I am so glad to have found this gem on 280! We went for dinner and it wasn't busy. The restaurant was clean and the staff was very friendly. I ordered the chicken shawarma with fries and my mom got the combination. Both came with tahini and some sort of hot sauce. The chicken shawarma was so, so, so good. I topped it with both sauces and it was perfect. The pita was amazing. My mom loved her dish a lot too. They checked on us several times to ensure we were doing okay. Love everything about this place. Found my new favorite go-to restaurant. read more

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This place is so good. Everything is homemade. The servers are awesome. We visit every time. You won't regret it. read more

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We were super excited about this place, but ended up being a little disappointed in the lack of flavor. We tried the lamb/beef shawarma a couple of different ways. It was a little fatty and hard to chew. I tried both sauces on the table and neither was great. Also tried the kefta kabobs. They were spiced better, but still fatty. We ordered a large hummus and that was really good. The highlight for sure was the baklava. read more

I love Mediterranean food. I order a chicken kabob and a beef kabob with Basmati rice. So the reason I like Mediterranean food bc it is healthy.. this was not...the meat tasted like it was coated in butter. The Basmati Rice was a buttery yellow rice. No way was this a nice healthy meal. I love Falafel...the Falafel at Eli's was so dry and tasteless...I will not order again... read more

Great quality food, healthy options, authentic taste. Friendly greeting when you walk in the door. Easy to read menu and clean environment. Order at the front with friendly happy staff. Self serve beverage station. They deliver your food to table in a quick manner. Food is served on nice white plates with silverware. This is a quick meal in a sit down feel. Love the natural light through the floor to ceiling windows. I've had the beef/lamb shawarma as well as the chicken shawarma. Both delicious. Choice of couscous or rice, I prefer couscous. Also included in the plate is tomato cucumber salad and side pita bread. Lunch special (1030-3) is a steal. Great hours for all your dining pleasure. 7 days a week 1030a-9p M-Sat 11a-8p Sun read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill was a pleasant surprise in a pleasant city. My wife and I stopped for lunch on a long road trip from Wisconsin to Georgia and back, and we had a craving for some Mediterranean food. I wasn't expecting to get it in Alabama, but hats off to them for changing my perceptions. Make sure you start things off right by getting some of their lovely pita bread with hummus. Both are delicious and quite filling, the former being especially exceptional. Pretty sure like breadsticks at Olive Garden or Cheddar Biscuits at Red Lobster you could just eat this stuff everyday if you had the option. My only gripe with it is that it's so doughy it can't be used to scoop up rice and such, but that's probably also part of its great taste. For my main dish I had the combination plate which is way too much food for one person and probably why the girl at the counter gave me a wide-eyed look when I ordered it. Regardless, I liked everything on it, from the lamb kabob, chicken tenders, chicken shawarma, falafel, basmati rice, to the salad, so you can't go wrong with any of those. the shawarma was a bit on the dry side in my opinion, but my wife absolutely loved hers, so it may just be that I'm a bit pickier on that. Still, it was good. The falafel was one of the better ones I've had, nice and crumbly along with a juicy lamb kabob that brought back good memories from past restaurants I've visited. I wasn't sure what the "Chicken Tenders" were going to be like since that isn't very traditional, but they were both unique and equally tasty. The atmosphere was pleasant, pretty busy at lunch time with sun shining in the windows and heavy conversation abound. Nothing for decor though, teenagers manning a counter, and its located in a strip mall. Eh, you can't win all the battles though. Also on the grand scheme of things I've had better Mediterranean food, but this was quite good and I'd strongly recommend it. No cultural experience here but just solid eats. And the price was right, most dishes are around $10 or less so this is accessible for just about anyone on any day. If you like Mediterranean food as much as I do give Eli's a try, it's worth the trip. read more

The food is authentic Israeli food and was good. I've only eaten at Eli's one time so I cannot comment on all the dishes. My husband had the chicken shawarma, which was absolutely delicious. We have been to Israel many times, so when I saw kanafeh on the menu, I ordered it--it is my all-time favorite dessert. However, Eli's was disappointing--dry and unlike any I've had in Israel. Truthfully, I prefer Arab dishes to Israeli food, and the only kanafeh that I consider good is made with Nablus cheese. The kanafeh served in Jericho and Nablus is superior as are the breads. read more

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Eli's is one of our must stop places when we come in town to see family. The vegetation platter is a wonderful oasis in a non sympathetic vegan south. And the bread!!!! Oy vey! read more

Best Mediterranean food ever!! We ordered a to-go (carryout) for vegetarian plate with Israeli CousCous, Baba Ghanouj and Fries. Greatly enjoyed the meal. Very nice to have a place that serves Mediterranean food on 280. Baba Ghanouj and Israeli couscous are a must eat, especially if you are a vegetarian. read more

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Eli and his waitstaff were gracious and charming. Eli gladly recommends a good wine if you cannot make up your mind -- and pours a generous glass with a wink and a smile. The four of us were new to the establishment, so we ordered a variety of things to share: chicken schawarma, lamb kabobs, falafel, Israeli salad, tabouli, and the salad sampler (hummus, roasted red pepper salad, beet salad, Morrocan carrot salad, and red cabbage salad). The cabbage salad, which I'd never had before, was outstanding -- and I don't really even like cabbage. My three table companions raved about the beet salad. And the pita bread was so fluffy. We were all so pleased and satisfied with every part of the meal, the people, and the atmosphere. We had a very healthy meal, yet it tasted as good as comfort food. Bravo, Eli! BTW, Eli looks just like basketball coach, Bruce Pearl! read more

I tried this spot for lunch with my co workers. I like that there is a dedicated parking lot! Although it does get packed during lunch hours! The place is very cozy and decorated nicely. The wall by the ordering line is a wall mural of spices and foods traditionally used in their cuisine. The other wall has a huge mural of the Western wall in Jerusalem, which is a holy Jewish site. I like the history and personal touch that gives the place more depth! Now the food! I ordered the chicken shawarma with rice. The chicken was marinated well and tender! Not dry at all. It was flavorful and lay on a bed of yellow rice. I do prefer my rice to have a touch more flavor than what it did. There was also a scoop of diced tomato and cucumber with parsley, Olive oil and lemon juice (Israeli Salad). The bread was delicious to me, soft and a hint of doughiness. The portions were big, enough for 2 meals! My co worker ordered the salad sampler - roasted red peppers, red beet salad, cabbage salad, hummus, and morrocan carrots. She said it was delicous but the beets were not her favorite. My other coworker ordered the combination platter. Everything was tasty! The kefta kabobs were juicy and tender, the chicken as well was packed with flavor. The couscous did lack in some flavor. We pretty much ate family style and will be adding this to our lunch rotation! Prices are very reasonable as well! read more

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This place is absolutely delicious! And the staff is so very friendly. The vegetable plate is my favorite.. And the Israeli salad is rejuvenatingly tasty! I've brought friends here who have tried all different things, and all of them fell in love with their food! Definitely a must try for anyone who loves good, healthy food Shalom! read more

I ordered the Kefta Kabob from Eli's Jerusalem Grille at the Pizit'z location. Was ready within five minutes and tasted amazing. However my friends food took 20 minutes. And when she asked for a bag with full arms of food, drink, pita, and her receipt the cashier didn't even open the bag. Customer service, I hope is not always like this, because it would be a shame; the food was delicious. read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Eli's will introduce new flavors to your palate. The food is authentic and cultural. While the lamb was on the dry side, I still recommend this spot. I had the vegetable plate and LOVED the variety! The servers/employees are friendly and the restaurant was clean. read more

Pizitz Food Hall location - poorly run, very rude staff, especially who appeared to be the owner or manager. Wait times are ridiculous, insufficient utensils (who serves 3 inch cubes of chewy steak with no knife?), and overpriced platters. Food's pretty good, but the owner needs to get it together at this new Pizitz location. People won't tolerate poor service. read more

Israel comes to Birmingham. A homemade taste of Israeli classics any Mediterranean food lover will enjoy. The staff are so friendly and fast you'll think your eating in their home! Best Mediterranean food in the State. read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - The combination plate. Nothing bad on the whole plate! - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

One of my favorite places in Birmingham for lunch. I love the hummus and fresh pita. The service is attentive and friendly. Good beer selection. read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Friendly, welcoming service! Loved the "hole in the wall" feel. We ordered the lamb shawarma and tho the flavor was good, it was warm and not hot. Their pita was light and fluffy and thicker than other pita I have had, almost more like a naan. The platter was a good size for two to share at lunch. We would return but maybe try something else. read more

Stopped here while traveling home to Georgia from Birmingham. It's tucked behind some other buildings but is definitely worth finding. Everything we had was great. Very tasty and authentic. The staff was very nice. read more

So after spending 6 months in Israel, one could say I've become acquainted with the national cuisine. Shortly after returning, I moved to Bham and noticed Eli's and abruptly decided I had to try it. Overall, I have mixed feelings. The kabob and chicken was awesome. The shawarma, falafel, and hummus... not so much. They were completely lacking in flavor to me. However, I'll reiterate, I did just return from 6 months in Israel. But, the owner is Israeli. It confused me. I'll go back because I want to try the shakshuka and I wouldn't mine grubbing on the kabob again. But for anything involving chickpeas: I'll stick with Sabra. For the shawarma, I'll make my own. read more

Consistently amazing food. I've yet to order everything on the menu but I am completely open to trying everything, there hasn't been a time that I disliked what I ordered. -both chicken and beef shawarma amazing -garlic chicken sandwich amazing -lamb chops plate amazing -Israeli Couscous amazing I am still making my way through the whole menu!! read more

Perfect. Amazingly addictive. Attention to detail. You can't go wrong here. Our entire family loves it. The hummus, sweet tea and pita is our favorite. Could eat it for days on end! So check out Eli's and add it to your favorites! read more

This place is a hidden gem if you are a food purist!!! I haven't found a single restaurant in our fair city that serves organic chicken, grass fed beef, and both gluten free and dairy free entree's. Eli's even lists their ingredients after each item on their menu. The prices are so reasonable- that it's a head scratcher... I mean - Please- why did it take me so long to discover them?!?! As if that in and of itself were not enough- their food is just dang delicious!!! The staff/owners are super friendly- and seem to have zero problem even further tweaking the menu to your requests...you don't see that very much in this day and age. We picked our order up and had the lamb kabobs, the Shakshuka, and an order of hummus. The guy who took my order over the phone asked how spicy I'd like the Shakshuka, and would I like to include beef for added protein???? As in- this fellow actually had a functioning brain.... and it was customer oriented at that! Every bite was delicious- and he even included some fresh veggies with the hummus as I am GF....the hummus was hands down- the best I have ever eaten- and the freshly baked soft and fluffy pita made we angry that I was GF- the consolation being that the veggies looked like they just came out of granny's garden. What could top all this??? The Shakshuka. Oh my- the Shakshuka. Go to Eli's Jerusalem Grill. Order the Shakshuka with beef. Trust me- you will dream about this....and Eli's will be your new favorite restaurant. read more

Excellent food, healthy options. Eli, the owner and his staff are personable and professional, knowing how to run a business and look after their customers. read more

Authentic Israeli Fare in a very welcoming new and clean restaurant . Owner manger is giving TLC to all his customers. read more

First time here today for lunch. Great healthy alternative to near by fast food. Good food fast ! Had the lunch special which was fantastic and with a drink less than $9.00. Will have to make this a weekly lunch spot. read more

I regret having lunch at this place the food was undercooked bad customer service wouldn't replace the part of my meal that didn't taste like it supposed to be and a bad attitude. The shawarma was the worst I have ever had. read more

We ate at Eli's during a trip to Birmingham and sat at their outdoor seating. The service was beyond excellent, waiter and waitress were very friendly and on top of our every need, the food was absolutely delicious and I got to try my first glass of Israeli wine!!! The portions are extremely generous and I would highly recommend the sampler plate. My husband had the lamb chop plate and said it was excellent. The prices are very reasonable, quality of food is fantastic and we have not enjoyed a dinner like that one in quite some time. I took home a bottle of the wine (Carmel Winery Cabernet 2017- nice and dry ) and am enjoying it tonight with my leftovers :) Check this place out ! You will be glad you did. read more

Absolutely fantastic. Just come here and try it! Plenty of food, great seasoning, variety. It all tastes really fresh. Glad I found this gem while in Birmingham. read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Sampler - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

If you eat plant based, vegan, or vegetarian this review is for you. Eli's is in tune with this eating style and will inform you of any ingredients you have questions about. We have called a few times and they have never had a problem answering our questions as plant base vegans. Their vegan plate is awesome and their Baba ghanoush is to die for so we always order extra with extra pita and trust me you are going to want ALL the pita! We love Eli's! read more

The beef / lamb shawarma tastes like pot roast that was left out too long and the cous cous and salad were bland and tasteless.

I have eaten at a few really good jewish restaurants. Unfortunately, this one does not make the list. If you have not eaten at many jewish restaurants, please di not judge the food based on this place. The food here is bland and uninspired. read more

Most amazing foreign food in Birmingham!! Every time I go in I see repeat customers. Come in once and it'll be your 'new spot'. Great service. Don't get me started on the food, I've tried almost everything on the menu and it's all wonderful. Great prices, good for children, etc. I recommend to everyone! read more

Horrible management, disrespectful employees, not accommodating at all, the food tastes fine though.

Delicious, fresh, and a healthy menu that's suitable for everyone including vegans or vegetarians.

Amazing food. Fresh and fantastic. Don't let the outside scare you off. Super clean, excellent over all.

Really nice people but food is average mediterranean cuisine. Whenever i travel i try to find local mediterranean places, so might be an unfair comparison as east/west coasts have so many to choose from. Had the chicken schwarma, couscous, cucumber salad, falafel, pita and hummus. The chicken was thin and greasy, kinda like KFC. Couscous was average. Cucumber salad and hummus were good but pita wasnt. Its a thick cold pita, really wanted warm and thin. Kinda like eating white bread. Sauces were bland as well. Everything just tasted bland, if you like that then youve found your place. I really hate to give this place three stars as the service is very good and the people are nice, just the food isnt that great. read more

OMG this place IS AMAZING!!!!!!! I would give it 6 star Amazing staff, organic wine from Argentina!!! Home made pita bread on steroids Fluffy and thick Jerusalem salad Dee LISH I'm a vegan and had SOOO much to eat and chose from! So grateful for this place Live in Atlanta and travel to Birmingham twice a month, my new place!! MUST try read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Look at my Vegan dinner - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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The food was not great.. I had the chicken swarma, which was nothing special. The homemade pita was thick and bready, The salads and baba ghanoush were not bad. I ordered delivery and no utensils camecwith my order. Would not order ftom here again. read more

As other posters have noted, the food is very bland. I had the kefta with couscous/rice and the cucumber/tomato salad. The couscous was really good, but the rice was quite dry. Also, why was the tahini sauce so watery? read more