Yalla

It was my first visit, but the server was so kind that I could start the meal in a great mood. While the food was delicious, I was most impressed by the restaurant’s cleanliness and hygiene management. I was particularly touched by how the staff used gloves. When cleaning tables after guests left, they wore hygiene gloves, but when serving fresh food, they took them off. Seeing them clearly distinguish between cleaning gloves and bare-handed service gave me confidence—this place truly cares about hygiene. Earlier that morning, I had left another restaurant in disgust after seeing staff use the same gloves for cleaning and serving. However, this place was different. I felt that even the most basic hygiene protocols were followed meticulously. With its great taste, service, and impeccable cleanliness, I highly recommend it!

Yalla is such a lovely find in Victoria. The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, flavourful, and clearly made with care. Everything we tried was beautifully seasoned, well presented, and so satisfying. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients. What made the experience even better was the atmosphere and the people. The space feels warm and welcoming, and the staff were genuinely kind, attentive, and happy to help with recommendations. It’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable taking your time and enjoying the meal.

Visiting Victoria from Toronto and thought we’d try this place. It was hands down the best koobideh we had in Canada! And I tried many Persian restaurants in Toronto, so it’s a big deal. Portion was good, and staff were friendly.

We had a friends gathering and Yalla owner Saeed was hosting and cooking the kebab. It was one of the kind. Original taste of kabab koobideh. It reminded me kababs in Bazar of Tehran. Thank you immensely for your hard work. The taste and aroma took me to Iran’s top ranked kabab places. Strongly recommend to everyone who is looking for original kabab taste.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Incredible Persian lamb shawarma — juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Fried mushrooms, peppers, and onions pair perfectly with creamy hummus, fresh tomatoes, pickled cucumber, and bold hot & garlic sauces. Rich, balanced, and unforgettable. Must-try at Yalla!

Super decent. A tad expensive but that’s the downtown prices. Middle Eastern food is always good and a great place for a lunch break. Plenty of seating inside and nice and casual.

We were visiting Victoria so tried this place based on reviews and it did not disappoint. Very delicious food. The lamb shank is moist and flavorful. It was so good that we had 4 lamb shanks. Would definitely visit again to try other items on the menu. The dil rice is delicious and the quantity is correct for one person. We went with kids and had to sit outside which had chairs.This restaurant is small and has mostly bar stools.

Came to the island with my Persian boyfriend and we were treated to one of the best Persian restaurants on the island. Amazing food, super clean location, and amazing service. I cook regularly and their lamb shank is amazing!

Delicious food , very friendly and nice atmosphere. Restaurant is clean . I dine there at least once a week and really like everything on the menu .

Excellent Mediterranean. Kebobs were delicious! Small space but the tasty good makes up for it.

Tastes Great ! Nice people. I will return often Keep up the good work! I've never had anything I don't like

Delicious and generously portioned! Everything tasted fresh and the service was friendly. The tables were clean and the restaurant was bright and nicely decorated.

Excellent food and super friendly environment! Definitely a great spot with great quality.

Super tasty, staff are so sweet and kind to the kiddo, and huge portions! It's a favorite when we're in the area. Platters or wraps, it's all delish!

Friendly staffAwesome kabob comes with some condiments very delicious well done.Totally recommend

Nice little spot serving up fresh eats! I was debating between going to Superbaba or here, and decided to try Yalla since we have the former in Vancouver. I got the falafel bowl and it came with a kale and herb salad, which I thought had a little too much mint. The falafel was perfectly crispy and well-flavoured. There was 5 toonie-sized falafel. While it was good, but the portions were pretty small. I had eaten a little prior to coming here, and was expecting to leave with some takeout, but that wasn't the case. If anything, I found the portions to be almost snack size. Service is super friendly.

We are not that familiar with this type of food, but WOW! We are definite FANS FOR LIFE! I had a chicken schwarma bowl, Persian style, and everything on the plate was delicious! I'd definitely recommend this place for yummy food and friendly service.

My husband from Jordan and I had lamb shank with rice, fries with yogurt dip. The lamb was dry, the rice was crunchy, and the fries were welded together in chunks. The service was average. For a to go order we didn't receive a bag or napkins. The ambiance is similar to a fast food or gas station. Do not recommend.

Wow, the food is amazing, I really really love Yalla! We just did a pickup and the food from Yalla was AMAZING ! The haloumi salad had a *lot* of delicious cheese, tasty tomatoes, cucumbers and I think I could taste a hint of mint. Good portion size as well. The Fallafel wraps were fresh, Not dry at all and had a delicious tzatiki-like sauce. They also had a bit of beets and that added to the flavour and colour. The food was delicious, flavorful and it was Not spicy hot. We will definitely go back.

Good food. Friendly service. As a tourist in Victoria,We had lunch and enjoyed it. I strongly recommend it.

The real deal, food was authentic, fresh, delicious. Wouldn't hesitate on a return visit next time in the downtown area.

Yum!! First time I had an authentic falafel was when I was 15 and in Amsterdam. The pickled beets on the falafel wrap really make it something special! Here is the fattoush salad with a side of falafel and tahini on top - so good!! Happy to have this place on walking distance at lunch time.

We had a lunch at Yalla restaurant . We ordered chicken shawarma wrap and a Falafel platers. The shawarma wrap was very tasty and cooked to order . Pita bread was fresh and flavoured with spices the chicken was chard and tasty , the condiments within the wrap were very selected items with lots of flavour. I enjoyed the wrap very much . Falafel itself were very tasty crunchy outside ,soft inside . The hummus was very good and the plate was served with fresh salad and others. I would eat there again overall I was very satisfied with the food and their hospitality.

Don't miss out on a meal from Yalla. We had the Eggplant Hummus Plate ( Persian style), chicken Shawarma, side salad, and Lemonade. So flavorful, so satisfying. You can see and taste the care at Yalla.

Very tasty lunch from Yalla's Middle Eastern Cuisine. I ordered two lamb bowls with falafels and I really enjoyed the medley of flavours. IlI would have given Yalla 5 stars if my bowl had more mixed greens and veggies but I will visit again.

So we were visiting British Columbia and looking for halal food and finally stoped at this place amazing customer service excellent food I got surprised in a small place amazing food and service plz visit this place

Amazing food, amazing people. I eat here everytime I go downtown and usually get a take out for dinner!

I have one word to say - Yalla!!!! This place takes everything you love about the good old "dirty Shawarma joint" from down the street and fancies it up, serves it fresh, delicious, consistent and on point!! I got the turkey, yes turkey shawarma bowl which was served with kale (Oh hell yah I said kale!), beets, carrots, pickles and the most amazing hummus that would bring any middle eastern momma to tears. It's too bad I'm not from Victoria cause I would park my happy ass at Yalla everyday -- yummo!!

Before visiting Victoria, B.C., like a true foodie, I did my research and discovered this gem! Omg! The Halloumi Kale salad is to die for and I'm not one to rave about food like this especially salad but my GOD! If you're visiting Victoria or if you're a local, this must be on your list of places to eat at! My partner likes to have extra protein and I asked for the turkey shawarma to be added to the Halloumi...he cannot get enough! So kudos to Yalla on their amazing food!!! My food belly baby is satisfied!!!! Highly recommend this place!!!!

This was a terrible disappointment. My husband and I love Israeli food and it got decent reviews so I thought I'd try it. My fattoush salad was a meagre pile of greens with 3 pita crisps and 4 little cubes of cheese. Literally looked worth about $1.50, not the $12-14 they charge for it. It was also tasteless And contained very few other vegetables. Really pathetic. my husbands falafel in pita was equally meagre. total rip-off and not even good. spend your money at one of the many really delicious and worthwhile eateries in Victoria. Don't bother with this one.

My partner and I love going here when we are downtown! Fair lunch prices but the art of flavours really shines. It's fresh tasting, delicious, beautifully blended sauces paired with pickled and fresh vegetables. You won't be disappointed!

Reasonably priced at $8, their falafal wrap is an intense explosion of flavour of falafel, humous, tahini, sour pickles, sweet beets, and just the right amount of amba and zhoug. The fries are sublime, the seasoning on the fries is slightly citric with a punch of lemon zest and just the right amount of herbs and spice. One of few Middle Eastern restaurants in Victoria keeping life simple with simple, ethnic, tasty food.

I like this place because it is street food with indoor seating. The seating is limited and tight up to others who are grabbing a bite. The falafel are crispy on the outside, hot and spicy on the inside. The other awesome pet of this place is that you can get a pint of beer. For that reason, I give it a 5-star rating. Flavors are good. Vegan/gluten free options.

This place puts a modern twist on shawarma. I've only ever had the lamb schwarma here, because it's too good to try anything else. You'll find beats, humous, banana peppers along with many other tastey goods in your wrap. They also serve Victorias very best cultured kumboucha. They always have two flavours here.

I just had the CREAMIEST hummus of my life. My husband and I came here during an "Off The Eaten Path" walking tour. We enjoyed our meals so much that we didn't even touch our beers until the food was gone. I've never had falafel before but I can't wait to have it again. I wish I had taken pictures before digging in.

$8 falaffel. Good falaffel overall. Nice texture and taste to it. Actually good texture to the falaffels. Crispy outside and not mushy on the inside. Nice hummace and big cuts of fresh veggies. Pita was the thin type but good. Comes on a metal plate wrapped to go. Free orange slice water too.

Was a great place to get some quick fresh cuisine while on vacation. All the veggies were super fresh and it was also our first time trying turkey Schwarma and it was delicious! Hummus was also super flavorful. We brought our baby in a stroller and there was plenty of space.

I like the idea of shwarma: meat with many lightly pickled vegetables. However, this one was too spicy for me. I can't tell exactly what it was... black pepper? But anyways, it was too much sensation on my lips distracting me from savoring the flavors of all the components. The limonana was too much, as well. It felt like they forgot to dilute their mix; I find it hard to believe that it was the way it's supposed to be. Neither did I like it that theirs came in slush form. I miss Mangal Kiss in Vancouver.

Good turkey schwarma but not great. Rather dry, very stodgy with French fries inside. Needed way more veg and sauce! I love garlic sauce. The pickles were nice. Get rid of the internal fries!!! I'd go back and try the one without the pita- seems like a legit nice place with a great casual vibe.

I got the lamb plate and the tabouli salad. Got to say they are super fast, reasonably priced and pretty good. Not the best I've ever had, but gets that Mediterranean itch scratched. I'll order again next time I'm in Victoria!

Spicier shawarma than I expected. My wife couldn't eat hers. Mediocre fries, soggy and limp. But.....the lamb was amazingly tender. The pita was fantastic and the fresh pickles were crisp and delicious. Large servings of shawarma. Friendly staff. Reasonable prices. I would try it again. I'm looking forward to the falafel next.

First time there. Delicious food. Fries were light and flavourful. Shawarma was very tasty.

One of the best lamb shawarma (with hummus and pickled beets) I've had. Friendly, clean place to grab lunch.

This is my place. Everything is fresh. Everything is delicious. Other places in the city try to skimp you on veggies, sauces, and meat but this place is fair. The other places try to distract you by way overpowering their sauces, this place let's the flavours stand for themselves. The other wrap spots try to charge you extra for meal sized portions, this place just gives you what you want for a fair price! Please don't change yalla. You're perfect the way you are.

This has become one of my favourite places to eat in Victoria. Their pitas have an amazing combination of flavours that can be hard to find outside the middle east, and the fries are to die for. Could not recommend more!

Best falafel ever!!!! I crave it all the time! The sauce that comes with the fries is amazing and the spices on the fries are soo good. House pickled beets are sweet and tangy! My favourite lunch, dinner or snack!

Love this place. The food is delicious, prices are reasonable, and the staff are friendly and accommodating. Food is made to order (you can watch it being prepared) and the cheerful cooks substitute sauces or make changes without complaint. This is fresh, made from scratch fare, with an emphasis on veggies. Yalla even offers gluten-free variations of their two most popular dishes-shawarma and falafel! I always order one or the other (although not GF) but my dining companions have let me try their salads and hummus and everything has been fresh and delicious. Yalla has several sauces: I love their mint sauce on anything. Top off your meal with a cold glass of Kombucha - on tap! Whatever you order from Yalla, you won't be disappointed. This is a happy meal!

This is my fav place to eat. Everything on your plate is lovingly made from scratch. Beautiful, nutritious food!! So delicious. Best in the city!!

Great friendly service with flavourful fresh food! With fair prices! Try the fatouch salad and the spicy fries are awesome! We will be back for sure!

This is our new favourite place. They are still new, and seem to be working out the kinks, (like they forgot to include pitas with hummus -but they delivered them to us!) so far we've eaten hummus, falafel and shawarma and they are all good. Yes, shawarma is on a tad spicy side but I liked it. It's big, and I was full! We'll be back again soon.

My new favorite place- had the falafel in a bowl both times so far. Flavor extravaganza!

I really love the Falafel here. I spent many years living in Ottawa where there were shawarma spots everywhere and I was disappointed when I moved to Victoria and there were none...until Yalla. The pickled turnips and great, as well as the texture of the pita.

Wow. So much yum. All the ingredients are so healthy and fresh. I am a massive fan of shawarma, but Yalla takes it to the next level. Incredibly delicious and well paired tastes. I am so excited this place now exists in Victoria. Truly the only in its class in this city. Location is central, clean & bright. Perfect for lunch , late breakfast or early evening meal before movies or a show. Yay for Yalla! You guys rock!

Delicious, fresh, healthy food. Yalla is my favourite take out in Victoria! Staff are friendly and the space is welcoming. Try it out!

I went there 4 times in two weeks. Exquisite flavour, contrast & attention to detail. Well priced

Nice atmosphere and friendly staff, reasonably priced. I really enjoyed the kale salad and the hummus with cauliflower. Great taste and super fresh! I love the twist of fresh flavours that is added to all the dishes. The falafel was quite tasty. I don't think they make the pitas in house. If they did, I would be willing to pay extra for this luxury. I'm quite sure it would be the tipping point for me to having a weekly addiction to this place and give this place the extra star rating. I'd love to see their menu expand as well as their current dishes are very well done!

Extremely fresh ingredients and great flavour! One of my favorite places. However when ordering the Gluten Free option without the Pita Bread, there isn't enough salad added to make up a satisfying meal. It seems that they put the exact same ingredients into the pita, no extra salad.