Pricey, but the only schwarma place in Boston that tastes authentic. You can add fries into your wraps, along with pickles and pickled turnips. The spicy garlic sauce is amazing. Get a chicken schwarma wrap with spicy garlic sauce, pickles, pickled turnips, and a side of their fries with hummus. Truly worth it! read more

Most of my friends do not know about this place when they really should! This is a great spot in allston if you want to get something healthy but filling. I swear they have the best hummus I have ever had. The portions are huge and the workers are nice! Shawerma Plate with beef with Greek Salad, Hummus, and rice pilaf ($12.49). The greek salad is light and fresh, and the meat is not dry like other shawerma places! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Shawerma Plate with beef with Greek Salad, Hummus, and rice pilaf ($12.49) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Place seems like it is frequented by local college students. At 9pm on a weekend, that's pretty much the crowd that was there when I visited. Plenty of seating too. Got the spicy chicken shawarma platter to-go ($8-9). It consists of rice, chicken, salad, thin pita, and choice of tahini or mayo-based sauce. There is a $1 up-charge from shredded lettuce + tomatoes to a marinated cucumber tomato salad or tabouli. -1 star for the salad options. The base is just the shredded lettuce and tomato. The lettuce looked wilted and brown, maybe because it was towards the end of the night. Either way, I wasn't going to eat it if I got it with the basic platter so got the cucumber tomato salad instead for the extra $1. Overall, I probably would return. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Chicken Shawarma ($8-9) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I was on the fence about ordering from here based on reviews but decided to take my chances and I desperately wish I'd gone with my first instinct. The spicy beef was the saltiest meat I've ever been served from a restaurant - like, laughably inedible. The hummus, rice, veggies, and spicy garlic sauce were fine, but no better than what I could have made at home for literally a quarter of the price. And they forgot the pita that came with my order. I've been wanting to try this place ever since moving to the area and I'm SO disappointed. If you're considering this place, I'd skip. read more

Whenever I am looking for something healthy, quick to go and yummy lunch I will think of this spot. The spicy chicken is my favorite choice of protein there. I always ask for extra spicy mayo sauce regarding of what meat I end up getting. The salad selection is quite amazing there as well. The sitting area is quite spacious as well. The bathroom is also very clean. read more

If was ok I've definitely had better. The food didn't really have a taste, I found it to be rather bland. The service was nice and the place was clean. Parking makes the experience less fulfilling, constantly circling the block looking for a spot. read more

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

See all

Delicious! Everything is so fresh from garlic n lemons. I've been a few times in the past few months, and enjoy it every time. Easy to order online, also quick to order in store. The hummus is fantastic! Also recommend the fried pita chips, which are so crunchy and perfect with the hummus. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Chicken salad. Hummus, pita chips - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Just stop already. I've been going to GnL for over 5 years. The food was so good and one of my all time favorites. Now I wouldnt send anyone there. The food is Half the portions it used to be and the costs went way up. Problems didnt start at Covid either. The tabbouleh is very watery/soggy now and not finely chopped up, a lot of hard pieces mixed in, ouch and yuck. The chicken is now on a pan already cut up rather than on the spindle freshly cut. Last year they started giving smaller portions in the regular size containers they would fill it up about 65-75% (used to be 100%) of the way and then I would watch them place their hands underneath pretending to close it all the while pushing up the bottom of the take out container. Yep they dent in the bottom of the container to make it look full when you'd get less. Now they just said F it and decided to just use a smaller container altogether but its like half the size or less! The price was around 10 bucks for a shwarma plate two years ago around. two years later the price is around 3-4 dollars plus, wtf huge increase! Times are hard for a lot of ppl but this is just ripping people off. Meat prices increased but not by that much. They keep raising their prices and now you get less than half or what you would have paid for just a few months ago. Robbery. I think they forget there are quite a few shwarma places in the area. Im out, cant do it anymore. read more

Oh man. Garlic n Lemons is The Boy and I's go-to joint when we're in need of delicious shawarma in our bellies. Can't go wrong with the Spicy Chicken Shawarma Plate. It's the best with their pilaf (other options is potatoes) and get that tahini sauce on top. I always get it with the Greek salad and hummus. The Boy likes it with the garlic sauce. I don't cheat on Garlic n Lemons - I'm a one shawarma joint girl. Interesting set up though inside because the beverage fridge is not in the front but in the back along the side...basically away from the register so you have to jump out of line to get your drink. read more

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

I was super excited to try this place and finally got the chance to go in. I got a mix platter with chicken and beef. Choose potatoes, rice, and toubouleh. added olives as well. and it came with pita bread. The portions were big and the potatoes were delish and nicely seasoned. The spicy beef was an odd red color and texture. it was dry and not the best in my opinion. I wonder if it had just been sitting out for a while? The chicken was good though and wasn't dry. I was kinda underwhelmed by this place after being so excited about it. Maybe I will try again and update my review read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - chicken and spicy beef mix plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I really wanted to like this restaurant since I had heard a lot of good things, but my experience was not as special as everyone else's. I ordered the spicy beef shawarma plate. Three reasons why I didn't like my experience: 1. Portion Size: the portion size was not appropriate for the hefty $13 they charged. Compared to their competitors (halal guys, rice and chicken), it was actually sad. 2. Meat Texture: the texture of the spicy beef was super rubbery. I was questioning whether if it was meat in the first place. The normal beef and chicken look pretty good thou. 3. Sauce Rations: charging extra for adding more sauce is a no no. NEVER RATION SAUCES. The taste wasn't bad. I do think I would have enjoyed the normal beef or chicken plates more. So, I would just advice you to stay away from the spicy beef. It wasn't really spicy either. read more

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

AMAZING spicy beef shawarma in boston, can't get enough of their homemade tahini sauce! I need it as much as I need the white sauce for chicken and rice from the halal guys in NYC- that's how good it is. I am SO excited that they expanded and have tons of seating now! Never go too late at night past 7-8PM because the spicy beef shawarma by then will have either run out, or with barely any left. Happened to me each time I went after this time. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy beef with tahini, hummus, and Greek salad - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Been coming here for the past few years as I always make it a must eat place whenever I am in Allston, but unfortunately it seems that recent reviewers have all been saying the same things I experienced today. Ordered the chicken shawarma plate and was rather unimpressed. Price def went up and portion size down. They don't cut the chicken fresh off the spike but serve it from their buffet trays. Hmm, very misleading and deceptive. I don't go here to get dry, old pre-shaved chicken from who knows when it was cut. If I wanted that, I could go to the frozen food section at my grocery store for 1/4 of the price. Listen, if you want to start serving buffet food, charge buffet prices and people won't hold you to higher standards. Also my garlic sauce was sour so that just pissed me off even more. I just hope this isn't the standard going forward, but I probably but be coming back to see. Usually when ownership heads down this path, it's because they care more about profit margin than customer satisfaction. Especially during COVID-19 and they think it's a good time do this. Too bad, as I recommended this place as one of the best in the Boston area for shawarma, but not anymore. 2 stars because of the good ol memories of when I was excited to come here, when it was good. Now, I just hope I don't get sick . . . read more

Hands down one of the best middle eastern places around the town. A bit away in Allston but close to HBS. Food portions are very filling and I would suggest ordering platters in combo choices. Platters definitely have more food. Ambiance and seating area is very casual. Have recommended to a lot of my friends. Friendly staff. read more

I have a fondness for GnL, so an extra star for the nostalgia. My boyfriend used to live in the area, so we would get GnL takeout, then pick up Kung Fu Tea next door for a Friday night in. I've always gotten the same thing: the shawarma plate with spicy chicken over a bed of rice pilaf (topped with their special sauce), Greek salad, and deeeelicious garlic paste! You gotta try the garlic paste =P yummm. I also love their moussaka (or their modified version of it) and sometimes crave it so much, I get a side of it. It's a nicely seasoned eggplant dish. Very filling! I'll eat half of the moussaka, move on to the Greek salad, and, by the time I've finished the salad and taken spoonfuls of the garlic paste, I'm too full for the shawarma and rice. Even without the extra side, the plate is enough for two meals. Also, TRY THEIR OSMALIA! It's a dessert of cream sandwiched between stringy pastry and it is absolutely delicious! Can't believe I forgot to get it the most recent time we did takeout, womp. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy chicken shawarma plate with garlic paste - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This used to be one of our favorite places. I know things are not "normal" right now and that many places are under stress so I wear that hat when interacting with any place or the workers. We have ordered out frequently to support places we love and want to see get through this time. That being said, we recently ordered from here using Grubhub. We arrived later than the order was supposed to be done. It wasn't ready, and they had lost the order (ok, things like happen. No big deal. I'll wait even if my toddler is getting impatient). I waited and watched walk-in orders be taken. I counted 6 orders. I still waited patiently. Our order wasn't a complicated one. 2 spicy chicken shawarma plates and a side of falafel and extra pita bread. Eventually I was handed a bag and left and drove back to Arlington with hungry toddler in tow. Opened the bag, no falafel, no extra pita bread, one plate had such a small amount of chicken and one of the plates was missing the chicken entirely!? The order was close to $40 bucks and when I tried calling no one picked up the phone. I am so bummed and extremely turned off by this. Maybe someone from the restaurant will read this and reach out. Until then, I'll focus my supports elsewhere. read more

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

See all

OKAY SO YUMMY. Love the shawarma bowls. So good and fresh. Would go back for sure!!!!

I hope the owners (mother & Son) read this review... if you look at my Yelp picture I was customer #1! If your wondering why your place is always empty now, please read what I am about to say, it's only because I care. Changing the decor isn't going to help you if your struggling, this is what's wrong with your place now: 1. Kitchen and serving area are gross and look like they haven't been cleaned for a long time. 2. You have 6 cooks on a Friday night all standing around while half of your serving bins are empty. No one gives a care and they are there to chat, hang out and collect money. 3. The shawarma and the food you are serving looks gross and is a version of watered down Lebanese food cooked in Latin America. 4. The girl you have on the front pretends not to speak English and all of your cooks serving food can't take simple instructions. Very frustrating as a customer! 5. If you think people are going to pay $15 for a shawarma plate that goes in a box that has shrunk down in size, to where you get one scoop of rice, your trying to cheat people because business is slow. Customers are on to you! 6. If I ask for an item outside of the plate or sandwich, your cooks are ready to Jump the island and fist fight. I want the food the way I like it and no Jose is going to tell me how to eat! Sad part is I'm willing to pay extra to have it my way, but I'm attacked instead of welcomed. What a shame! If you continue to operate this way, you will continue to lose customers, please Fix it or lose it, it's time you take your restaurant back and find the passion you had from day one! PS -Caring Concerned Customer read more

Great spot for takeout! Hummus is good and the portions are good for the price. We also really enjoyed the cauliflower. Will be going back

The food gave me food poisoning!! Beware of this place. Unfortunately, the food is not that great so I can't say it is worth it either. The spicy beef meat is alarmingly red and looked unappetizing. The spicy chicken is okay. I enjoyed the spicy potatoes but that's really all. I prefer Boston shawarma. I would not come again. read more

Place has a great selection of food, service was good and pickup time was fast. Food was cold when I got home after 30 minutes but that's not their fault. The spicy chicken leaves a lot to be desired in the spicy category, still ok. Where they lose me, and I'm being generous with 4 stars is the flavorless white, over boiled white rice. I've had minute jasmine rice better than this. Room for improvement. read more

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

See all

This place is a long-time favorite. My favorite is the Greek Salad with Spicy Chicken - it's a more authentic Greek salad, so there isn't much lettuce but tons of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in the perfect dressing. The chicken is marinated and the Spicy Garlic Sauce is the bomb (as in, I've tried to make it on my own and can't figure it out). Other great options are the 5 choice veggie plate - I particularly like the falafel, hummus, grape leaves, various salads (tabouleh, etc.), and spicy potatoes. The various gyros/roll-ups are also fantastic, such as the the falafel and spicy chicken, and the pickled veggies accent them perfectly. Highly recommend this place -- it is so tasty and a bit more healthy than other options. I find everyone who works there super nice -- always friendly and super generous (they are definitely not stingy on portions). read more

This is a good option if you're looking for a quick and healthy lunch. My husband and I each had the lunch box, which consisted of a plate of rice or potatoes, a serving of rotisserie meat, and a side salad. My mom had the vegetarian plate, which allowed a choice of three vegetarian dishes. I thought the vegetarian plate was overpriced (something around $10) for the amount of food you receive. All the food was prepared in advance and in trays behind a plastic separator, so you can see what you're selecting. The person serving was not very helpful and kind of quiet. We had never been there before, so we didn't know exactly how it worked and what all the food items are, but it felt like we were expected to know everything. The food overall was tasty, though I do wish they allowed the rotisserie to get more char!!...isn't that the point of a rotisserie? read more

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

Service is failing as is the quality of food-order was 15 min late and had to wait for roll up that we made cold. Great disappointment from pre Covid read more

Yummy food and very generous portion sizes!!! I tried their spicy beef and chicken combo plate with tabouli (yum) and it lasted me 3 meals! The chicken was slightly on the dry side but not a problem once you add the sauce. I do recommending ordering half potatoes because they are amazing and you won't regret it read more

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

See all

Paid $16 for a chicken platter and it was pretty good. The portions were pretty big and came with rice, potatoes and pita bread. Very filling I almost considered saving the rest for later but I couldn't help myself from finishing the whole thing. I will definitely return to see what else they have to offer read more

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

This place is awesome. It used to be a tiny restaurant with 4 tables. Then they expanded next door to add at least 6 more tables. It is a family own restaurant. I usually get the Spicy Chicken Shawarma plate with Hummus, Cauliflower, and flavorful Potatoes. So delicious with their spicy sauce. My friend likes his Spicy Beef Shawarma plate. Portion is large. I highly recommend coming here. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy Chicken Shawarma Plate with Hummus, Cauliflower, Potatoes, and Spicy Sauce - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

HOOOLY SHIT bro the wraps or whatever tf its called they good as hell. Fries are good, crispy and they don't get soggy quick, sauce is unbeatable, and potatoes wifh the sauce are good as hell read more

Dry Falafel, old gyro meat, average sauces, weird lounge. I don't like it but I'm Arab and take Mediterranean food seriously. It's like the Whattaburger of fast food places, not great. read more

Pros: -Surprisingly spacious inside! -Parking in back! -Staff are nice -Semi "Subway/chipotle style" so you can add/take out things you do/don't want on your pita/saj when you watch them make it through the clear glass. Cons: -Very messy -Portions aren't huge Spicy Chicken Shawarma Garlic sauce, turnips, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, spicy shawarma chicken, and another sauce on top. It's super tasty--salty, garlicky goodness on a pita that was deliciously crispy! It's not very spicy at all though--if you really want a kick add some hot sauce from the tables. I tried to make one roll up into two meals but the second day was too sloppy with all that sauce (but no less delicious!) and the portions aren't that big. Definitely easy to eat in one sitting. Can't wait to come back! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy chicken shawarma on pita! (March 2016) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

Was craving for some quick, cheap and hearty food in Allston when I stumbled upon reviews for Garlic 'n Lemons. Wished I found out about this place sooner! Come on a Sunday afternoon if you want easy seating. I got a mix combo of Spicy Chicken + Original Beef Shawarma platter, which was $12. The combo included a massive heaping of shawarma, a choice of salad (Tabbouleh for me!), Garlic Sauce/Hummus (I went for a mix of both), Rice Pilaf and drizzled with a garlic or spicy sauce finish. I opt to add some of their house turnip, which was an extra 50 cents. The plate also comes with a pita which you can use to fill up with the shawarma/hummus. It was really good - the serving was HUGE, and it was warm, delicious and the creamy sauce on top was addictive. The tabbouleh provided a nice tangy side to the meal and I loved the turnip crunch. Delicious! I would return for a quick meal fix for sure, and can understand why this place is usually packed with students. read more

See all

Wow, just wow. I've heard great things from multiple people about this place and I am in awe of how spectacular the food is here. I came here on a Tuesday night around 7:30 and luckily, it was only a 5 minute wait. The setup reminds me of "chipotle," but for mediterranean food. I got the shawarma platter with half chicken/half beef, rice, tabouleh, and hummus. I also got falafel and their spicy garlic sauce on the side (a slice of pita bread comes with it). First of all, this platter is HUGE. You could definitely share it with two people or eat it over the course of 2-3 meals. So what you pay is definitely what you get. Second of all, the meat is sliced off the spit and is perfectly tender. The combination of meat, rice, hummus, and tabouleh on pita bread makes the perfect bite and even though I got full quickly, I just had to eat until my stomach hurt. The only reason I took away a star is because of the service - the staff seemed a bit disorganized and miscommunicated orders, but they were friendly. I will definitely be back soon! read more

I might have one check in here , but I've been a fan for the last 6 or 7 years when they first opened their doors ... when the owner and her son actually served customers (maybe they still do! But I've moved several times since then so I'm rarely there anymore...or maybe they sold it...i don't even know). There is no place in Boston with better schwarma or falafel wraps. No. Place. Else. Tops. Them. They used have a tiny dining area but they expanded a few years ago. If you taste their heavenly food you will see why. People like coming here and more importantly...coming back. I've come here from work downtown just to get dinner and bring back home ....to Quincy (when I lived out there). Yes. It's that good. Their spicy chicken schwarma is the best thing they sell. It also holds up after being frozen and reheated (as does the rice , potatoes , and hummus). If you find yourself in the food haven that is Allston, check this place out. As a side note I was thrilled to come back and see they sell spices and Ahmad tea. Do yourself another favor and buy a box of this tea. My friend got me hooked on it and I buy a box of 6 boxes on Amazon for just under $20. Please never ever go away. read more

I tried this place for the first today and I have to say that I was very impressed with the food quality overall. It's not a restaurant but rather a quick bite place with the option to sit and enjoy your food. The selections are numerous and the service was great. The only thing I did not like about it was the cluttered menu on the wall when you enter. They should clearly label and show what options you have before ordering. The writing is pretty small which makes it difficult to pick. Overall I like it and will return again. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Regular chicken shawarma plate with side of taboule, spicy potatoes and garlic sauce. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Didn't really expect anything but just went in because I was so hungry but the exploding flavors made my pitas original beef delightfully delicious. read more

My first shewarma plate was very good. The combination of meat, spicy potatoes and garlic sauce was great. I really enjoyed the Greek salad. It was fresh and had a bright flavor. Service was friendly and fast. read more

My favorite Mediterranean restaurant in the world!!! You get tons of food, which leads to lots of leftovers. I get the mixed shawarma plate all the time. Love the spicy sauce!!!! Every time I'm in the area it's a must stop location. read more

Excellent food, served up in substantial portions. This place is popular, it is easy to see why. The hummus is delicious. I went with the chicken and my partner had a felafel plate. Both of us ate every drop of food on our plates. I planned on taking half of mine home, it could have easily been two meals. We went back a day later, it is that good. Very affordable, helpful staff, delicious food and huge portions - this place is a must. read more

See all

Maybe I'm getting older and have forgotten what a single dollar sign buys me but I found the food to be incredibly bland although it was plentiful it just did not warrant a three star rating. Parking was easy to find on street but evenings and weekends it might be more difficult. I came in at off peak hours during the week. I got the chicken shawarma plate. The chicken was sliced thin but very dry and the sauce reminded me more of an aioli dipping sauce. The salad was fresh but dripping with a sauce that had been overly salted. I picked at the salad and french fries. It was borderline ok for lunch. I ate what I could, did not bring any of it home and I was not cheap, over $10.00. The staff were incredibly nice, friendly and attentive but the food was not worth the price. I expected a lot better based on the reviews. Incredibly disappointed with my trip into Garlc and Lemons Live, eat and move on! read more

Ambience: This restaurant was recently extended to accommodate for more customers (probably due to its growing popularity). Service: The staff is wonderful and quick to fulfill your order. I am also impressed to see the owner working the front line ensuring every customer is taken care of, either by offering pita bread or some extra spicy sauce. Food: If you are in search for or interested in trying the best shawarma in Boston then come here! This place has the best shawarma plate I have ever experienced. The meat is always packed with spices and flavor, each piece as tender as the next. The rice, yes the rice, even has delicious flavor enough to add to the meal but not enough to confuse your taste buds. The Greek salad option provides that bit of fresh, acidic kick to supplement from the rich flavor of the meat. And lastly, the sacred garlic sauce, or nectar of the gods as I refer to it. The garlic sauce is absolutely incredible, and adds to the cluster of other flavors seamlessly. AND on top of that, it comes with a side of pita bread and extra spicy (which they always offer with no additional charge). Overall Rating: This restaurant earns 5 out of 5 stars (I would rate it higher if I could). This place is the BEST spot to get a shawarma plate. I always go for the mixed shawarma plate that entitles you to both beef and chicken, rice pilaf, Greek salad, garlic sauce and pita bread. The portions are enormous so come hungry. I HIGHLY recommend this spot for anyone who enjoys delicious food. I promise it will live up to the hype. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Mixed Shawarma plate - Spicy Chicken and Spicy Beef, Greek Salad, Garlic sauce and Rice w/ pita on the side. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts