdous was a real standout--these stuffed baby eggplants were marinated with olive oil and packed with a flavorful filling of walnuts, garlic, and red peppers. The richness of the oil and the earthy crunch from the walnuts made each bite irresistible and made me feel better about myself, knowing I was eating whole, fresh ingredients. Before coming here, I had never heard of Mama Ghanouj, but upon trying it, found it was equally delicious. It's a smoky eggplant dip, blended to perfection with tahini, lemon, and garlic. The texture was smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of smokiness from the roasted eggplant. Paired with their freshly baked, warm pita, it made for an ideal appetizer or "girl dinner" as I'd call it. They also had salads and vegan options as well as a cool drink menu. The staff at Lava Shawarma are friendly and helpful, which always making the pick-up experiences great. The space is pretty small, so if you live in the area, I recommend getting your food to-go and enjoying it at home like I did. If you're looking for authentic, flavorful Mediterranean dishes, I highly recommend Lava Shawarma!

I ordered Lava Shawarma on DoorDash and was really disappointed. The food wasn't flavorful and the contents of the warp I ordered were really sparse (especially the meat). I wouldn't recommend.

I kind of did not think I would find the best shawarma and halloumi sandwich in town at a random place I happened to stop at for a quick lunch after shopping at eataly. Everything is exceptional. The food came out quickly and was delicious, even rhe pita toasted to perfection. The meals come with the perfectly fried fries and delicious Italian soda. The servers, two young girls extremely good at their job and absolutely on top of it: got us seated right away, brought us water and tea (complimentary) as we sat down, and told us to take time to order. Lastly we ordered coffee to finish the meal, only for them to bring out a sample to see if we liked it before they actually brought it outs. In a city where service is not always priority, this may be the best service I have experienced at a casual restaurant in YEARS. Great light music, the walls are covered with languages from around the world. This is an incredible find. I will be back!

Ground lamb kebabs were moist and tasty, with a distinct lamb flavor, with a moderate level of chili heat (a bit too spicy for my taste--or rather for my sensitive stomach!) The basmati rice was nicely flavored and perfectly cooked. Impressed by the hummus which had a nutty flavor and creamy texture. Chicken shawarma (which they generously added as a sample) is probably best eaten as part of a wrap since shawarma in general runs to the dry side. Finally the chopped lettuce and tomato salad tasted fresh, though the dressing was a bit on the watery side. Guy at the register was on the short tempered side. Tiny place, with two tables and a counter inside and four out.

A little pricey for a quick bite but the food was really good! Food came out quick. They had outdoor seating but the inside is small. Good place for a quick bite on the go!

I was craving Mediterranean food and this place happens to be 5 mins away from me so I gave it a try. The guys at the counter were friendly and they had various options. What I like about this place is that the food is good and it's at a good price point! Would definitely come back and recommend others to try it out.

I did not want to knock this place because I was really looking forward to some good Arabic food, especially on a Friday night, however the food was just was not IT. I ordered the chicken shawarma but I'm almost positive there was pork in the bowl. There was no flavor to the salad or rice.. and overall it was just really disappointing. The one and only good thing was the lemonade mint water which was nearly 6 bucks #cries

Food was good, I'd rate it a 8/10. It bit higher in prices! Service was great, the bring the food to you. Our order was ready in less than 5mins. The falafel was sooo good & the chicken taste fresh. Very small space, but there is outdoor seating available. I recommend!

I lived in East Village this summer, and Lava Shawarma was relatively close by with great reviews, so I had to check it out. The ambiance of Lava Shawarma was casual and inviting, although small, making it a great spot for a quick meal or a casual dine-in experience. The prices were reasonable, and the variety on the menu ensured there was something for everyone! - Chicken Shawarma: The chicken shawarma was a testament to authenticity, with tender slices of marinated chicken enveloped in a soft, pillowy pita. Every bite was a harmonious melody of spices, playing in perfect unison with the mild tanginess of the accompanying garlic sauce. The shawarma had a homely appeal while maintaining a certain gourmet elegance, a balance not easily achieved. That being said, it was extremely small. Half the size of a Chipotle burrito for 3x the price. 3/5. - Arabic Shawarma Sandwich: The Arabic Shawarma Sandwich was a delightful medley of succulent meat and fresh condiments, all encased in a well-toasted bread that added a nice crunch. The garlic tahini sauce drizzled within was the proverbial cherry on top, bringing a tangy zest that danced well with the savory notes of the meat. Again, the portions were quite small. 4/5. - Lamb & Beef Shawarma Plate: Finely cooked lamb and beef, spiced and cooked to near perfection. The grilled tomato and red onion added a nice crunch and a burst of freshness. The garlic and tahini sauce gracefully tied the meats together, while the grilled tomato and red onion provided a refreshing contrast, adding a layer of complexity to the taste palette. 5/5.

Food was nicely presented and tasted good. For the menu don't refer to the pictures The price are different The proportion were small compare to other shawarma places.

Service was poor staff were rude and the food was not tasty and lacked amount. Will not go back again.

Best Hummus EVERRRRR. I can't wait to go back. People are so nice as well! Little gem on Thompson street!

Looking for some place that was open late(10ish) was quite difficult with this whole Omicron Covid out break. We were literally walking on streets that would normally be full of people and now empty. We were looking for ramen that night but we stumbled onto something just as delicious. We passed by this place that seemed pretty small but there was a nice enclosed outdoor area. We didn't realize it but they were actually closing in 10 mins when we ordered. We sat outside waiting for our food to be ready so we can pick it up but to our surprise they brought everything out including silverware! Not only was service phenomenal but the food was amazing too. I had the lamb and beef plate, it was flavorful and savory. They even brought out mini cups of tea for us as well! Everything was amazing. My only gripe was that the outdoor area smelled a bit musty.

Fresh, delicious and decent pricing. Just like what NYC should be! Chicken Shawarma plate with pita was fresh and delicious. Old NyC you could get great food for a decent price... now everything and everyone pays stupid amounts for decent food. Hate to sound old, but it's nice to see and order from a reasonable and delicious restaurant.!

Lamb Kabob sandwich was so good. Loved it! Jerusalem salad quite refreshing. That lava wrap has the toastiness of a grilled burrito. Chicken shawarma okay. Falafel unremarkable.

Today I went back again for the 2nd time. I was helped by IBRAHIM who was soooo thoughtful and absolutely friendly. The chicken shawarma in a wrap huge. Inside, the ingredients were very fresh and tasty. The fries were also fried very nicely in a golden hue. 10 stars for their service and here's to 2nd time's a charm, in this case! Thank you for supporting all local businesses during these tough times!

I went to Lava Sharma to a quick dessert and even though I bought a baklava for 8 dollars, I was treated as if I was at a restaurant. It's a fast food place with complementary mint tea which is delectable and allows u to wash the some of the sweetness of heaviness of your food. Super friendly staff and most importantly, they have charging stations underneath the booth which is great if you are a student or if u need to charge your phone. Little gem that should not be ignored.

Tasty food! I got the shawarma wrap and it was delicious...the food was cooked fresh and the customer service is very good as well.

Delicious! We tried the falafel plate, chicken shawarma plate, zing chicken plate and lamb burger plate. The falafel was absolutely perfect, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and topped with sesame seeds. It came with pita bread and hummus. The chicken shawarma came with a drink, fries and the shawarma was tasty and moist. My son really enjoyed his lamb burger. My husband loved his chicken zinger sandwich. The lava bread was delicious. Fries were so so-standard frozen and fried. The employee was so kind and brought us samples of the delicious Arabic tea. So warm and fragrant on the crisp fall day. You also get a can of soda with your plates. Service was good. We sat in the enclosure area next to the restaurant. Not much seating when you walk up at the counter. Lots of customers taking it to go.

My quarantine take-out pick today because the amazing reviews everywhere and Didn't disappoint. Delicious Falafel Sandwich and Hummus! Definitely will visit again. They are supporting local hospitals and giving out free meal to senior citizens, so let's support them!

The shawarma cured my schizophrenia! Def recommend this place if you're looking for a quick bite that's worth the price!

I love my shawarma, been through Eastern Europe and Greece, this did not disappoint!

Came here for a nice cheap dinner, and when you walk in, it's almost like a dollar pizza joint. This place is meant for takeout but has some seating if needed. I opted for the chicken shawarma and my favorite thing was the fried. Fries were breaded nicely, uneven texture. A layer of crispness in the outside and soft inside. The shawarma didn't have much flavor I thought, nothing wrong with texture or moistness, just bland.

Small potions for $15. I got the vegan dish and it was so little I felt like it was an appetizer

Group of us happened to walk by and we're extremely pleased with the food. The owner is very friendly and welcoming, giving everyone a nice taste of Arabic tea before the meal. We had the falafel platter and it was super fresh and delicious. The hummus was very thick, in a way that I've never had before, and it was just fabulous. I'm definitely going back.

An amazing find! We stumbled into this neighborhood spot a few weeks back and boy am I glad we did. Everything we've had so far has been delightful! The Lamb & Beef Shawarma is my go-to -- the meat is thinly sliced and perfectly cooked. The basmatic rice is deliciously seasoned and compliments the lamb & beef perfectly. Jerusalem salad (cucumber, lettuce, tomato, red onion, parsley, mint) is crisp and refreshing. We've also had the baba and mama ghanouj, both which comes with warm pita. I liked the baba ghanouj a bit more, only simply because I don't like cooked eggplant. All in all, everything was , 10/10 will return multiple times a week. PS - try the Arabic tea if you haven't. It's cinnamon forward and belly warming.

Grabbed a quick bite from lava shawarma. Got the beef and lamb platter, and my friend got the chicken shawarma on lava bread. I've deff had better shawarma, i think it lacked a little bit of flavor. But overall for a quick bite it wasn't bad. They do have the best tea though! It was my first time trying Arabic tea and i was hooked! Soooo delicious

Truly excellent shawarma sandwich. Got the Lebanese lava style chicken with pickles and fries inside, thin crispy bread. So delicious and perfectly seasoned. Great value and fresh. Garlic sauce is an added bonus. Do yourself a favor and just get it

Dare I say the best Middle Eastern food I've tasted so far in NYC? Believe it. The place itself is small. There is limited space for seating, 12 people the most. Service was great. We were instantly greeted by the owner who takes your order (yes, the owner). We decided to order the Arabic Shawarma (chicken shawarma with tomato, lettuce, and garlic sauce on lava bread) and the Shawarma plate (chicken shawarma, served with basmati rice, Jerusalem salad & garlic sauce). Within a few minutes, our plates came out. Man, the presentation on the shawarma plate was beautiful. Full of color and vibrant. I could smell the spices and aroma before I even tasted it. I knew it was going to be good. The Arabic shawarma was delicious. It was perfectly rolled up and flavors were jam packed into the lava bread. But the highlight was my Shawarma plate. Wow! Let's start off with the basmati rice. It had the right amount of spice, perfectly cooked. The salad was crisp and very refreshing. You could taste the different spices on the shawarma. Don't forget the garlic sauce. It added an extra touch to both dishes. This is what a chicken and rice platter is supposed to taste like! I devoured the whole thing. But really topped it off is that I did not feel heavy from all the food. It tasted light and clean. We also ordered baklava for dessert. The baklava was very good, perhaps one of the better versions I've tasted at a restaurant. At the end, the owner provided us with some hot Arabic tea. It was on point. You could taste the cardamom and cinnamon in it. If you want to try authentic Middle Eastern food the way it should be made, this is the place to go.

This is by far the best lamb chops I had To-Go PERIOD. It was cooked well, juicy, warm, and tender. The rice was just as delicious and had a nice buttery taste. The tabuleh salad was citrus based, and paired well with the meat and rice. Would highly recommend.

I ordered the Falafel Pita Sandwich and roasted cauliflower for lunch and everything came out to less the $11?! I think there is a lunch special somewhere, but It wasn't listed anywhere? The portions were huge and everything was delicious. The cauliflower was a bit cold, but there were at least eight big pieces on a bed of romaine. Make sure to put the sauce on everything. ** the prices on seamless are almost doubled for the falafel sandwich compared to ordering it via phone or in the store.

i got the chicken shawarma plate as takeout and it was delicious. really large portion of the chicken (which is the best part!). the cooks were also very friendly!

Great schwarma for quick in the lower east side. Large portions and very flavorful meat to grab and go

I always hit up a shawarma place whenever I'm in NYC area. This place served scrumptious plates of lamb & beef shawarma, lamb chop, super fresh tabbouleh, saladsc etc. Took my family here and they couldn't stop talking about it! Tucked in Lower East Side away from the tourists, nice hole in a wall, big portions and big flavors! Thank you for the amazing foods!

My favorite foods, done right. So flavorful, quick service, great portions. Small space but they have a patio and will bring your food out. They even sell their custom spice blend.

The best babaganoush I've ever had in NYC!!!! Cannot say enough how much you've got to order this. I order babaganoush everywhere I go when available, and this one is, by far, the best. Instantly flavorful, rich, creamy, drizzled with olive oil. Got delivery from here, my first time trying it. Also got the chicken shawarma sandwich with the thin lava bread and the baklava. The sandwich was like a very greasy but good burrito. Felt kinda like it came from a divey spot, and felt veryyy indulgent but good. The baklava is pretty good too, nothing amazing but if you're craving it, get it. I'll be back for the babaganoush and trying their hummus and more!

It is rare when I give a place 5 Stars... but wow. I have literally eaten falafel on four continents. Hands down this is the best I have ever had in over 40 years. It is as close to perfect as any food ever. I would be saying that if it cost $20 for a sandwich. The Bab Ghanouj is like eating pure bliss. The Stuffed Falafel, I have never had anything quite so wonderful. Even though this doesn't seem like a vegetarian's dream place, it fulfills this lifelong vegetarian's dreams. I would never of found Zyara NY, as they are called on Grubhub if I my girlfriend hadn't been searching for Halloumi. Halloumi sandwich is next on the agenda. Now if we can convince these guys to serve Greek Vegetarian Moussaka... well if they ever do, I know it will be amazing. Delivery over two miles away at 8PM Sunday night was quick, polite and efficient. Can't get better than that!

Grabbed some food to go. Asked for a lamb pita, they were out of lamb. Had the chicken pita with everything, instead. There weren't any tomatoes and it should've had tomatoes. It was just chicken, lettuce, pickled veggies, and garlic sauce. It was okay. Have had better Arabic food at delis.

i go here 4 times a week at least good priced for mediterranean food and the shawarma is always juicy and never dry the chicken biryani is my favorite its only 10$ and plenty of food pitas always nice warm and soft fries always fresh and crispy never soggy ask for extra garlic white sauce !! the best!

Decent food that's better than the halal carts but is significantly pricier. Good if you are low on time and in neighborhood.

Love, love, love. This small little unassuming spot serves up some excellent Mediterranean food. My boyfriend and I stopped in for a late dinner and the place was packed. You know it's gonna be good when a place is popular even at the off hours. We ordered the Arabic Shawarma and the Lamb Gyro plate to split. Both were delicious! The Arabic was crisp and slightly greasy from the press. It had this addicting garlic sauce that soaked up into the wrap. So satisfying. Also, the fries are crisp just how I like 'em. I only wish it came with an extra side of that sauce for dipping. The plate had similar elements, but was served with fresh Jerusalem salad and the best rice I've had in maybe, well, forever. It was fragrant, flavorful, and so memorable. I hate raisins with a fiery passion, but I loved them in the rice. It added a subtle sweetness that balanced out the other spices. The meat itself was on the drier side which I didn't mind since there was all that good good sauce. The ingredients themselves seem higher quality than your typical takeout spot which is A+ considering the prices are affordable. It's only been three days since we ate here and I'm already looking for an excuse to come back. If you haven't tried them yet, GO!

Best Vegan Arabic Sandwich! First time ever having it and the flavor profile was incredible and extremely satisfying. I'm hooked and will return when I am back in the area. I definitely recommend giving it a try. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.

Zyara is one of those local restaurants that I will never tire of. A small shop set in the bustling restaurant strip of Clinton Street, it can fit about 10 customers inside at a given time, and is easy to miss if you're not looking for it. And when you go once, you'll look for it every time. The first time I ever went in to check out the menu, the owner himself helped me at the counter and walked me through the menu. This kind of personal touch is truly what differentiates Zyara and makes it an establishment I will continue to return to in Manhattan. The food is incredibly flavorful, not to mention at an amazing price (especially for New York). The Vegan Arabic Sandwich has a mix of grilled vegetables and falafel, with a bit of spice and LOTS of flavor. I have also tried the chicken shawarma and baba ghanouj, both of which were splendid. If you don't have the time to visit the counter in person, they do deliver on Caviar and Seamless, however I recommend getting it fresh from the grill so that the pita is fresh!

Good food. Cute space. Maybe it was just our experience but it fell short of the lofty "best middle eastern food in NYC" that some reviewers suggested. Place: Small but artsy in decoration. There's one bug communal table, some wall seats, a total of maybe 10 spots inside and an adorable garden table for two in the front that we nabbed. Food: Chicken shawarma and the lamb kebab. Side of hummus was quite good. My chicken plate was much drier than I would have expected. With respect, my local halal Cart consistently serves juicier meat. The accompanying rice was actually the star of the plate. Presentation as you see is beautiful. Overall this place is definitely a solid choice. I'm not sure whether it was an off day or if our expectations of middle eastern food are high with the amazing restaurants nearby but it didn't quite live up to the hype. Still, a great place

Delicious shawarma and lovely employee working the register! Big outdoor area to sit also. Get the tea

I picked up a chicken shawarma sandwich to go on lafa bread. The shawarma was juicy and crispy. It was well seasoned and very flavorful. The fries were super crispy and well seasoned too. Next time, I'll ask them to go light on the white sauce and a bit heavier on the spicy sauce. I'd also want to try their falafel.

Delicious! Just walked in randomly and it was so good. Honestly everything on the menu looked great.