The food is absolutely delicious! A lot of people worry about how the lamb will taste, but it was wonderful! The service was very quick and courteous. The ambiance left a bit to be desired, but we were so busy talking and enjoying our food that we didn't even notice that. read more

Wow! This place may not be fancy but the food is absolutely delicious! The owners are very nice & the food came out hot & fast. I will definitely be coming back to this place for more. Highly recommend! read more

I really enjoyed the lamb shank plate. It was moist and flavorful. It's BIG! Unless you're BIG eater, this is meant for two people. The rice is well seasoned and it's easy to eat a lot of it! A very nice salad came with the meal too. I've also had the chicken shawarma which is really good and uses different seasonings than their beef or lamb shawarmas; they too are very good, three types to satisfy all pallets. The tabouli is freshly made and is a sizeable order as is the yummy hummus. Finish with a piece of baklava! The owners are sweet, gentle people who really know how to cook. You will not go wrong eating here. read more

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Great Mediterranean food...excellent choice in Salem! Worth a visit! We were a large party of 12 (kids and adults) and we ordered many different plates (gyro, humus, shwarma, lamb, chicken, beef, baba ganoush, etc). Every dish was tasty, flavorful, and a great value. Service was nice, helpful and professional and quite attentive. Cute simple place, no wait, large portions, quick food...all around excellent. read more

I happened to wander into this fine little establishment on my lunch hour and was immediately intrigued. They were a little understaffed but polite and courteous as can be. A couple of people were waiting to order at tables and I walked up to the front counter to order takeout. Only one lady could run the register so I actually had my food before I could even pay! I got the lamb schwarma with all salad and let me tell you, the salad was absolutely delicious. The schwarma was unlike the meat that I am used to but it was still tasty. Also, it was very lean and healthy. A great weekday lunch spot! I took a picture of the menu, and I did end up paying $12.99 instead of $10.99 for my lunch schwarma plate. Not sure if this was because I got all salad instead of rice, or if their menu changed prices. Not a big deal, and the food was worth it. read more

Al Aqsa - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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Excellent food! Nice but not fancy atmosphere. Good portions at a fair price. A hidden gem.

This was a wonderful alternative to the place we had originally wanted to go but had a one hour wait. This was quick and easy breezy. The lady running the place was very nice. The chicken was flavorful and she allowed me to switch out the hummus for baba ghanoush. The BG was a little more plain than many I've had, but on the upside, I didn't reek of garlic for three days. The pita was sorta thick and doughy, but they were generous with it. If atmosphere is important to you, this isn't your spot. But if good Mediterranean food is your thing you'll be well served here. read more

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It was delicious and very authentic. Great spicy red sauce, hummus, pita, gyros and schwarma. Thanks

Very good middle eastern food. We went after there was a bad incident at this restaurant. The people who work there are very friendly. The quality of the food and service is great. The atmosphere needs attention. It could be nicer, but it is clean. read more

Al Aqsa - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

This place is very casual, as in plastic ware and paper napkins. I ordered the chicken on hummus, but received the chicken shawarma on yellow rice. We had asked for the plated dinner, which came with a very small salad (I wished for more salad, less rice.) I also got the spicy tahini sauce but preferred my husband's plain tahini. Nonetheless, I gave it 4 stars. The servers were nice, the food was tasty, and the prices were great. Oh, no beer or wine, either. Upon reflecting, I am rating it 3 stars. It's not really up to par for a nice dinner, unless you want super casual. read more

Al Aqsa - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

So I came here cause I wanted mediterranean food. The cashier was sitting on the table with no socks, no shoes. I paid because I thought he was the cashier. So when I waited for the cook or someone else to come and do my food, nobody came it was the same guy. Took my money, didn't wash hands, and even grabbed the food with his hands. When I confronted him he kicked me out, got aggressive, and told me I don't need your business get out. I told him you didn't wash your hands, he told me I washed my hands before you got here. He was on the phone with his feet on the table, touched my money, then the food. Eww. Refused to give me my money back said get the hell out. . I tried talking to him and he didn't want to listen. Even told him just give me my money back please, and I'll leave. He said no get the hell out of here , no money back, call the cops he told me. I took the food gave it to a homeless person. Rather give it to them than have this guy resell it to the next customer. I took pics of him because I was pretty mad I wasted 21$ for nothing. Lesson learned. Never coming here again, the guy which I think is the owner was so rude. I don't even give bad reviews like ever. read more

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My favorite restaurant in Salem. It is a little hole in the wall, and it is authentic home cooking. I always get the schwarma plate and it blew my expectations. The hummus is 10/10, love the dolmas, and I could eat here everyday. No other middle eastern restaurant has come close to the flavors Al Aqsa brings. The rice is on a new level of mouth watering goodness. read more

This place was pretty good! Had the falafel gyros, the falafel was a little bland but the pita was delicious! Very quiet at Monday lunch hour. Staff was helpful and pleasant. The Turkish coffee was delicious and comes in a cute cup! read more

Al Aqsa - Falafel gyro, pretty yummy! Only $4.99 - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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(Applies to both State and Royvonne locations) With Al-Aqsa's newest location on State Street (next to Subway and near Willamette University) opening up in late March, I decided to give this place one more shot. While this is different from the place I reviewed last August, the food served is practically the same as the South Commercial location (only adding a few new rice dishes at the State Street location). The official grand opening for Al-Aqsa's State Street location was on March 28. The owner, Moe Jawad, plans to have a lunch and dinner buffet here once a week. There was an older gentleman working the counter/register as an employee, perhaps just a couple days or so into his new endeavor. The younger man recognized me from my review of the other Al-Aqsa (on Royvonne). I sampled their Turkish coffee, a soothing, fairly strong jolt with a friendly hint of cardamom. I loved their petite sampling cup; it also matched their countertop! The beef shawarma ($5.99) starts with a pita slightly heated on the flattop. Beef slices join the usual cast of characters (onions, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles) and a greenish condiment. No tzatziki here, fellas. This is Middle Eastern flare! The veggies were fresh, and the pita was excellently toasted. Unfortunately, the beef was on the dry side and noticeably bland. That greenish condiment...it's herby, but didn't really help balance the dish for my tastes. I'd guess some mint was in there. I probably should have gotten a piece of their baklava ($2). The portions appear larger than at some other places, and each looked delicious. I didn't care for the South Salem location last time, but admittedly was excessively harsh on reviewing. Regardless, the lackluster beef attempt here makes me second-guess a return visit. For the record, you'll get reasonable prices and fine service. I just wish I could say a few more positive things about the food. read more

Al Aqsa - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

I ordered the Kabsa rice plate, the rice was supposed to be basmati, but it was regular rice that tasted like it had been stored for several days and not fresh anymore. I ordered lamb but was given beef. The salad was fresh and was good. I may give this business another try, not sure yet. read more

Great food and even better service. The owner and his brothers or friends were so friendly and sweet! The dalmas are so delicious!! They were our favorite by far! I had chicken, my husband had lamb, and our daughter had a hummus and pita plate. We will be back for sure! read more

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$15 for lentil soup and lamb hummus. A bit more pricy then the yelp rating by the food is very good and has the home made taste that makes it worth it. If your in the area its a great option for a wonderful meal. read more

Al Aqsa - Quite night - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

I really wanted to like this place, there is a serious lack of middle eastern food in Salem. We started with lentil soup, it was very salty and thin. I don't think I would get this again. As for the main dish, the meat and hummus was great, but the rice was very uncooked, we ended up going home and reheating it to make it okay to eat. There was a serious fruit fly problem there which made it uncomfortable to enjoy our meal. The family that owns the place is very nice, I really want them to stay, but there might need to be some changes... read more

I've eaten here several time before and it was good. Tonight the food was terrible! Lamb was burnt on the outside and raw on the inside. The dish was supposed to be served with potatoes it came with rice. Our lentil rice dish was dry & over microwaved. It lacked the flavor of cumin. The babaganoush dip must been boarder line spoiled. Fingers crossed we don't get sick. The coffee was good & server was nice. read more

Placed a to go order but when I arrived I cancelled my order do to the unsanitary conditions. The owner was nice enough to call me back but instead of seeking resolution he simple called me names and told me he didn't need our business. Sad to see someone endangering the public and then aggressively attack his customers when they bring it to his attention. read more

My first time trying authentic middle eastern food, and I loved it!! I got the lamb kufta, falafel, dolmas and my boyfriend got the lamb gyros. All was amazing, I wasn't a huge fan of the dolmas and I believe it's a personal preference, because they weren't bad. They just weren't for me. I would definitely go back to try more new things! read more

Got food for take out recently and was blown away. Great flavor and nice portions, highly recommend

Great place. Hole in the wall. The owner was a delight of a person and greeted us with a big smile. The food came out and we were delightfully surprised. Hummus and lentil soup was oooooo good. Definitely a great place to visit if your in the area. read more

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What this place lacks in ambience it makes up for in solid middle eastern dishes. We usually get take-out. Family-run business always so friendly. read more

I love good traditional middle eastern! The hummus is delicious, along with the fresh squeezed lemonade. So happy to find this place during our travels. read more

Al Aqsa - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

I so badly wanted to like the food here. I don't know if it's because I'm middle eastern and picky or because of I'm from Los Angeles and picky. Either way I was so disappointed. The ladies who were working were wonderful. Very sweet and clearly hard working. My only issue was the food itself. I got a lamb shawarma wrap. The lamb was dry and had no seasoning. The tahini was watery and had too much of a citrus flavor. The hummus was just plain sour. I'm hoping that maybe it was just an off day and if I come back again it will be better! read more

I just called to place a to go order, and when I asked if employees wear masks the owner hung up on me. I called back, thinking that he accidentally hung up, but no! As soon as I repeated the mask question he hung up again. I'll no longer patronize a restaurant that violates a health mandate. read more

Doesn't look like much from the outside but this place has some great hummus and amazing falafel! I definitely recommend it. The owners were incredibly friendly, the food was made fast and my soup was still scorching when I got home. read more

Very good! Little place in not such a great neighborhood. But has great food! Owners are very kind and it was quick to order and receive our food. read more

Located in the quaint town of Salem, lies the only halal restaurant for at least 50 miles so I was relieved while traveling back from my road trip to see a halal restaurant! The service was friendly( well the woman was really really sweet!!! The man was so busy he didn't even bother to welcome or acknowledge us or even say bye) I ordered beef shawarma, chicken gyro, beef kebab plate. The food came out warm and fresh. You can tell alot of care had been put in it. The only problem is that it wasn't really good. It was just a straight meh. The food was seasoned but it was just okay. The beef from the shawarma was the same as the beef in the kebab plate so nothing too different. The chicken was also decent too. As someone who tried many many many Mediterranean cuisines, I expect it to be just as goof as the best pones or at least different or creative. Even if prices are really amazing for the amount you receive, I'd suggest getting a snack instead to hold you off for better food down the road read more

Went here because we were looking for Greek food. Not necessarily Greek food but they do have yummy gyros. I don't think they have much competition here in Salem when it comes to middle eastern food. I had a chicken rice dish that was amazing and my husband had a gyro. I'd say this is my top fave restaurant here in Salem! Pretty small place and it actually got busy when we were there. Only has 2 people working the whole restaurant but they were pretty quick. read more

Al Aqsa - Yummmm - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

My stomach was rumbling and I just had to get to the nearest lamb shank so I weathered the elements and went to Al Aqsa to order a lamb shank. When it arrived I was taken a back by the massive juicy leg that lay before me. A pungent waft of juicy gamey deliciousness entered my nostral/the other was clogged up from a common cold. The first bite sent my mind into a spin. I was taken to another world momentarily. I've experimented with many things in my life but nothing could take me higher than this piece of lamb. The closest feeling to this was when I flew through traffic standing on the seat of my motorcycle with my arms in the air. Texture? Would that there were a word in the English language to do it justice. Juicy, tender, lean, perfectly cooked, everything. This shank was the Picasso of all meats. Falling off the bone. Falling off the bone and into my mouth creating savory flavors as I ravenously ripped through. Can't stop wont stop. Had to keep going. Can't stop wont stop. Meat reserves diminishing. Slurping fat, skin, and cartilage. Burp. Salad and rice to wash each bite down. Everything creating a perfect harmony in my mouth. Burp. Don't know what you got till its gone. Boy is that true. I looked down to see a bone in a crumpled up napkin and burped a burp of satisfaction. Greasy fingers greasy mouth but stomach in heaven. Too bad I only had 20 dollars in my pocket. Now I know why they call it the special. read more

Al Aqsa - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

I was really hungry, I have my usual, places I go to for my falafel, but I thought I would try some place new. I ordered a falafel sandwich, a side of rice, hummus plate, bread. I was really disappointed, The food wasn't fresh, The Falafel was cold and it tasted old, like it could of been a couple of days old, The veggies on it was mushy. The rice had a strong smell, like he heated it up in the microwave with the styrofoam; the bottom of the styrofoam disintegrating. My flatbread was hard. I ordered my food to go, I was really surprised, When I got home. read more

Meh. Wasn't expecting much, so I guess I'm not too disappointed. Not a great space for a restaurant. Food was forgettable.

Fantastic restaurant with great prices and delicious food.

Doesn't look like much when you walk by, but Al Aqsa is a hidden Salem treasure. Very friendly staff and great authentic food. I don't often dine in, but they have to go orders! Highly recommend this place! read more

I am visiting Salem from SOCAL and I grew up in Salem until I was 19 and I come back every year to visit family. First let me say this place is easy to find plenty of parking and clean inside. 2nd the owners are inside and greeted us as we walked in, it's a husband and wife operation and they are very nice, professional, and gave us a warm welcome. I had a lengthy conversation with the gentleman owner I knew a few words in Arabic and he liked that. 3rd the food* was great all around, we started out with the family hummus plate the bread was super soft and very warm, I've been to places where it has been the totally opposite. The hummus was well prepared lots of flavor we liked the spices really good with the olive oil. I had a mint tea that was really good and refreshing and my 5yrs old had the homemade lemonade. Onto the main course my gf had the chicken shawarma plate and my daughter had the beef plate and I ordered the Lamb Shank "special". The shawarma chicken was tender and was seasoned perfect my GF loved it and the beef plate my 5yr old had she liked. The rice on all the plates was cooked perfect and seasoned well, the taziki side was good and the Lamb Shank was the All-star of the meal. I eat lamb quite a bit we cook it at home as well. And this Shank was cooked beautifully it's hard to find that lamb has to be cooked perfect. 5* for sure at this place from the moment we walked in until we left it was a great experience. read more

Al Aqsa - Lamb Shank 100% the best lamb I've had. - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Oregon

This place is phenomenal,. I would write a longer review but i felt i compelled to give them 5stars before ordering food from them again here right now... OMG our tatse buds are already dripping with just the mere thought read more

I love their hummus plate, but the falafel was too spicy for me (I'm a wimp) My family loved the mujadarrah (lentils and rice good for vegetarians like me) the rice that came with the shish kabob was also excellent. They were out of spinach pies, maybe try during lunch before they sell out? Seriously, the hummus was as good as homemade, but I didn't actually have to make it. Yummy! read more

Not fancy, basic service, but VERY good food. We got three different appetizers, three different entrees, and all were well prepared. Generous, but not ridiculous portions. We were just traveling through but if we come to the area again will eat here. read more