Yalla

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.

We had an amazing experience at Yalla in Victoria! I tried the Maquli Lamb Bowl, and it was absolutely delicious — the lamb was very flavorful, perfectly spiced. What made it even better is that everything here is halal. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the service was friendly.

Definitely the smallest falafel wrap I’ve had in Victoria. Falafel balls themselves were good but there was very little noticeable filling. I’d prefer twice as much filling - including some lettuce for crunch. For the price ($16) I’d expect a falafel wrap that’s twice as big. Also the music inside was SO loud.

I have been there, I had very delicious food, a plate of rice with kebab and a meat shawarma sandwich. The best food I have eaten in Victoria, from Eastern Mediterranean food. It resembles our country's food. The cleanliness and services are wonderful.

amazing food!!! The people are very nice and service is perfect. Most importantly, food is amazing we tried bowl lamb and felafel bowl, I love the meat and incredible vegetable combination! Fair price affordable ;)

Great food, very authentic 👌 good prices as well. I had a falafel bowl and I'd definitely order it again!

I recently dined at Yalla, a restaurant in Victoria that had received glowing praise from Yam Magazine as the Best Restaurant of 2023. Unfortunately, my experience didn’t quite live up to the high expectations set by such accolades. Food Quality: • Lamb Shank: The lamb shank, while visually appealing, didn’t pair well with the rice it was served with. The flavors felt mismatched, and the dish didn’t have the harmony I was hoping for. The rice, while flavorful, didn’t complement the richness of the lamb, making the overall experience somewhat disappointing. • Chicken Kebab: The chicken kebab tasted good but the portion size was underwhelming for the price. I expected more quantity, considering the cost and the restaurant’s reputation. • Beef Kebab: On a positive note, the beef kebab was well-cooked and flavorful. It was the standout item on the plate, offering a good balance of spices and tenderness. Overall Experience: While Yalla has received high praise, my experience left me feeling that the hype didn’t match the reality. The dishes had their moments, but the mismatched flavors, portion sizes, and overall balance of the meal didn’t live up to expectations. It’s possible that I visited on an off day, but based on this experience, I would hesitate to return, especially considering the glowing reviews from other sources. There’s potential here, but the execution fell short for me.

The food was fantastic, the place is clean and comfortable. The service friendly and fast. Great discovery

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

$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.

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.

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.

Only place in town for good shawarma or falafels! Super quality food, kombucha on tap! Amazing prices for what you get. We crave it and eat it often! So glad they are here!

Falafel is excellent. Lamb shawarma was not to my liking. Hummus was drenched in oil. Also, when we asked for extra harif they had no idea what we were talking about. When we told them it was hot sauce, they insisted everything came as is. Not excellent, but not the worst I've ever eaten.

Great place for a good lunch to eat in or take out. Delicious food.