Yes yes yes!! This place is amazing! When you come here definitely get the shwarma plate and try out their GARLIC SAUCE. Omg the sauce is super light and has a deliciously strong garlic flavor--it's truly addicting and I could see myself putting that sauce on everything. The shrawma plate has a wide selection of meat and veggies. Their portions are huge too--I always end up having enough leftovers for another meal for me which is great! I will definitely be coming back to this place. read more

I'm kind of a Shawarma pro, having enjoyed the food everywhere from London to Cairo, Berlin to NYC, & this place is pretty good. Pros: The spicy garlic sauce is just right, tasty, and not too overpowering. The size is about right for a shawarma. Cons: Price is high, as shawarma is generally a very cheap food The pita bread fails on all levels. It's crazy thin so it falls apart. It's not very flavorful, might as well just use a napkin to wrap the meat & vegetable. read more

came her on the recommendation of my realtor when I was apartment shopping in Allston. The place is small and cozy, but it seems like their costumers are regulars the the cooks are authentic. The lunch special is probably the best deal in my opinion because you get to choose some side dishes to go with it. For $8 you get to pick from a variety of things and the lady that's working the counter is happy to explain what each one is if you're like me and have no idea what you're looking at. Not a whole lot of seating around, so if you're lucky there will be a stool or someone will have just finished from a table, but most people buy to-go and they seem especially busy during the lunch hour as there was about a 10min wait, but once you're at the counter, service is quick, quick, quick. That was fine for me because I was a new comer trying to decide what to eat. I would definitely come here again when I'm in the area! read more

It's the best I've found in the Boston area for Mediterranean food. I got the beef shawarma plate with rice, Greek salad, and garlic sauce. Chose beef because they were out of the spicy chicken but the meat was kinda dry... good thing the spicy garlic sauce was there to save the day. The spicy garlic sauce though? It was bangin'. The plate was about $12 but it's a lot of food so I think the price is justified. I'll still be back until I find better. This will have to do for now for the Mediterranean cravings! read more

Best Mediterranean food ever. Everything is delicious and fresh. The garlic sauce is to die for.

It was Awful. Firstly food is not worth with the price. It's not delicious at all. I bought salad chicken and I couldn't see salad on my bowl and they only put the green pepper in salad. I dont suggestion it. read more

Love the rice plates here. Very bodybuilding friendly Clean food options, very tasty. Will always reccomend read more

Garlic 'n Lemons might be my favorite casual Mediterranean restaurant in Boston. While many people come for the spicy chicken schwarma, I found it a little bit dry--instead, I would recommend the plethora of mezze-style dishes that are all placed on the counter and ready to serve (these are typical served as sides, but you can get a selection of three or five of them on a plate). Some of my favorites are the eggplant (baba ghanoush), the dolma, the fatoush salad (very nicely spiced!!). I'm also a fan of the kibbeh (a bulghur wheat fritter filled with ground meat). I also love the fact that each table comes with bottles of olive oil and hot sauce for dipping, even though the pita bread isn't the freshest. Overall, this is an excellent restaurant that I would definitely turn to for a quick meal that leaves me satisfied, but is not heavy. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Kibbeh on left; 3-item vegetarian plate on right - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

UPDATED 5/7/20: Owner made portions significantly smaller with new to-go packaging AND raised prices. They also stopped cutting meat fresh off the cookers and now cut it in advance and keep it sitting in warming containers, so chicken is dry and usually not hot. Even if you ask for fresh meat the employees say they aren't allowed to do it. Sad to see this place falling so far after all the good years. Wish the owner would reconsider why long time customers have been coming here. PRIOR REVIEW: Garlic n lemons has been my favorite restaurant in Allston since 2011. I've been here literally hundreds of times. It hurts to write this review, but recently something has changed for the worse. On my last visit the yogurt and cucumber dish they served that had gone sour. Tonight I went back assuming it was a fluke, but again I was served spoiled food. This time the spicy garlic sauce had gone bad, it was very dark, smelled strongly acidic and tasted terrible. I've eaten these same sides hundreds of times, so I know what they're supposed to taste and smell like. Food safety and quality control is clearly not important to them. After 8 years and hundreds of meals I'm sad to have lost a great neighborhood spot. read more

One of the better or only Mediterranean places in Boston. I came here for the first time yesterday at 10pm, an hour before closing, and most of their food options were sold out. The place was crowded so I was expecting some good food and I wasn't disappointed. I got the chicken schwarma plate with couscous and hummus. It came with free saj too, which is a thinner version of a pita. When I opened my tray, the chicken looked SUPER dry and bland, but it wasn't at all! The chicken wasn't the most tender and moist but it was still good. The magic sauce is where it's at! Make sure you get the MAGIC SAUCE. Don't know what it is, but I've never tasted anything like it. It looks like chipotle mayo, but trust me, it's a bit tangy and a little goes a long way. Usually I can drink sauces down, but this one had flavors exploding with just a single dip. Next time, I want to come earlier so I can try the spicy chicken and beef with tabouleh (my favorite)! Also, it is currently in construction to expand, but the store is still open! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Chicken shwarma plate with couscous, hummus, saj and rice pilaf underneath - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

WE had been meaning to go to garlic N lemons for a while now. Everytime we go to Sunset bar and grill we say to ourselves next time we will go here. this time we did go there and it was funny we went there after having food at another place before and then walked down here. Wifey go the falafel plate with humus and tabbouleh and i got the chicken Shwarma plate . Both were good. Another gripe and the ones i always have is they too had that rubber ready made pita tortilla crap like everyone else. I would pay a $1 extra a plate if i could get a made on site pita like the Cafe Jaffa or Jerusalem . The food was not bad and the prices is very good catered to students and the quantity they did not skimp on either. Overall i would def go there if i would like to skip Shwarma king not that it is bad but this is good too. Worth a try . read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - 3 choice veggie plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Fantastic If you don't know what to order, have what's in front of you is having + Extra garlic sauce. Must try: Shawarma platter Magical Sparkling VIMTO drink. read more

I must have walked by this place dozens of times and never thought to go in until my friend suggested we go here for dinner. With so many delicious food spots in Allston, I never thought to try garlic and lemons. I've come to realize I've been missing out all these years! The food here is delicious and the portions are generous. Now that they've expanded, there is plenty of seating inside the restaurant. You go in, order, pick up your food and find a seat. I got the spicy chicken plate. You get a choice of salad, then rice or potatoes, chicken, and pita bread. My plate was filled to the max! I was able to split this between two meals and was full both times. I will definitely come back here and add this to my list of good eats in Allston! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy chicken plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The place to go if you're really hungry and short on cash! This Harvard Ave staple is a go-to for me when I'm with friends and we're really hungry because their portions are humongous and there usually is ample sitting area. Convenient location in the middle of Harvard Ave that may be tough to find parking sometimes. Try any one of their falafel plates and your stomach will be heavily rewarded. read more

One of my favorite, if not my favorite shawarma spot to eat. This weekend was my 6th time eating at Garlic n Lemons. The beef shawarma in my opinion is the best in Boston. But recently I've noticed more of a change in the business as when I first started eating at GNL back in 2015, it was more of a small business and less "chainy." Things have changed and they've gone to catering and what not. In my last visit the garlic paste was bland so I'm not sure if it's just me but seems like they're focused on bulk and not so much the individual. Still worth a stop if you're in that part of the city. Thumbs up! read more

This is an Americanized (IMHO) shawarma place. Its good, but as someone else said, a bit greasy and salty. After going to a shawarma shop in Harvard Square (though their service is crap), I'm not sure Garlic & Lemons is the best, nor most authentic. This place gets 4 stars because I came back, its very clean (for places like this), it has everything, and the food was good. read more

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THIS IS MY FAVORITE PLACE IN BOSTON! GO HERE NOW! I've lived in the Allston area for 3 glorious years, and Garlic N Lemons NEVER let me down. The staff has always been great to me (I came here multiple times a week for awhile). Chicken shawarma plate is the classic! Spicy or regular...both equally magnificent. Get it to go...more food every time IMHO. The pita roll up combos are also fire! I like either beef or spicy chicken on Saj. Saj is thinner than pita. Results in a much better meat/veggie/bread ratio. Use common sense and your eyes when ordering here. I love the Greek salad but if the bin of salad is mostly empty and the cucumbers look like they've been sitting...ewwww don't. Love the tabouli, garlic sauce, spicy potato's, fattoush. Grape leaves are alright. read more

Went here with a couple of friends because someone in the group swore by this place. It is like a chipotle style Middle Eastern food spot. It's very quick and easy. I got the spicy chicken shawarma and it was cooked pretty well, not the best. And my friend had the beef which was a little dry. However the rice was on point and very well cooked. I would recommend to someone if you're in the mood to try something different and flavorful. read more

I have been coming here for a while and the food have not changed a bit. The food is soooooo yummy !!! Great job guys ! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - TheBest Combo - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Oh, this place. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Thank you guys for co-coexistence. Truly best food I've ever tried. It always feels like home here if I over opened a place to eat I would be you. read more

I have been here several times (twice in one week alone). You may notice a line right away once you walk in but the line does move fast. I love getting a plate of mixed shawarma with 2-3 sides. My favorite sides are usually hummus, tabouleh, and spicy potatoes! The spicy potatoes run out by the evening so you have to go early for them! The spicy potatoes seem to be marinated in a curry-like sauce and taste delicious. I love that there are 4 options for shawarma: spicy beef, regular beef, spicy chicken, and regular chicken. The tabouleh has the right amount of flavor (definitely lemon-y)! And the best part of it all is that the meat is halal (which is permissible to eat by Muslims). Portion sizes are huge in my opinion! My husband and I share a mixed plate and we still have leftover sometimes! Pricing is decent as well for the amount you get (around $13-$15 for the mixed shawarma plate and sides). There is ample amount of seating and staff is friendly. Definitely my go-to place for middle eastern food in Boston! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Mixed shawarma plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is one of the best falafel places in Boston, hands down. The spicey potatoes are flavorful and not hot. The spicy potatoes can taste dry if they've been lying around for a while. If you buy fresh potatoes though, they are moist and delicious. As a vegetarian, I truly appreciate that most of the meat is behind the counter. I always get the falafel sandwich combo. I get a falafel roll up with extra tahini, SPICY GARLIC (BEST SAUCE) and hot sauce. The combo comes with a side (I always get spicy potatoes) and a drink. The combo is affordable. You can get it for about $11. Super filling and super delicious. Cannot emphasize how great the spicy garlic sauce is! read more

Tried to order from this place twice and every time multiple things are missing from my order even things that I've paid extra for. This time my order was missing the potatoes, spicy beef and extra sauces I paid for. I place pick up orders and every time I go in they're not busy so I don't understand why there are items missing from my order. Won't be returning. read more

BOMB! G&L is my favorite lunch spot in Allston/Brighton. I am addicted to the Swarma platter I get it once a week. Chicken with spicy potatoes, hummus, tabouli and pickled beets hits the spot on these cold snowy Boston afternoon's. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - BOMB! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I was here for dinner with a friend, and split the plate (half spicy chicken, half beef, garlic sauce, tabouleh salad, potatoes) and a side order of the cauliflower. First: the portion was absurdly large. We took most of it home, where it's now going to be lunch for several days this week. Secondly: delicious. The garlic sauce was amazing, the cauliflower was worth every extra dollar we paid for it, the meat was sliced right in front of us. Would not hesitate to go here again! read more

First time eating in Allston. This place is really good. The workers are very, very polite. The food is awesome! My wife had a plate where she chose what she wanted from the counter. I had the spicy beef wrap combo 1. Will definitely repeat when I come back to the area. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Let's just say, my boyfriend and I went here numerous times and still crave it again within a few days. The food here is really delicious and their magic sauce is a must. We like to order the spicy chicken shawarma plate with rice/potatoes, tabouli, onions, pickles & also the veggie plate with falafel which gives the choice of 4 sides. It's always pretty busy here and the prices aren't too bad for the huge portion size. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy chicken shawarma plate with extra meat and magic sauce - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Terrific spicy chicken schwarma. Excellent Fatoush. Whatever the extra sauce was on the sie was wonderful. If you plan well, you can spend a little and get a big, healthy, fresh, meal. Do it, Allston. read more

I had Garlic 'n Lemons on my list for a long time but since I don't make it to Allston often, I hadn't made it out...until now. We got a takeout order and each got the spicy chicken shawarma plate and boy were we not disappointed. It came piled HIGH with delicious chicken over a bed of spicy potatoes and a side of your choice of salad (I had fatoush salad) and hummus. Then it comes with a container of this delicious spicy garlic sauce...OMG! You must go here as it's fresh, delicious, and authentic. We will definitely be back! read more

I would've leave 0 star if could. Let me explain. When I first went to this place 2 years ago, it was absolutely great. Good food, generous portion, and great friendly service. Things changed at the end of last year/beginning of this year. For the people that thought COVID is the reason why they are shite now, it isn't. The quality of everything this restaurant does/have plummeted. The service became awful, it felt like they're doing us a favor to serve our food. The portion went WAY DOWN. What used to be able to feed 2 people (shawarma plate) can barely feed one person at this point. Quality of the food, meh, at this point, I don't care for any of it anymore. I really loved this place back then, and the sharp contrast now makes me hate this place as much as I loved it then. The people here are different from back then as well, maybe that's the problem. Customers are not at all their priority at this point, but giving us such crappy food and service doesn't help them at all anyway. Change things back to how it was before. Or, fuck off and don't come back to this town. read more

I went to Israel this summer and fell In love with Middle Eastern food and although Garlic n' Lemons wasn't as good as the real thing, I thoroughly enjoyed this dining experience! It is a Chipotle style way of ordering. I got the chicken shawarma plate and my boyfriend got some sort of wrap. Combo option was the way to go- comes with a generous choice of side and a drink! Both meals were delicious and modestly priced, as well. We got a TON of food for around 22 dollars. I'm a bottomless pit so I finished everything, but two people could probably split one shawarma plate and be satisfied. The staff were also extremely friendly and helped me decide what to order. I'd recommend giving this place a try if you're in the mood for something different, relaxed, and casual. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Portions are sizeable, staff is friendly, and most importantly, the food is delicious.

We came here on a Sunday afternoon, the restaurant was not particularly busy. The staff aren't the most helpful.. and they stared at my friend until I asked where we ordered. The atmosphere left much to be desired, which doesn't bother me but, i expected more from the food. The food came out quick enough and was really just okay. It is reasonably priced and you can tell is a spot frequented by college kids. Not the worst falafel I've had, but certainly not the best. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The Food is great it's clean and mouth watering.You can smell the food from outside! And good Service.

Such delicious simple and good food at reasonable prices. If you like garlic sauce you will LOVE this place!! The two of us shared a mixed (we got regular chicken and regular beef) shawarma plate with rice, garlic sauce, and greek salad, with a side of grape leaves, and it was more than enough food for lunch. I LOVE garlic sauce - most places will only give you a little bit on the side, but this place ain't called Garlic 'n Lemons for nothing! They give you a whole pool of it underneath your rice and meat. Then they offer to put MORE spicy garlic sauce on top. I mean, key to my heart right there. The meats were cooked perfectly, the salad offered a refreshing balance from the meat/sauce, and the grape leaves were delicious. Can't wait to go back...if I lived in Allston I'd eat there weekly! read more

Best Greek food I've had in Boston. Portions are huge and delicious! We shared one spicy chicken plate and one beef. Next time, we would just share one because they are massive. Great bang for your buck! And the secret sauce is magical. Skip the falafel, opt for a grapeleaf instead. read more

The older Latin woman at the register with blonde hair is very rude and really has no hospitality skills, at all. I am visitor from Miami and will never come here again nor recommend it. No matter how good the food is. (I haven't tried it yet and I'm just waiting for them to cook it) PS all the tables are dirty. I asked the Latin faux blonde haired lady for a rag to clean out the table about 10 mins ago and she hasn't cleaned the table and completely disregarded me. In addition the utensils are not cleaned properly. Very disappointed she completely ruined my dinner with my sisters. Very ugly service. Oh blonde faux hair lady is named Nancy ! read more

I've been going here since undergrad more than 5 years ago. They never disappoint. Portions are huge at a very reasonable price. The workers there are also super nice. It is by far my favorite place for chicken shawarma! read more

Disappointed. Falafel were cold, 5 veggie platter had much less than I expected, and spicy garlic sauce wasn't spicy. read more

I'm not sure if management has changed or if there is a new owner but I'm sorry to say the food was just not the same. Keep in mind I held this place in the highest regard when I lived in Winthrop to the point where we didn't mind driving all the way from our new place in Bridgewater to Alliston on a Saturday afternoon. The spicy beef is alarmingly red now, very dry, rice wasn't fresh and the garlic sauce is just mayonnaise, asked for well done fries and got soggy ones, and the Osmaliya dessert was dry and tasteless. I really tried hard to like it for nostalgia's sake but I just couldn't. read more