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    Ara's Shawarma

    4.3 (288 reviews)
    Open 10:30 am - 11:00 pm

    Order Ara's Shawarma Takeout or Delivery

    Ara's Shawarma Photos

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    ARA'S SHAWARMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Ara's Shawarma

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    Front of restaurant
    Joe C.

    Literally came back the next day to pick up another order for my family to try and they loved it! One of our favorite places to eat now. This time we ordered two Crispy Chicken Shawarmas and two Crispy Beef Shawarmas. Both were good, but the general consensus was that the chicken one shined. The food here is delicious and we'll definitely be coming back very soon!

    Crispy Beef Shawarma / Crispy Chicken Shawarma
    Scottie G.

    Went on a Tuesday night 06/16/2026 and ordered the Viral "Crispy Beef Shawarma" and "Crispy Chicken Shawarma".. The place was a ghost town. Ordered extra sauce on the side, extra $1 or $2 depending on what you get. The Crispy Chicken Shawarma literally felt like I was chewing on the cartilage of a chicken thigh, they gave me lamb instead of beef, and it was the most gamey tasting lamb I've ever had. The side of fries were soggy as soon as I got in the car, and they were cold. Attached photo is the food you get when you order, I'm 1000% convince they pay for all these influencers on tik tok and instagram for their reviews. It's also paid parking, or you can try parking on Ventura Blvd in Encino, which is impossible. I honestly don't really complain about food, but this is horrible. $50+ down the drain just to lose my appetite. There are other non viral social media places that serve better quality food for cheaper.

    Arlene E.

    We're big foodies and have been wanting to try more Middle Eastern spots, so we stopped by while passing through the valley and wow, so glad we did. First off, the customer service was amazing. The manager, Tigram, was seriously the sweetest--exactly how you hope to be welcomed when you walk into a place. He even followed up to make sure everything was okay, which made the experience that much better. The ambiance is super chill, really spacious, and I especially loved the red theme and decor it gives such a cool vibe. And the food... omg. We got the crispy wraps with chicken and beef (plus fries), and it was a total hit. Hot, fresh, flavorful, and perfectly crispy. The chicken seasoning and juiciness were incredible, and the blend of everything together was honestly to die for. And the meat ratio to veggies was on point!! Good portion of meat. Definitely coming back

    Fries
    Anna K.

    We were in the area and decided to try Aras Shawarma for lunch--it's in the spot that used to be Veggie Grill--and we're glad we did. We both ordered the chicken shawarma wraps, and the portions were big and very filling. Ordering was super easy with the self-serve kiosks, and the restaurant itself is spacious, clean, and bright with a large indoor seating area. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and I really liked the artwork inside--it adds a nice touch to the space. The chicken was fresh, juicy, and well-seasoned, and the fries were crispy, hot, and generously portioned. We shared one order of fries and it was more than enough for both of us. Parking options are convenient with metered street parking available, plus a paid lot in the back. Overall, everything was smooth from ordering to seating to food quality. We'll definitely be back--next time we're planning to try the kabobs. Solid spot for a satisfying, casual lunch in Encino.

    Beef Shawarma Pita
    Cecilia L.

    For some reason , this place popped up on my social Media feed with grubbing with Greg, he made it look so good! and since my husband and I love middle eastern cuisine we had to try! Food came out fast and Husband gave it a 8/10 we always play this game but I? I wasn't quite a fan like he was, why? I opted for the beef shawarma while he scarfed down the chicken shawarma, and I instantly smelled the strong scent of the lamb, it was overpowering and I thought they must have gotten the meats wrong in the kitchen from My order, regardless, I had asked my husband To give it a try and he said I was crazy! The gyro was big and nice and crispy chicken was about $13 and the beef was $16... comes with your choice of sauce so you can't go wrong with the garlic spread and tried a little bit of the pomegranate sauce as well. He ended up having both and at the end of the meal, he asked the employee at the register if they had swapped the meats, full disclosure, they cook the shawarma with lamb fat 5% and that was that! Fun spot, I would come back here for the chicken shawarma. Personal preference.

    Regine S.

    Today I ordered to go from Doordash one lamb plate and one Shawarma plate, both with Greek salad! A true delight: the meat is super moist, and their food is really fresh They have three locations and I highly recommend that place for you guys to order! ‼So delicious and tasty

    Chris P.

    My first time here, the food is good and tasty. I had the chicken Shawarma over basmati rice. The place is clean, nice atmosphere and I will definitely be back.

    Chicken and beef shwarma, hummus, their terrific cabbage slaw, rice, onions, parsley and hot pepper.

    Had been wanting to try Ara's since it opened a few months ago. It's directly next to one of favorite sushi eateries, Katsuya. Well, we tried it yesterday and were SO PLEASED with the food AND the great service. As I always judge an ice cream brand by its vanilla, I rate a Middle Eastern restaurant by its hummus. Ara's is DEE-LICIOUS!! The decor is open and airy. They also have plenty of outdoor seating as well as on street and lot parking. Next time you're jonesin' for a kabob, or shwarma (crispy or otherwise), run do not walk to Ara's.

    Beef crispy wrap

    Good service but I was recommended the crispy wrap and it tastes so weird, I cannot even eat it. I took two bites and it's like pomegranate juice or something. Very tangy. I tried this place 3 times and I really want to support it but they're making it tough. I also taste lamb. Place was clean and enjoyable.

    Foil wrap
    Dan L.

    First time here. I tried beef shawarma - the meat was well marinated, veggies were fresh, pita was tasty. However the beef was over salted and veggies juice made pita wet and was dripping out. On the picture the wrap had a foil to hold everything together but in reality there was none so everything was falling off and it was really hard to eat. The place was almost empty in the fridays evening. The service was good and the restaurant was pretty clean too. One and done

    Lamb Lula Kebab Plate
    Kevin P.

    Ara's served up some pretty solid flavorful Mediterranean food. We stopped by here a few times for lunch already and both time food was delicious. Order is simple, they have a kiosk that you can order from or the counter. So far the plates that we have tried: Lamb Lula Kebab Plate: The lamb Lula was delicious. Very moist and flavorful. Chicken Shawarma Plate: This was pretty good but it was a little bit to dry for me in my opinion. Chicken Thigh Plate: This was fantastic. The chicken was perfectly done. So moist and tender. The chicken thigh plate took about 10 minutes to be served but it was worth it if you're not in a rush. Each plate comes with 3 different sauce. Overall, we have enjoyed our last couple visits here and would definitely return. Service was friendly. As for parking they have a back parking lot in the back and street meter parking.

    Beef Shawarma Bowl and Chicken Shawarma Bowl
    Kathy Z.

    Located just next to the Katsuya in Encino, Ara's Shawarma serves up meaty bowls and wraps with a Mediterranean twist. I've had the chicken bowl and the beef bowl - I'd order both again. Lots of flavor! Perfect for two to share, or to make another meal for later. They sell chocolate covered strawberries here, which is pretty fun. I haven't tried them, but I'm sure I'll cave in one of these days. The interior of the shop is quite artsy and inviting. This place is relatively new, so it's so clean and fresh. Service is efficient and the staff are helpful. I usually wait about ~10 minutes max for my order. Your best bet for parking is metered street parking out front. Don't forget to pay the meter and read those street signs carefully before leaving your car.

    Schwarma
    Mike R.

    For any restaurant I think food is the main thing. I had the beef and lamb. All the ingredients were excellent except the pita which was either stale or just poor quality. I'm inclined to believe stale because everything else was wonderful. I'm certain if I had asked for another pita they would have accommodated. The staff was excellent too. Usually I mention little about staff unless fine dining but in this case they deserve mentioning. Very nice. It is a little difficult to find and parking, while validated, isn't easy to find on your first visit. Nonetheless I'm certain to return

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    22 days ago

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    5 months ago

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    Araik P.

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    7 days ago

    Fast food quality and expensive. I can't say I will be coming back. We tried the beef and food was dry and gamy taste.

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    3 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Araik P.

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    9 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    25 days ago

    Food was ok. The beef was tuff. But we had ordered it on Uber Eats I think we need to try it in person maybe when it's hot it's better.

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    14 days ago

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    7 months ago

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    Araik P.

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    13 days ago

    Great shawarma! I recommend the crispy beef shawarma- nothing like it. Filling, but you don't feel stuffed.

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ara's Shawarma Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ara's Shawarma

    Gus's BBQ

    Gus's BBQ

    3.9
    (1.2k reviews)
    9.4 mi
    $$$

    To update from my last review I got to talk to the…read moremanagement and they were so professional and polite really changed the mood. Decided to celebrate my partner here during our movie marathon! This time around we had our server check in with us throughout the meal! Constantly filling our waters and seeing if we needed anything else. The food came out hot! I been trying out all the local happy hour deals to see the best value. I will say I got full from the two brisket sliders. My partner loves the brick chicken here! Says she dreams about it! Really made her happy to eat here! I love the interior you definitely feel transported to a different part of America!

    Food was good. Many options to choose from and their sides esp the creamed corn was good! The…read moresausage links were also delicious. We had a reservation for 14 made on Father's Day. So I understand it's busy and exhausting but I feel like many things fell through. Our reservation was for 630 and did not get seated till past 7. We had a toddler in the group and it was pretty crucial to get an early time so the child wouldn't get too tired and wired. For whatever reason they sat us and that too at two separate tables which is not so bad. At least we were next to each other. The menu did not seem so clear so one in our party realized there was peanut in the sauce for the wings. It may be on the menu but there are restaurants who prioritize asking about allergies regardless when they take the order. So wish they had. That in itself makes customers feel good and confident about being there. I'm sure being a day of celebration made it hard but hoping for better experience in the future

    Photos
    Bourbon and Peaches cocktail
    Bourbon and Peaches cocktail
    Bar and dining room
    Bar and dining room
    BBQ Beef Rib, only available on Mondays!

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    BBQ Beef Rib, only available on Mondays!
    LA West BBQ

    LA West BBQ

    4.8
    (47 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    Without a doubt, absolutely positively, a Top-3 Chicken Shawarma wrap in LA! .....maybe even #1!…read more This one Yelp elite dude said "Run, don't walk to try this place", and he was so right. The chicken shawarma was perfectly juicy, tender, nicely marinated and was accompanied by their special sause along with cucumbers. tomatoes and some herbs. The sauce didn't overpower the fresh amazing flavors of the other ingredients and you could truly taste the chicken and the veggies. All of that goodness was wrapped in a grilled but super soft lavash bread. Being so thin and soft, the lavash bread still maintained its composure, didn't fall apart and each bite was a treat. Absolutely amazing. The customer service was very friendly and the gentleman explained to me that they are redoing the inside seating and that there would be many tables inside. For today, I ate right outside at a table, close to their mesquite grill, where probably all the magic happens. Can't wait to come back to this place to try some of their other meat bbq items. Bravo on the chicken shawarma wrap!

    I was waiting for an oil change at Just Tires, and got hungry. I looked for local business, and…read morefound LA West BBQ tucked away behind Just Tires. A restaurant chef took my order, and answered my questions about the business. Opened about a year ago. Family-owned. Transparent kitchen can be seen from dining room through window. Menu looked good, but unfortunately does not include their BURGER menu. I suggested they add their burgers to their restaurant menu, and they pointed to their Instagram--very nice photos, but I still hope they add their burgers to their dining room menu. Very friendly and very committed staff. Clean dining room. Plenty of parking. No bathroom, so don't count on it. Plenty of tables plenty of seats. One of the best chicken shawarma wraps I've ever had. I love condiments, but I never felt the need to add anything to my wrap. They do mostly takeout and can light up a grill for large orders. Soft drinks in soda cans and homemade yogurt + cucumber beverages available. Great local business offering quality food made with best ingredients. 5 stars.

    Photos
    LA West BBQ
    Wings
    Wings
    Jalapeo Poppers

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    Jalapeo Poppers
    Rib Ranch BBQ

    Rib Ranch BBQ

    3.8
    (827 reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $$

    Very cute location, love the mood and the music. The food…read morewas good, our waitress was super nice. Overall a nice experience, a nice Friday night mood

    We visited this BBQ spot to celebrate my cousin's birthday, and it ended up being such a great…read moreexperience! The restaurant is tucked away in a neighborhood and feels like it was once a family home that has been transformed into a cozy restaurant. From the moment we walked in, it had a welcoming, homey atmosphere that made us feel comfortable right away. They start every meal with complimentary cornbread, and it was absolutely delicious warm, flavorful, and the perfect way to kick off our meal. The food was satisfying, the portions were generous, and the prices were very reasonable for the quality and amount of food you receive. One of the things we loved most was the ambiance. On Saturdays, they have a live band, which adds so much charm and energy to the experience. They also offer al fresco dining, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends. To make the celebration even sweeter, the staff surprised my cousin with ice cream for her birthday, which was such a thoughtful touch and made her feel special. If you're looking for delicious BBQ, a relaxed atmosphere, live music, and friendly service, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit. We'll absolutely be back!

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    Live music
    Live music
    Pork ribs and tri tip
    Pork ribs and tri tip
    I love this sign. They've got a decent seating area in the outdoor courtyard.

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    I love this sign. They've got a decent seating area in the outdoor courtyard.
    Tapo St BBQ

    Tapo St BBQ

    4.0
    (113 reviews)
    14.9 mi
    $$

    Best BBQ in Simi Valley!!! Tender, smoky & Delicious Great…read moresides too... We could eat Tapo Bbq's food twice a week, easily. Yummy

    If I could give this place negative stars I would! This place simply isn't it. I saw a few food…read moreinfluencers on Instagram talk about how good this place was which made my experience even more disappointing. I should have known better! My girlfriend and I walk in and get taken care of right away. The place is currently small and are to-go only as they are expanding. I order the brisket combo with a side of pickles and coleslaw and my girlfriend got the tri-tip with macaroni salad and pickles. I also wanted to try the beef ribs so I got one on the side. As we are sitting down waiting, the guy in the bandana who took our order said that they had a big order call in so ourselves and two other people who ordered would have to wait. 45 min. - 1 hour later we are still sitting while the people who ordered after us got their food and left. They finally bring out the big order and continue laughing and talking while telling me in front of the customer that they gave him all the beef ribs and have none left for me. I was already pissed off beyond belief at all the other circumstances so I just said to substitute it with pork ribs. He ended up asking if I tried the brisket(which I already ordered, great attention to your customers, again) and put it in my girlfriend's box instead of mine who doesn't eat pork! While this whole shit show was happening, there was a whole line of people waiting to be served who literally came and went because no one was there to take orders at the register as they were in the back the whole time. A patron inside saw my situation and said that at least the food is good so I was excited to try it. It was probably the most mid bbq I've ever tried in my life. The tri-tip and brisket were dry. The macaroni salad tasted like pure dill, the pickles were sweet and honestly tasted store bought. The pork ribs were just ok. The food at Wood Ranch is better. Long story short: Don't go through this bs service for mid food.

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    Inside
    Inside
    Heavenly tri tips
    Heavenly tri tips
    Fatty briskets which I don't mind at all if more fatty

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    Fatty briskets which I don't mind at all if more fatty

    Ara's Shawarma - mediterranean - Updated June 2026

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