i was sooo excited to try balqees and it did not disappoint whatsoever everyone working was so sweet very hospitable and just down to earth i love the space very beautiful with warm inviting lighting in the front area and the back room all food and drinks served absolutely divine the hummus 1000/10 same w the kibbeh + tabbouleh honestly everything outstanding the hookah was very good and the coals were constantly being changed throughout our time here cannnnt wait to come back and also to get get the knafeh! read more

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Delicious and great, friendly service! We stopped by after work for takeout after a long day. We had grape leaves, sambousa with meat, chicken mandi, falafel sandwich, and salad. Everything was great. The rice with the chicken mandi was perfect, and the chicken was tender and tasty. The people are very friendly and the place is neat and clean. Awesome place right at Bailey's crossroads. Highly recommend! read more

We tried the coffee flight here. We got the cold version and the hot versions and we really liked both! The cold version has this cream on top of it so it's best to mix it before drinking. Though, I do recommend tasting the foams first because that's where the flavor profiles are. For the hot versions, no mixing is needed and everything tasted really good. Since this is a restaurant and not just a cafe, they also have a full food menu with Yemeni and Lebanese foods! Its great! We tried the mixed pie and thought it tasted pretty good! Love the decor. It's minimalistic but clean and nice. Our server was very nice but service was a bit on the slow side even when it wasn't too busy. So be patient. They will get to you eventually! All in all and good experience! read more

Hidden Gem!!! I appreciated Mr Mouad's exceptional customer service. He was so kind. Great music with a waterfall in the background. So chill and relaxing. Food was delicious. Really loved the Beef Shwarma and the chicken mandi. Will definitely be back. Ask for Mousad when you arrive!! read more

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Really enjoyed the patio area with fire pits and greenery. Hookah is only $20 which is pretty cheap for the area! We tried the chicken shawarma wrap which was pretty tasty, and the drink flights. Drink flights were HUGE. Could've been enjoyed by 2-3 people in my opinion and we're $27. Service was not bad, not regularly waited on, you have to call the server over. read more

Balqees - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

This was my first time visiting this restaurant. This Yemeni/Lebanese restaurant is located in a small strip mall in Falls Church, definitely had to use google maps. The outside looks simple/plain, but the inside is just exquisite, sets the mood. The place was pretty much empty when we came (except for 2 tables), but I'm sure they are very lively at night, especially with the happy hour. We came strictly for the crème brûlée iced latte and the milk cake. The drink is made with whole milk, I wish I asked for an alternative/non-dairy milk, but otherwise the drink was perfect. I appreciate the barista/chef made extra effort to make it perfect, especially because I was recording/taking pics. I wanted to try the nutella or pistachio milk cake, but they only had saffron and fruity pebble, so saffron was the winner. It was pretty good, but I wasn't a big fan of the toppings. The customer service was good, the server taking orders didn't really understand our request, so he had to bring out the barista/chef making the drink. Otherwise, they both were attentive and friendly. There is some parking available in front of the strip mall, but I'm sure it can get packed during peak time. Would I return? probably not because it was too far and quite pricey. read more

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We came for the coffee flight and were blown away by everything else! The restaurant is beautifully designed with a dark green leather and dark wood theme, gold light stands on each table- giving it a moody yet welcoming vibe. The service was great, our server was kind and the food/drinks came out quick. The food was absolutely delicious, tasty and fresh ingredients! It was light yet very filling and the portion sizes were great! The coffee flight was tasty as well, surprisingly the pistachio latte was my favorite! Each drink was sweet and creamy and you can still taste the quality of the coffee in each cup. Would definitely recommend and hope to come back again soon! read more

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Delicious food and mint drinks. I was skeptical but to my surprise they had a great tabule and lamb dishes read more

Balqees - Mint lemonade ice drink. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

The lamb is usually one of their special dishes. It is perfectly soft, but the rice to meat ratio was a bit high. For some reason, they were out of salad, which was a really weird thing, but also that meant that all of their salad dishes were absent. Thus, when we ordered the lamb Mandi...it just came with meat and rice.... The samosas were good. I would choose the one with the meat crispy on the inside with a little bit of meat filling. I was very impressed by the lotus latte. Keep in mind that it is just the biscoff cookie Latte, but it was very sweet and still have the coffee taste. What really came for was the saffron milk cake. We also got the fruity pebble milkshake because we misunderstood the waiter and thought he said bubble tea milk cake and we were interested. The fruity pebble milk cake is probably just good for the kids who like really sweet cereals--wouldn't recommend. The saffron milk cake was more fragrant, and to my friend it actually tasted sweeter. It's like a Tres leches cake but mixed with more middle eastern flavors and fragrances read more

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Ambience was calm and a very family friendly restaurant. There is loud music but nothing distracting. A great place to eat food middle eastern food and sit and chat with friends. Food was great, their milk cakes were definitely the best thibg. read more

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Got the tiramisu latte and crème brulee latte and it was yummy. One the best in the dmv (and we've been on a hunt) tiramisu one takes the gold, and the crème brûlée takes the close second. Thanks eddy (barista) you were very nice and welcoming. Informed us he just made a batch of the fresh cream and trust we can tell in the quality! read more

Balqees - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Had been eyeing this place for a while and finally gave it a try for lunch w/ a friend. We ordered the following: - fattoush salad: delicious! Perfect balance of acid from the lemon juice and spice. I would've like a few more crispy pieces, but overalls very taste. - cheese manakeesh: pretty good. - hummus: standard, served with huge piece of freshly baked bread. - lamb mandi: the lamb was very tender, but the dish was missing *something* -- it would've really benefited from a tomato based gravy or some time or yogurty-minty-lemony sauce to accompany because the lamb shank and the rice together were a tad dry. There was only one waitress, who was also the cashier, so be prepared to wait a little while to order. read more

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One of the best kept secrets in the DMV! When people find out how good the food is and how great the ambiance. They just installed HUGE TVs and screens outside to make it even more cosy for games and events. Tips 1) Open late and kitchen does NOT close early. 2) Some of the best Middle Eastern food in the area. 3) We get the Chicken Mandi almost every time 4) Fasa - a must try 5) Kunafa - my favorite - period; we come here late at night just for this... I live in DC 6) I forgot to order the Mint Lemonade this time but never again 7) SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT THESE FOLKS! Bonus: the service could use some improvements, but they are providing opportunities for folks, so pls be patient with them. - I think they are working on it! read more

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***CAME FOR COFFEE LEFT WHEN THE ROACHES SHOWED UP!!!*** Came in after seeing it on TikTok and 0/10 recommend. For a flat water it's $4 which is the same price as a coke. The staff was not very open to people being here. As a party of 3 we ordered 2 coffee flights (8 total coffees) (yes we are huge coffee drinkers) and the looks we got after ordering. The staff did not want us to order the coffee and suggested we DO NOT order the flight at all since "it is a lot of coffee". The place was empty on a Tuesday afternoon and the branding was lost on the outside. It smelt like someone was smoking hookah but there wasn't anyone else in the establishment. The coffee menu was short and the flight was not listed on the menu. The overall menu was big like physically but the menu was small overall. Parking was ample but it was in the corner of a strip mall. read more

Balqees - The roach wanted the coffee too. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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My friends and family went here and this such a good restaurant. Their food has quality and quantity and their drinks are so delicious. The atmosphere and service is also great because everyone treats you with the utmost respect as a consumer of their products. The owner Mack was awesome as well he made sure me and my group was taken care of perfectly. Definitely would recommend to anyone who wants to try tru authentic cultural cuisine and the perfect late night ambiance that you don't get a lot of in this day and age. read more

First time here and service was very bad and pretty much no service at all- ordered a chicken shawarma and chicken platter- chicken platter was supposed to come with garlic sauce which I had to ask for since it didn't come with the order- ordered water and cheese manousha but I had to remind the server who happened to be walking by- the server never checked how was the food or if we needed anything- food very average/ will not be going back read more

Was excited to go for my birthday. Walked in, restaurant was pretty empty, was totally ignored by staff for several minutes, left.

I've been here twice - the first time I came when the new hookah room opened up and they had a ladies night on a weekday to promote it (august 2023). Service was really slow but they did come to check in you and converse which I appreciated. Dessert was delicious. I dined in Monday night in the main dining area, got there at 7:15 and the place got busy around 8. The service is insanely slow - I ordered a chicken Mandi and a mint lemonade. He remembered I had a mint lemonade yet never came back with it lolll so no drink. 45 min wait after you order isn't acceptable, especially when drinks aren't even brought out. Then when asking for takeout boxes we had to wait a while at the payment counter and no one was addressing us bc they were busy. I wanted to go to the hookah room and grab dessert after as well but was unable to since it was already 9:15pm and I wanted to get home. The food was delicious and seasoned well, however service is not great - I would rather come during the day when I can waste a few hours and not care how long things take, or just do carry out and take the food to-do ; do not recommend dine-in. FYI - parking isn't great but it's like that for most places nearby in that area. Also, they automatically add in a fee (grateful he told us so I didn't have to give extra tip - this brought my total for one order of chicken Mandi out to $27 ... for one entree and no drink bc it was forgotten lol). read more

Balqees - Chicken Mandi , French Fries, Chicken Salad (top right) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Amazing service and even better food, quality of the food it top notch. The coffee was also amazing too 3 I've had

I gave you guys a try twice not once but twice both times this place lived up to its HORRIBLE SERVICE!!! You guys charge automatic gratuity and provide horrible service. Your servers do not care about taking correct orders or providing a proper service because they know we will be paying automatic gratuity. The server messed up an easy shawarma order and they don't come to check on your table. Over all the food is not bad but service is super slow and horrible. Disappointed me and my party twice. A manager is never available. They cant delete anything from the order. Not happy at all!! We will not be returning at all. read more

I visited this restaurant with my wife and daughter on Thursday we were hungry and we were looking forward to try their food The ambiance was quite depressing. The waiter was half-asleep, and they were out of cookies and cream, lentils soup was on the menu but unavailable and half of the food was unavailable. He only showed us the chef's special, and there were no appetizers available. I don't understand why you open a restaurant if you don't have anything to serve. Will never step foot in there I hate giving bad reviews to restaurants but if you have it on the menu then it should be available maybe one or 2 meals unavailable is fine but the whole menu is not ok with me and only try to sell is what he was trying to get rid off. read more

Wow!! Not enough space for the good things we have to say. Food was amazing, drinks fantastic and the folks are awesome and ANYWAYS working hard to make it a great experience. Eddie took care of us and make us feel like family. Can't wait to come back already read more

Upon arrival, parking was very difficult and cars were double parked. Confused about the entrance and entered through the outside patio. Although we were greeted right away, he asked how many and he sat us right away outside at a fire pit. The fire pit was not ideal at all to eat a meal at. It was dirty and they didn't wipe it until after our food came out. Initially came to eat inside in the dessert room but the pictures on IG don't even match. Bathrooms are one stall and kinda blocked off by storage. It was also dirty. Never checked on us and had to call waiter over to order and when we wanted our check. Milk cakes were good. We got the dessert platter of the cheesecake, fruit pebble, pistachio, and Nutella. They came out and then someone came over and added the liquid dropper into two of them afterwards. As we were leaving, got in the car started bucking the little one in and a lady that was heading to this restaurant started honking out horn to hurry so she could take out parking spot. Gave one star because of the milk cakes being descent. read more

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Service was slow even though there were only a few tables. Our drink never arrived after we reminded them, and a service fee was included. Disappointing experience. read more

Yemeni cuisine, with Lebanese and Moroccan dishes on the menu. We tried the Mandi Chicken, couldn't resist the many delicious pictures on other reviews, and we didn't regret it! The chicken was mildly spiced, and the rice aromatic, it melts in the mouth! We also tried the kofta kebab, not a fan; dry and bland. Kebbeh on the other hand was very good, these are a sort of deep fried breaded meatballs, spicy and very aromatic. Overall it was worth the discovery; a cultural immersion, complete with patrons audibly doing their prayers in a corner reserved for that. Service is super friendly, I would recommend it. read more

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DO NOT GO HERE. This place is creepy, has terrible service, has mediocre overpriced food, knowingly served us meat when we told them we were vegetarian, and overcharged my credit card after I left. They clearly do not give a damn, or they at least leave their restaurant in the hands of waiters who clearly don't. A friend and I agreed to meet here at noon on a Saturday, since it opens at 10. I arrived at 11:50. The doors were locked and the restaurant was empty. I stood outside texting my friend when a guy came out to smoke a cigarette. I asked him if it was open and he said yes and let me in. I should have seen the signs and walked away then. This was the only guy I saw the entire time. At first I sat on the patio but it was dirty, with tables that were meant for hookah or some kind of fire pit situation but not large enough to eat on, and the chairs were low and uncomfortable with stained cushions, so I went back inside, where it seemed cleaner and nicer, to sit down. When my friend came the front door was still locked, so the waiter had to go let her in. We ordered the za'atar manouche (flatbread) for $15, a pot of Yemeni chai for $15, a diet coke and a water. We also asked for the **$35** Mediterranean appetizer sampler. This normally came with a few meat items - kibbeh, and both veggie and meat sambosas - but it specifically said on the menu there was a vegetarian option available. Neither of us eat meat, so we requested the vegetarian option. The waiter seemed really confused, so I repeated myself and when he still seemed confused I pointed to the text on the menu that said vegetarian option available. He then agreed it would be vegetarian. Our chai came. Boring and too much milk. Definitely not a $15 portion. The manouche was fine, but overpriced compared to my usual place right off Lee highway in Arlington, which you'd expect to be more expensive based on the location. When the waiter brought our Mediterranean sampler he set it down and told us that the only thing with meat was the kibbeh. WHAT? There are so many things they could have done to make this vegetarian, like double up any of the veggie items that came in the platter or adding one of the many other vegetarian items on the appetizer menu, but instead he brings us this and is like... there's only SOME meat? The veggie sambosas were bite-sized - a joke. Obviously I can't comment on the kibbeh, which we left untouched. The dolmades were shriveled and tasted weird and we left most over. The hummus was average and a small portion. The tabouleh was actually pretty good with big leaves of fresh parsley. There were a few patties of felafel that were good but too small. The only thing that was actively impressive was the fresh flatbread. This was worth $12, not $35, and I can get better tasting, more ample versions of this platter for $24 at other places. In retrospect I should have sent the damn thing back over the meat, but the waiter was so vacant and out of it that communicating with him or getting his attention were futile. Much of the time he sat at a desk looking at a computer with earphones in. Our water and diet coke never came. But the waiter was never available for us to say anything about it. At one point a customer came in and said "hello" repeatedly but no one answered. The waiter never came to check on us once and after being at this "restaurant" for close to two hours with very few other tables joining us, we had to actively flag him down for our bill. When he came he started to read off what we had and I heard him say water out loud and then he caught himself. And I said, "Yes, we never received our water or diet coke" and he muttered sorry or something and removed them from the bill. The lowest tip option on the screen was 18%. Honestly, after that service - which was basically no better than if we had ordered at a counter - I should have tipped 10%, but he was standing right there and it was awkward and I didn't want to sit there and fuss with the custom tip feature right in front of him, so I tipped 18%. In retrospect, I do not know why I was being such a people-pleaser with this doofus. I should have sent back the platter with the meat. I should have tipped less. I'm mostly mad at myself for paying these people $76 for this insult of a meal. Seriously, *$76* after tip for two people for tea, an appetizer platter and a basic flatbread! I was going to give 2 stars when I sat down to write this, but then, after seeing other reviewers report that they increase the charges on your credit card, I checked my bank statement and, sure enough, the charge was $3 higher than what I authorized. $3 isn't huge but WTF? I should have taken the receipt when asked. After doing the math that's the exact difference between the 18% tip I left and a 20% tip, so it seems to me like someone went back and changed it. I guess I can feel better about my tip because they would have changed it anyway. I should've taken the receipt. read more

Balqees - Taken after we finished but this shows the paltry portions of our **$35** appetizer platter. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

LOVEEEE BALQEES!! I swear by this place if you want a good vibe, good time, good food, good hookah. So happy that I was introduced to this spot. They also open early and close very late so can always count on them for a spot to hang out at night. Food: Literally so amazing, big portion and so so flavorful. Must try the Mandi dishes, you will not regret!! Also the saffron cake and the Areekah are out of this world. Vibe: so chill, perfect place to hang out and chat with friends, the outdoor seating is spacious, some (not all) tables have fireplace but it is very cute, can toast some smores. Hookah is amazing!! Service: can be a little slow because it gets quite busy. read more

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This is an excellent restaurant, with friendly service and delicious food. Good news is that they're holding regular hours in the day, despite extended hours in the evening for Ramadan. Having not eaten all day, we ordered tabblouleh, baba ghanoush, kibdah, fahsa with saltah, and mint tea. The servings were large, fresh, and delicious, with the right balance of spices across the board. It all was accompanied by a very generous serving of fresh bread to go with it. The tea was served in a very large thermos pot, and was at least double the size of the teapots (for two) served in other establishments. The service was attentive, prompt, and very welcoming! In short, the food was excellent all round, with fresh dates offered at the end for the holiday time. We plan to return again soon, as the weather warms a bit, to enjoy the seating outside (with firepits). The restaurant itself is being renovated and expanded, and is looking modern and upbeat! We're fans! read more

The beautiful Instagram worthy pictures were taken inside the room that had the Iftar buffet. The indoor seating was very limited. You definitely have to make a reservation and have paid before coming to join the buffet. We were a party of four and paid about $175 for the buffet. The food was delicious and mouthwatering, but a little bit expensive for a buffet in a room if you ask me. The lamb & basmati rice was yummy. Seasoned perfectly & lamb was tender & mouthwatering. Rice pudding was tasty & sweet. Omg their stroganoff was delicious and to die for. Their salad was fresh & yummy. Really the whole iftar buffet was great. The service was OK, the young lady would help seat everyone. So make sure you reserve early and paid in advance and arrive early if attending the Iftar buffet. read more

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Flavorful dishes and friendly service. Got the chicken and veggie tajin with a side of bread ($21) and the haneeth lamb with rice and a side salad ($28). The entrees were zesty and very big portions. The indoor space is just your typical restaurant but the outside dining and hookah area is covered and spacious--perfect for dining al fresco. read more

Balqees - Haneeth w rice and side salad ($28) and chicken and veggie tajin w bread ($21) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Food here was great! The lamb was so tender and juicy. The rice was super flavorful. The service was a little slow but they were friendly. The dining area is spread out and relatively quiet. Definitely check this place out! read more

Balqees - Haneeth - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

First food is not good quality and super expensive for no reason Service zero no respect @ all The place atmosphere give you depression I believe the money you going to spend it there will be better to spend somewhere better Service & good real Lebanese & Yamni food even with less money Don't really west your money & time read more

It took a while to make and I waited 25 mins for a shawarma but the food is really good and the service was very friendly and the food was very fresh it was only a 3 because of the white but the food made up for it it would be a 4 but the wait took to long. read more

The food was so delicious the portions were also very generous! The service was the best! The girl in the front was awesome and made us feel so welcome! The place has cute aesthetics and even have outdoor seating areas. I orders the lamb and it was soooo good and well cooked I am 100% going to come back and try more items read more

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Have been going to this place for years and it never misses. I have taken all of my loved ones, my true friends, and even my enemies here for how good it is. Even if I am across the street for lunch, I have to stop by Balqees for hookah and desserts at the least. The service is always amazing and all of the employees, including Mohamed, go above and beyond. It's a very beautiful and calm place to hang out and enjoy any meal of the day. read more

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I been to this place few times and every time I been served with a broken dish which is very unpleasant and it's not fair to pay high amount and be served with a broken dish read more

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beautiful hidden place and great service i really liked the environment and the food was delicious read more

Balqees - Middle Eastern Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The food was fresh and flavorful, the staff was friendly and attentive especially the owner and Mohammed Anas and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I'll definitely come back again. read more

I think they changed up their rice , messed up the whole taste. I don't remember it being this bad. Aside from that as good food.

We did two coffee flights & a chicken and hummus plate that we shared and honestly beautiful and very fun. Coffee flight was WAY too much for one person to drink and $25 each. read more