Al Shami in Providence is an absolute gem for authentic Mediterranean cuisine that hits all the right notes. Their kefta is stellar--juicy, perfectly spiced with a smoky char that bursts with flavor in every bite. Standout Dishes Chicken rice stands out as a comforting highlight, tender shredded chicken over fragrant, seasoned basmati rice with just the right amount of herbs and warmth. The grape leaves are a must-order too, stuffed plump with rice and herbs, tangy yet mellow, making them addictive as an appetizer [ from prior context on health-aligned foods]. Overall Experience Service is friendly and quick, the atmosphere cozy for a casual meal or takeout, and prices keep it accessible without skimping on quality. Five stars--I'll be back weekly for that kefta fix! Al Shami in Providence is an absolute gem for authentic Mediterranean cuisine that hits all the right notes. Their kefta is stellar--juicy, perfectly spiced with a smoky char that bursts with flavor in every bite. Standout Dishes Chicken rice stands out as a comforting highlight, tender shredded chicken over fragrant, seasoned basmati rice with just the right amount of herbs and warmth. The grape leaves are a must-order too, stuffed plump with rice and herbs, tangy yet mellow, making them addictive as an appetizer [ from prior context on health-aligned foods]. Overall Experience Service is friendly and quick, the atmosphere cozy for a casual meal or takeout, and prices keep it accessible without skimping on quality. Five stars--I'll be back weekly for that kefta fix! read more

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Food: We ordered the following: - falafel wrap: good texture and flavor. It's also huge! I couldn't finish the whole thing but was close lol - chicken shawarma wrap: very tender and flavorful chicken. This was also a very big wrap! My husband was able to finish it all and was stuffed. - falafel pieces: nice flavor and crispy - fries : these were super crispy and soft on the inside. The flavor was delish! Service: There was only one person working there and handling everything when we were there. He did a good job handling everything. Ambiance: It's a cute small spot. A couple of tables to sit down at but it's set up more for a takeout. There's some cool middle eastern decor in there as well. Overall, we would go back again. read more

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I love Al-Shami! He has the best falafel in town! The tabouli is extremely flavorful too. The owner is extremely generous too. He really gets to know his customers. read more

Al-Shami - (5) Falafel Over Rice - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

My go-to spot for lunch on Thayer. The chicken shawarma wrap and the falafel are both delicious. The owner is very kind and generous and service is fast. Overall, a great neighborhood small business, highly recommend ! read more

Wanted to get some good falafel and hummus, and this place gave me exactly THAT! Absolutely delicious food with great flavor. Can't beat a small restaurant with an amazing menu with fast service and at a location that just tells you the food is going to be good! If you're looking for some fast to-food banger falafel and hummus--LOOK NO FURTHER!!! read more

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It was time to put Al-Shami to the ultimate test: The Takeout Test. This is when we ask the tough questions about our takeout experience: 1. Is it ready relatively quickly? - Yes! I placed my order in person, & it was ready in approximately 5-7 minutes. 2. Does it travel well? - Mostly, but I think there was some user error here. My meal was in both a styrofoam container & a plastic bag, & in my hurry & excitement to get home to eat, I squished the container a little bit. There was a little bit of lost hummus. My fault. Thankfully, the bag saved my car seat from getting schmutzy. 3. Does it reheat well? - Inconclusive! I didn't need to reheat my meal, as it was still warm by the time I got home. 4. Is it still visually pleasing, even squished into a container? - Yes! The meal itself still looked absolutely mouth-watering upon inspection in my own home. 5. Is the portion size comparable to the dine-in size? - Yes! I believe the portion sizes are identical. Al-Shami passed The Takeout Test with flying colors. My mix shawarma plate, 6-piece falafel, & extra tzatziki healed something in me today. I can't wait to come back! read more

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Delicious! Hot, fresh and large portions. So sad when I try to order and they are closed!!

Delicious food!! I tried the chicken shawarma ($13), falafel ($5) as well as the baklava. Everything tasted fresh, perfectly seasoned & cooked. I think the overall presentation of the restaurant could be improved, but this is a great place to stop by for a quick bite or take your food to go. Will definitely be back! read more

Really good value here. Came at 5:30 on a Friday and food was ready so quickly. They give so much baba ghanoush for only $5. It was really tasty and creamy. I got their Shawarma Mix (lamb & chicken) for $13 and my mom got the Chicken Shawarma plate ($11). The white sauce that came with each was so tasty, I was mixing it with everything. However, the meat itself lacked some flavor and not all the pieces were tender. Although, the amount of meat and food overall that was given was generous. Friendly staff and very quick service. read more

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I have only ordered the chicken shawarma here. Usually through door dash but twice for pickup. I ask for no lettuce but I add feta cheese. To begin I have had shawarmas in a handful of places. This by far however is the BEST tasting one yet. The wrap is crispy the sauce is flavorful. There is a very nice spicy kick to it. The pickles are just right. I probably could eat it everyday. I am now addicted. I wish I could say there is a downside, but there is not one. I guess the only thing I would love to see/change is a couple of times I have tried to call the business number but never an answer. On occasion I would love to just call my order in without ordering pickup on doordash. The only other option would be to go in, order, and wait which can be time consuming and I am sure overwhelming when it is busy for the cook (who is likely the owner). Just go. 10/10 for flavor. Warning** pictures do not do it justice. read more

Al-Shami - Chicken shawarma - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Al-Shami is a tiny fast food joint, however the food is HUGE on flavor! Most people order for take out but don't mind the 10-15 minutes wait for preparation. Today there was only one man working and I was surprised by how quick and organized he was. Very smooth order and check out process. I LOVED the shish tawouk (chicken kabob) plate that comes with rice, pickles, and homemade garlic sauce. The portion is perfect for one person and reasonably priced at $10. The chicken shawarma wrap with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries is also delicious. The mohammara (mashed walnuts and red peppers) dip doesn't come with any bread, but glad we took it to go to use with the pita bread we have at home. You can order a side of pita bread and ask for some olive oil, if you like. I had the best fried sweet balls years ago during my first visit to Syria, where many food vendors serve it hot and fresh from the frying pot. The sweet balls here aren't as fresh but it's enough to satisfy any cravings you might have (for those who've had them before). I will definitely return OFTEN as possible!! read more

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Great place for middle eastern food on Thayer street. Falafels are fresh and crispy, even with sumac. Slightly pricier than other places (7$ for 5 pieces). Chicken shawarma is pretty good too. Meat is not off a skewer. Love their use of pickled vegetables in everything. Would come back here. read more

Al-Shami - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Update to my first review: Placed a next-day catering order for a total of 18 plates by 11:40AM and Abu Fahed was a one man show who made it happen perfectly on time. Everything tasted amazing and my event attendees kept raving about the hummus. We did falafel plates (which is the cheapest and tastiest you will find on Thayer) and chicken shawarma plates. I love this shop so much. read more

Al-Shami - Falafel plates - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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My third review ever!! I just wanted to take the time to acknowledge how excellent my service has been at Al Shami since I started eating there two years ago. The food is so good that I always end up eating it before remembering to take a picture (oops!), but I do have a picture to illustrate how friendly these people are and why everyone in the area should visit their business! read more

Al-Shami - Al Shami is always super friendly - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Very hard to talk to someone when you call. If there's a mistake they don't make any effort to fix the problem.

This place was amazing! The mix of flavors and textures blew my taste buds! Give them a chance!

Low key, primarily counter service/carry out with total dine in seating for 9 individuals. Ordered falafel wrap/platter here few times. It's consistently satisfying without having any special/remarkable feature. read more

Al-Shami - Falafel wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

this food was sooooo amazing!! everything was seasoned and cooked to perfection! definitely the best middle eastern food in all of providence! not to mention the customer service was hands down the best i've EVER experienced with the sweetest owner ever! 12/10 would definitely recommend!! read more

Al-Shami - chicken Lamb Shawarma Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The folks who work here are so kind and attentive, and inside feels like a homey respite from chain fast food on Thayer. The falafel is one of my favorites. Would recommend! read more

Great middle eastern spot, good portions and affordable, amazing service and always on time. authentic flavor read more

Al-Shami - Shish tawook platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This place is amazing and authentic. Everything is so fresh and seasoned authentically and well. The pita around the lamb shawarma was of a great texture, while the lamb and garlic sauce paired together well with the vegetables within the wrap. The falafel was crispy and aromatic. The dipping sauce for the falafel was bomb! I can't believe that this hidden gem of Middle Eastern food resides in PVD! I have to say this must be the best shawarma I've had in New England. The falafel is good to the point where it may be even better than their friendly competition ESP. I will be coming here from now on! Thank you Abu Yarub AL-SHAMI for the delicious food that you provide for this area. read more

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My first time going around when they opened, as we're waiting for our food, they offered us a free drink and pita chips! I've went a few times since and overall, it's been great! The food and portions are good, the family who runs it are hard working and friendly... no complaints! And despite being a small shop, there is ample seating inside and out. Shop is pretty cozy. Compared to East Side Pockets, it's a coin toss and based on flavor preferences. They offer similar items for similar prices, portions are slightly bigger at East Side Pockets though. On the other hand, this shop has never messed up our orders and the service is definitely friendlier and more welcoming. Check this place out, it's wonderful! read more

This is the best halal food I've had outside NYC. The staff was awesome and the food was even better! The ingredients were flavorful and fresh, and the falafel was made right in front of us. We got falafel wraps which were delicious, and in the week since our visit to Providence we've considered making the hour drive back multiple times just to get more of this food. Do yourself a favor and try this little place out!!! read more

Al-Shami is the real deal. Great falafel and kabobs at more than reasonable prices. Everything is made to order and fresh. I believe the pickled turnip is homemade and it is very, very good. Sometimes this means a wait as falafel is being fried or vegetables being prepared. But this is a bonus because the owner is quite friendly and always has a kind word. Often there is a football (soccer) match on the tv which is entertaining, too! Al-Shami is the go-to place for a falafel wrap on Thayer Street. The others are just poor imitations. read more

Food is quick and delicious. Only complaint is that meat portions could be a little larger.

Fantastic flavors. The shawarma is tender and flavorful. The rice is so good you could eat it plain. The sauces are tasty. The falafel are cooked to order, so they do take several minutes to be ready. Worth it! Don't miss the mixed veggie pickles though, they're the hidden stars of the menu! read more

Food is banger. Dont know what else to say. Kinda small, but that makes the food that much better. read more

Al-Shami - Shwarma Chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The cook I think he is the owner of the place was mumbling and cursing everybody that came into his restaurant in Arabic and the poor people didn't understand a word he was saying. Please don't buy from him and don't waste your money on someone disrespectful and don't appreciate his costumers or the food he serves. شخص قذر جدا يسب بألفاظ محد يقولها قدام النعمة وهو يطبخها وعلى باله كل الناس ماتفهم مابقى احد ما سبه حتى البنات اللي يشتغلون سبهم. سب كل الناس اللي موجودين والمساكين ياكلون ومو فاهمين شي. ما اعرف ليش فاتح مطعم اذا كذا رح تتلفظ بهذي الالفاظ كل ما احد دخل المكان. الله لا يوفقك ولا يبارك لك في رزقك. شخص قذر خَلقًا و خُلقًا لو عندك ذرة احترام لنفسك ماقلت هالكلام البذيء امام النعمه. اخواني واخواتي العرب وخصوصًا الخليجين احفظوا مالكم وكرامتكم. اصلًا محد رح يقدر ياكل من يد شخص قال كل الالفاظ ما احترم النعمه اللي في يده صدقوني والله ما تمر و تنسد نفسكم. read more

This is my favorite restaurant on Thayer. The chicken plate is so good and I can eat it every week.

Great falafel wraps. Very tasty with fresh fixings. Low key but great value. Highly recommend.

Wow... incredible. This is my new favorite restaurant on Thayer. I got the gyro wrap and oh wowza. The wrap itself was soft and warm but with a little bit of crispiness, and was filled with gyro, peppers, and sauce. The combination of all these flavors was unbelievably good. You could taste the juiciness of the lamb and the peppers added a perfect crunch. Don't even get me started on the sauce. Not to mention it was the perfect size and packaged so well so that nothing fell out of the bottom when I was eating. Didn't even need a napkin. 5 stars read more

So affordable, so delicious, and the woman who works there is a total sweet heart who does an excellent job every time. Highly recommend for a an authentic Mediterranean food experience. read more

I had the lamb rice plate... I actually liked it alot! Though i would suggest they invest in a rice cooker or something similar that can keep the rice warm instead of microwaving the rice in front of customers read more

This is the real thing! Not much to look at (dinging one star... sorry) but the food is so authentic. If you are hankering for a real taste of the Middle East, whether your preference is for shwarma or falafel, don't skip this. Blink and you'll miss it! read more

I got the shawarma mix plate, added hummus and fries. The food was tasteful my favorite part was the chicken. Only reason I didn't rate it five stars was because the hummus had a sort of weird taste to it and wasn't my favorite. Will be coming back! read more

Al-Shami - Hummus & Fries - Mediterranean Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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The woman at the counter was kind and knowledgeable and everything you'd want from customer service but my GOODNESS the food!!!! It's unbelievably delicious and the most authentic food I've had sjnce Middle East. I would go back every day if I could! I hope your business thrives! read more

Al-Shami is a great restaurant to go to, especially if you enjoy eating at small businesses. Every time I have gone in the same man has been there, and he takes the order, cooks the food, and serves it. The food is always incredible and overall it's a great experience. I always stop by when we go to Rhode Island! read more

One of the best ever! Highly recommend trying this place out. Would come often if we lived near here. Got the mashawi platter. Shawarma also good. Order in advance since It takes time. And no more orders taken within last half hour ish or so before closing. read more

I tried their chicken shawarma for the first time today and I'm impressed. I don't expect Middle Eastern restaurants in the US to taste just like back home but this place is damn close! If you're looking for authentic taste then this is the place for you. I'll be coming again to try the rest of the menu and see if it's also as good as the shawarma. Keep up the good work! read more

This is my new favorite restaurant in RI. Each time I go I always order something new and it never ceases to amaze me! I would say so far some of my favorites include their falafel, shish tawook and definitely their schwarma! The staff are always extremely friendly. Everyone needs to check out this restaurant! read more