Hidden gem. Been coming here for years and they e stayed on top of their food quality and taste. One of the best lamb kabobs in Houston. Every time I've ordered they've been delicious. Great prices too. The customer service has always been great. This restaurant has a more laid back, causal, family style vibe. read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

They charged us 12% Service Charge explaining this was the fee for kitchen staff, mandatory for party of 3 or more, and separate from the regular tip for the server. When I questioned them this charge not being disclosed anywhere in the restaurant or on the menu, they said this was a standard practice which the owner has been doing for many years and also applied at all other coffee shops and everywhere else -- and all their customers knew about it. We eat out very often and specially dined here several times already. This was the first time I saw this charge and I found their explanation not justifiable. The service charge plus tip added up to almost 30% on top of the meal cost. On another hand, the server got our order wrong on both two items and never checked in on us. The restroom's light was out and the toilet was not flushable. The food was good though. It's sad that we would have to find a new place to eat the same dishes now. read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - 12% MANDATORY Service Charge for KITCHEN STAFF on party of 3+ (separate from TIP!) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

If you need catering you gotta come here! Great options for any budget seriously. I called last minute for an event just 2 days out for 130 people, came in spoke to the manager and we knocked it all out quickly menu pricing etc all done easiest experience for catering hands down read more

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Rip off restaurant - felt like I was in Vegas with all these extra charges. Don't get me wrong food was good but that's about it. Table for 2 and Got charged $1 for tap water and 12% service charge. Mind you this is a restaurant where you order at the counter and they only bring you the food not even a water refill. So if you don't mind paying extra then knock yourself out but I'm definitely not going back read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - $1 for tap water and 12% service charge???? - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

I found this gem on Tik Tok and I'm so happy I did. I ordered the lamb chop plate. I originally had intentions to dine in but didn't have time. My lamb chops came with rice, salad, and naan . The portion was pretty sizable. The lamb chops were tender but melted in your mouth like butter. The rice was seasoned to perfection. The naan was warm and fluffy and the salad whew bless whoever cut those Persian cucumbers. 20/10 I would recommend. I added this in my list for cheat meals in my New Year's resolution. Service was amazing, the server walked me through the menu and describes everything. They also had a reasonable turn around time with prepping the meal. I can't really judge the ambiance as I didn't dine in and the restaurant was empty when I went. read more

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Overall lovely experience. There were quite a few good things to note the portion sizes were huge, the food was well seasoned, the tea is lovely, and the bread is super delicious. The servers are super sweet ladies and I cannot thank them enough for their good service. The restaurant decor and dinnerware is a bit dated and the exterior is a little unpleasant but the food makes up for it. read more

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Found this place thanks to a TikTok recommendation and I'm so glad I came. I got their lamb chop plate which also included a side of their bread which was similar to naan. The lamb chops were seasoned to perfection! The rice could've used a little bit more flavor, but when paired with the lamb chops it balanced it out. The bread paired deliciously with their garlic dressing. I wanted to try their mint lemonade, but unfortunately they were out of mint at the time. Overall, this is a great hole in the wall spot. Their food is still affordable compared to what you would pay at a fancy place. The service was nice, and the food was prepared relatively quickly. They also are conveniently located in a plaza so easy free parking. I'm already planning my next visit because they had so many amazing dishes on the menu. read more

This is my 3rd time visiting, usually after pickleball. Today we had the hummus with meat, Turkish salad, beef Kufta Kebab, 1/2 fried chicken, chicken sandwich with fries, beef kebab and for me mint lemonade. I wish you could see the steam coming off the fried chicken in the kebabs. It was so hot and fresh that we had to blow on it or wait a minute or two before we could begin eating. Every single dish was excellent fresh and made to order. ! The chicken would rival Popeyes and actually they would win because Popeyes doesn't fry your chicken when you order it. They pre-cook here they don't do that. . The kebabs are made when you order them the same for the chicken sandwich and everything else. What does that mean for you as a consumer? It means it's gonna be more than five minutes until your order comes out more like 1015 depending on what you order it could take up to 20.. The bright side is that your food will be piping hot and also delicious. The weight staff have always been courteous and attentive something I like. . I've never felt like I was competing to get a way to his attention.. This is not an upscale restaurant. It's a place you go what you want. great food at a moderate price that's cooked fresh! I recommend this restaurant! GN3 read more

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I always order here from ubereats. Today I walked in at 9:15 to order they close at 10, they took the middle eastern man in front me order and refused to take me and my black boyfriends order. Won't b ordering anymore read more

We were so lucky to find this place. My favorite places are a cozy, casual ambiance and family involvement in the kitchen, using their family secret recipes. It was a sunday afternoon, we were driving on Richmond and saw this place. We walked in, and a friendly face came and took us to the table. It was raining outside, which made us hungrier, and we started ordering our favorite dishes. I took a picture of the menu so you can prepare for your next trip. Our server, Mehmood, was very kind and a great listener. Since this was our first visit, he suggested a few things. He also recommended the mint lemonade, which was so good, and I thank him for his help. Food came very fast, but our bread was a little harder. I think it got cold and became harder. Other than rice, chicken, salad, and hummus were very delicious. We loved every bite and the hospitality of Mahmood. Please try this place. I plan to go to Houston again during the holidays, and love returning for food and drinks. Thanks read more

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This is one of my favorite go-to restaurants in Houston! Some of the nicest people who work here, delicious food, and incredible portions for the price. The place is Palestinian owned, and serves a variety of Middle Eastern food. For those here for the first time, the maza for two is a hefty appetizer that can be shared, and a nice sampler of their different dips. Some other menu favorites are the musakhan which is this chicken served over flatbread, and also their kouzi lamb which showcases perfectly cooked meat over delectable aromatic rice. First thing you'll notice is how welcomed you will feel from the moment you step inside. Last time I was there, my gf and I were completely stuffed, and I could not believe how little the bill was, so tipped mighty generously. Al Aseel is one of the reasons I love eating in Houston so much! read more

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I came here after watching an YouTube show on this restaurant as I am looking for new breakfast around Houston and Al Aseel Grill & Cafe serves Makhlama, which is a traditional Iraqi breakfast dish, it was pretty tasty and I got the whole chicken here as they are known for the chicken here. They only have bottle water here. You may have to go to the counter to get a to go box and pay there also. Very old looking on the inside. This restaurant has been in Houston for a long time. It is my first time here and I will definitely come back to try the fry chicken here. read more

I've been here quite a few times and by now I have tried a variety of their menu. Pretty solid food! The flavors are always very strong but in a good way, not overpowering. All the meats I have tried have been tender, well seasoned and grilled to perfection. I couldn't add it on the grill mix platter but the falafels are one of the best I have had around the houston area. Certainly delicious. Service has consistently been friendly, polite and efficient. Prices are pretty well balanced and good proportion to portion ratio. The sweets are also chefs kiss! Ambiance is very casual; tranquil, not too busy but certainly not empty. We are pretty much regulars and will continue to be. read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - Musakhan Whole Chicken. Comes with rice and salad. EXTREMELY tender and very flavorful! Very nice e portion-price ratio! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Al Aseel making a comeback! Recently visited a couple times and the bread and fried chicken got a lot better, probably the best come-up of 2025. Atmosphere and service can still be improved, but the food is on-point! Get some hummus with meat, try the grilled or fried chicken! read more

This was our second time at Al Aseel. There was no dip in the quality of our experience, and our past server even greeted us with a "welcome back". The food and flavors are phenomenal, and the price points are well worth the amount of food you get. Everything we have tried has been extraordinary, and I love to look around and appreciate all the beautiful families with their children that have been drawn in by good food and the most comforting setting. I wish this restaurant all the success in the world, and I own to become a regular. read more

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OMG! Lamb and beef kabobs are great! I go every Wednesday and take some home. Well priced and tastes delicious

Years later, this place is still yum! It's, "The taste of Bethlehem". I get to enjoy their delicious ways with food and drink. While the interior is basic and a bit grunge feeling, their foods and drinks are beautiful to the palate, in flavors and sensations. My favorites are the basic grilled chicken, their decadently flavored rice, hot sauce, and mint tea. Omgoodness the mint tea must always be a staple. Since my recent frequency here, I'm more at ease dining here. I try to be culturally respectful. Since noticing more people from all kinds of backgrounds here, I'm more relaxed that I'm at least culturally respectful enough. The service is sometimes kind, and sometimes kind enough. The parking lot is often crowded. The interior is once in a while crowded. read more

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Coo...so check it, I ordered the Middle Eastern Stromboli and a coke. This food is delicious! This shit Slaps!!!! *kisses the finger tips of his his right hand and holds it up quickly! - the workers all in sync with ordering from the Dine in customers, the ones on-the-go and the ones with whom pop in to pick up a online order! Coo vibe can't beat the relaxed ambiance!! read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - Just me thinking of Mediterranean food today..on the way to Al Aseel Mixed Grill 1 / الأصيل مكس1. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

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First time back since college. I remember attending UH as a college kid and coming here. 15 years later married with three kids I took my wife here to show her where I was eating most of the time. And nothings changed. The atmosphere the quality . I enjoy their kebabs with rice and onions tomatoes salad. Happy to bring my wife here to enjoy the food as I did when I was younger. read more

Nice little place -- clean restrooms, pleasant waitstaff, and KILLER food. Try the middle-eastern version of the stromboli -- who knew pita could be so buttery tender and hold in so much flavor? The husband loved the lamb kebabs -- perfectly seasoned and cooked, with gorgeous rice! Did I mention the all-star pota bread? Tender, flavorful, and hot. SO GOOD. read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - Middle-eastern stromboli. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

Five star service. Thanks to Ali and his team at Al Aseel Grill & Cafe. This family owned and operated restaurant is one of my favorites for catering. Family dinners. Lunch for my staff. Baby showers. They always give us VIP service, delicious food and generous servings. Good for dine in, too. Our typical family order includes trays of kebabs, fish, rice, pita, salads and hummus. The lamb and chicken kebabs are always a hit. The lamb is always so tender. The chicken seasoned so well and juicy. In the restaurant, they are served with salad and rice. For catering, they are either served on top of the rice or an a laffa bread. The filet fish is my favorite. Served without bones, it is so fresh and delicious. For sides and salads, the Greek salad, eggplant salad and tabouli are great choices. Love the hummus which can be ordered with toppings. The baba ganoush is yummy, too. The basmati rice is delicious. If you have any leftovers, add some veggie broth, tomatoes, veggies and fish to the rice to make a delicious soup for dinner the next day. Still hungry, get an order or two of baklava. Filled with honey and nuts, this dessert will definitely satisfy that sweet tooth. Thanks to Ali for the great service and delicious food from Al Aseel. Check it out for a great meal. read more

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Been craving some fried chicken lately, but wasted a variety of other items that are typically not served at chicken joints. Al Aseel hit all the boxes! Plenty of parking - a key to a great restaurant experience. The ambiance is pretty much bare bones - sit down, plastic ware, canned/bottle drinks for purchase. Service is excellent! Our waitress was also working the front register. Our food came out piping hot and made to order. Appetizer - hummus. Excellent taste, great portion. I feel the pita bread could've been better - tasted more like a tortilla. Fried chicken - very crispy, spiced to perfection. Great tasting. Grilled chicken - I was impressed! A com images of the grilled taste, cooked in the onions, spices just excellent! I like this better than the fried chicken! Will be back for sure! read more

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I finally decided to venture back to Al Aseel after an unanticipated years-long hiatus, but this time I brought a friend who ventured in for the first time. Chef Ali excelled yet again and brought back a flood of old memories. The hummus remains the best I've ever had, and the baba ganoush was delicious. The Turkish salad was a particular standout. It was something I had never tried before, and my friend considered it the best part of the meal in a meal full of stars. Everything was homemade. The bread for me was the surprise. It was so much better than the pita breads I've had. Fluffy and made in house, it reminded me of a very large, speciality tortilla in both taste and texture. It was simply my favorite surprise of the meal experience. The main entrees were layered with tasty spices, and the portions were plentiful. For dessert, we tried their baklava and were impressed with its taste and texture. Excelente! Their menu prices are unbelievably reasonable and a great value. Chef Ali has a prevailing aura of excellence, a generous spirit, and an engaging personality. We are happy to continue to patronize Al Aseel and encourage others to do so as well. This Houston treasure is worthy of all the honor it has received over the past 13 years. read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - Beef Kufta Kebab Lamb Kebab - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Came back here after many years being away. I love the Chicken Musakhan you can't find anywhere and it's so delicious and unique. It would be 4-5 starts had it not been for restaurant condition and staff. We started with the appetizer plate of various salads, baba ghanoush, Turkish salad, hummus and cucumber salad. It's great variety. The Musakhan was as I always remembered so delicious. I will say this time they seemed to switch to all paper plates and utensils which is a little off putting. I know we went during Ramadan time so many are fasting that work there so maybe the paper items are for ease for them? We were the only ones in there at lunch time and was confusing do we order at counter or do they come to table. We kept coming up to counter to ask for items we needed. I really wish they would do a full deep clean of place the bathroom was so dirty and even the sink counter door was broken and just sitting there. The high chair for my son was also super dirty. I love their chicken but if the rest of the area is dirty that makes me question the kitchen and cooking area. My guests had never been and kept looking at me crazy of how I could eat here. Their prices are super great we got half fried chicken, whole musakhan and appetizer plate, extra breads all For under $50. I would say raise prices and upkeep restaurant better so you can stay in business I would be so sad if I never could eat the Chicken Musakhan again. read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - Musakhan Whole Chicken a steal at $22 - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Delicious food. Can't have enough of it. Would go back. Fresh, juicy, well seasoned meats. All the sides were tasty too. read more

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The service on my last visit here just some recent months ago was good and I've only ever been here a total of 3-4 times since first trying in 2017 I think. As usual, I purchased my go-to entree here being the Quail Plate. I remember it being very tasty in the years before the pandemic, but this time the food was terrible. The quail had a nice charbroiled vibe and enough tenderness to it, but it lacked any seasoning or depth of flavor. This was not the case on the other visits I had it. I used to really praise the quail here. The salad was decent and the yellow rice looked very good, bright in color, fresh, moist and fluffy as well as aromatic. However, appearances can still be deceiving. This rice on the plate in terms of actual taste was really really bad. It literally had that awful, pungent sweetness of vomit when it's pouring from one's throat. I am willing to maybe give this spot another try in the future since this one was a real flop, but it will certainly be a good while. read more

The food here was great, got a gyro with a side of falafel and it was perfect. I had never gone here before and I was a little worried cause I was told this wasn't a great side of town but it was very worth it. Portion sizes were good as well, definitely got some left overs. read more

First when you walk in, the smells are intoxicating. Their grilled chicken is good. Stop in and take some home. With that said, their fried chicken is exceptional. Don't miss it! And I do not recall ever having better hummus. Not the best location. The food makes up for it!! read more

The lamb chops taste ok, not a lot of spices in it. The meat has more fats and bones than the meat itself. The lentil soup is the best, you can never go wrong with soup. Pita bread freshly baked which is good. Service is mediocre. Ambiance is ok with the Middle Eastern music. read more

Best lentil soup, wonderful service and amazing humus and pitas. I also enjoyed the soda Efsane Uludag.

The grilled fish platter is amazing. It's tons of rice and plenty of fish to share. The pepper sauce is scarce but delicious. The staff is working hard back there and the food comes quick and hot. Very family owned vibe and the food reflects. The parking can be a time but it's worth it. read more

BEST fried chicken in Houston! The creamiest Hummus you've ever had! The lamb chops melt in your mouth! And Best of all, Ali, the owner & cook, is the sweetest guy you'll ever meet! read more

I came here for the first time on 7/28/2024. The food was AMAZING. We had the 1/2 fried chicken and the Kabsi Chicken. I highly recommend these two. The hummus was also a great addition. Be patient with the parking, It was in a shopping center that got fairly busy, so it took some time to find parking. It is open seating, and everyone was very helpful! read more

Great food at a great price !!! The chicken skewers are tasty and flavorful along with rice!! They have a whole chicken for around 23 bucks and all I can say it's tasty!!!! read more

Diners beware of Al Aseel Grill & Cafe website states they are open until 10:00pm. The doors close at 10:00pm, however they stop cooking at 9:30pm. Arrived at 9:35pm after driving 20 minutes to get there, only to be told that the kitchen was closed. I was placing an order to go. Didn't matter! I literally drove down the street to 8401 Westheimer and placed an order at 10:40pm. They were still seating customers at that time. read more

I have been eating here for years now. The taste is incredible. Quality is very good and consistent. Food is very reasonably priced compared to others. I get twice a week from here. read more

The food was delicious I ordered a lentil soup and lamb chops and the portion was good. However The plastic utensils are not suitable for the occasion and my son broke three forks trying to eat his kabab, also the price we paid was a bit expensive for the ambience in my opinion. read more

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My family and I got severe food poisoning from this place. My dad became so dehydrated he needed an IV. It was a frightening and completely unacceptable experience. I never thought a restaurant meal could make us this sick. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through the same experience. read more

Always phenomenal and you can't beat the price!!! Love the appetizer trio. Chicken is fabulous.

Took my parents here after they saw it on eat like a local! The owners wife was so kind and attentive. Food was amazing and such a great value. The pita is addictive and the whole chicken is definitely worth it for sharing! read more

Al Aseel Grill & Cafe - My parents aren't the most food adventurous but they loved it! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Houston, Texas