People are friendly, food is great whether dining in or carry out. Our favorites are Chicken Biryani (love the yogurt sauce that comes with this!), Falafel, Hummus, Baba Ganoush (creamy), Chicken Shawarma, really anything we've tried. read more

Great Greek food! I had the chicken and my husband had the pita with the gyro meat. Both were great. I have to say though I do love the hummus and pita as a appetizer! read more

Great little hole in the wall. Just wish it was open Sundays, that's how much I love it!

Good standard Middle East food. The appetizer sampler is my favorite. The staff is very friendly.

Most delicious food ever. I've tried many different dishes and appetizers and all have been fantastic. Also, the service there is amazing.

Favorite restaurant in greater Kansas City. Moved out of the area and go back every chance we get

We have eaten here several times, and the lentil soup is amazing any time of the year - so creamy and peppery and perfectly consistent. The gyros, hummus, and pita will satisfy any hunger for well-seasoned and fresh Mediterranean food. The grilled veggies could be a meal on their own. I'd eat this for breakfast if I could. And the people are so friendly, even during these trying times. read more

These reviews are misleading. This place was average. Not sure why people are talking it up so much. I can only assume they've not been exposed to better mediterranean food. It'll do in a pinch if this is what you're craving. I'm not saying I wouldn't go back, but I'll definitely try another place before I do. Portion size was adequate. Prices reasonable. read more

Food was solid especially for my first time trying it. What I did like is that I ordered my food and when I arrived 15 minutes later the food was ready. I had the beef shawarma (veeerrryyy well seasoned) and veggies (were loaded with black pepper) with basmati rice (pretty plain and maybe seasoned with turmeric). The portions were plentiful and you definitely get a great bang for your buck. I had the Baklava (walnut) and my oh my ... I'd go back just to get a dozen of those bars. IT WAS THAT GOOD! The cooking staff and servers were all wearing mask so the risk is significantly lower. Overall, I had a very good first experience and look forward to going back and trying something new! read more

Amazing and awesome middle east cuisine. Everything is perfect everytime. Everything is always fast and inexpensive.

This is one of our family favorites for chicken shawarma sandwiches. We have tried several Mediterranean places in our area. I like several of them, but this is my absolute favorite. We all think (my hubby, son AND daughter) no one can beat their chicken shawarma sandwich. Their chicken is flavorful and moist, and oh goes so well with their garlic mayo sauce!! Their hummus and baba ganoush is also probably the best in town. Lentil soup is good- warms the soul! Chicken biryani same. For a non Pakistani biryani, it is certainly not like our authentic one, but is still yummy with a different flavor. Goes well with their yoghurt sauce. Other food is all good too- but I can find similar things elsewhere most likely - the above items I don't think so! I will order take out quite often (when we don't have anything to eat at home and I don't feel like cooking) and pick it on my way back from work- fam at home is always happy with the choice. I have often had food catered from here if I am having friends over. We always bring out of town guests here too. If going with a bigger group their platter is pretty good too. Oh and I think their baklava is pretty good! Is fresh and crispy! Will add pictures later! If you haven't been you definitely have to try. We have been regular customers for years, so we really like the owners and their regular employees there. read more

Holy Land has THE BEST hummus and dolmas in town! And their prices are great. Take home extra as you will crave more before the end of the day! read more

Holy Land Cafe - Middle Eastern Near Me - Lenexa, Kansas

The prices, portions, and quality of food here are top notch. The beef on the Greek salad was ridiculously delicious - so tender on the inside, wonderful crunchy on the outside. All 4 of us who dined together were so impressed and plan to return often. read more

It was a ho hum Thursday and I went to Holy Land as I have many times before. I had the Basil Beef dish and it rocked. This is about the 5th time in the last 2 years and they are always on their game. And for the price it can't be beat. Only drawback is there is no alcoholic drinks, if that is your thing. read more

I love this place. I ate here every day for a while. Can't get enough of it. Number 1 with chicken only. I used to order that so much they just brought it to me when I came in. read more

Order chicken sharwana to go. Fries were cold and soggy, portions were a rip off, the sandwich tasted ok. Theres waaaay better ME resteraunts in town. read more

I've been eating here for years, and really enjoy coming here when I can. I normally get the lunch special with the gyro sandwich, fries, and a drink. Awesome gyro meat, great tzatziki sauce, and very reasonably priced. read more

I would give this place 6 stars if I could! Holy Land Cafe is probably my faaaavorite place to eat! We've been a regular here for a while so I thought we should leave a review! My husband and I are vegetarians and we always the get the appetizer sampler. The service is always awesome and the food is always so refreshing and yummy. read more

I looooove this place! They have a great selection on their menu. My favorite is the spicy chicken plate. It's so good! If you don't like spicy much, I'd be cautious because this is actually pretty spicy. Not terrible but if you're not used to your mouth burning a little, you probably won't like it. The hummus is to die for. I also love their salad. It's small but it's just the perfect amount. It's almost always pretty busy, especially on the weekends. Only once did we have an issue with service but I do have to say, it was pretty packed and being a former server myself, I understand it can get overwhelming when you have a full restaurant. Luckily for them, I understood but others didn't. It was just once. Every other time I've been, the service is great, the guys are super friendly (I always see just male waiters). Their coffee is awesome! Definitely recommend! read more

This place is great. The food and prices are amazing. The staff always friendly. I don't even live close by but when I want a Gyro this is where I go. I really would recommend you try this place if you want great authentic middle eastern cuisine. *I had to edit my review because my girlfriend and I went there the other week and the service was terrible. It seemed like they didn't want our business and there wasn't a cheerful face working the establishment. Hopefully it was an isolated incident. read more

Ate here for the first time yesterday and had a great experience. I had the beef and chicken shawarma lunch and it was flavorful, delicious, and authentic tasting. Baklava had just enough sweetness. I don't like baklava that is overly sweetened with honey. The customer service was superb! And the prices are cheap for what you get. Will definitely be back! read more

Holy Land Cafe - Beef and chicken shawarma (#1). All this for only $7! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Lenexa, Kansas

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Came here during lunchtime once and got the #5 chicken curry. The meat was dry, and the flavors were decent but not outstanding.

About the service. Many of you have made comments about the staff and even withheld stars because of it. It would be easy for me to say pull your head out of you A$$ and learn about other cultures first. Sigh! Let me educate you. I work with/for Israelis today and have many times over the years. What you need to understand is that different cultures have some different characteristics than you are accustomed to. The Israeli people are complicated and hard for a westerner to read. They are guarded and seem cold to the average loud mouthed American that announces to the world every emotion running through them at the moment. They are actually quite friendly and have a strong work ethic. I probably have hundreds of stories about their tenacity and strong work ethic that I will not bore you with here. Let's just say think about their life experience vs your own and maybe you will start to see why they can come off guarded and generally get to the point. What I observed today. I was immediately served and questioned here or to go. As soon as I was ready they were there to take my order. Prompt on refilling my water. Somebody asked the obnoxious women seated if everything was to their liking and went to close the blinds to give them less sun. The food was prompt and appeared as though it was probably a consistent good. I am embarrassed that this location is so close to me and this is the first time I have visited. These guys can hold their own against any other Mediterranean restaurant in the Midwest. Obviously many of you mistake personality for service. Don't make that mistake again. And learn to be more observant of other cultures. From what I can see these guys offer top notch service and rock bottom prices. And the food itself is definitely above average. I wasn't quite ready to issue 5 stars just yet. read more

I work down the street from Holy Land Cafe and make the pilgrimage to their lunch offerings every couple of weeks or so. I've sampled several of their menu items and haven't been disappointed yet. The salad is fresh (though it bears only a marginal resemblance to a traditional Mediterranean salad, the dressing is pure Italian from what I can tell) and the lentil soup, while unappetizing in form is quite decent in flavor. The meats generally have a pleasing amount of char on them and still remain tender. The veggies are fresh. I haven't had the baklava but I have heard good things from the lunch buddies I drag there. All that being said, I do want you to know that the Chicken Schwarma Sandwich Combo is... just... wonderful. You see, it's served with this garlic sauce. (I think it is actually more of an aioli for the foodies out there.) And it's the most garlicky sauce I have ever had. I sweat garlic from my pores whilst eating it and reek when I return from lunch. (My office mates hate me but it's so worth it.) They provide a lot of it - to the point where I always have to spoon a bit off before eating so I can get some of that char-chicken flavor. It's silky, it's smooth and for the love of all that's Holy Land Cafe, is it delicious. Other reviewers have mentioned the service - I've never been for dinner, but from what I can see at lunch, the staff isn't rude, per se. They're just incredibly efficient. I've never had a long wait, though they can get pretty packed during the lunch rush. Someone else mentioned that it's a cultural thing, the non-smiley deal, and I would have to agree. I don't mind, I don't need to see my server's teeth to enjoy my food. They get my order right every time, keep my glass filled and I am out the door in well under my allotted lunch hour even when they are swamped. HLC is a great quick lunch spot. I wouldn't take a swanky client there, as the decor got stuck in some kind of 1980's/Persian vortex but the mauve leatherette booths are only a minor distraction once they get that sandwich in front of my face. Long live garlic! read more

Extremely Rude staff and pathetic customer service. The servers are very unprofessional . Nothing special about this restaurant . Food is typical middle eastern . I would rather spend my money at Basha Cuisine or Rumman where the food tastes great and they value your business . Unlike the stuck up and rude management at this restaurant . read more

I know what it feels like to move to a new neighborhood, so when a friend moved mere blocks from my old house I was happy to give her some good recommendations for places to eat. Her move also gave me the chance to check out restaurants I'd missed. I'd always wondered about Holy Land Café, a modest little Mediterranean restaurant set back along 87th Street, so my friend and I decided to check it out. Much to our disappointment, Holy Land was wholly bland. Nothing tasted especially fresh; I've had better hummus from Costco, and my own tabouli has more taste than the bland, soggy stuff we were served. Overall it was a very ho-hum dinner, so I insisted on picking up the check. After all, friends should never let friends pay premium prices for mediocre food. read more

This place has probably ruined me on all grocery store bought hummus for the rest of my life. Sorry Sabra, I've found another. The food here is very reasonably priced, fresh, relatively healthy and served quickly, making it a pretty decent lunch spot. I had the spicy chicken for lunch, which came with a salad, rice,warm pitas and fresh, homemade hummus. The pitas and hummus were easily the stand out item for me, and I could have easily made a meal of that alone. Everything was tasty and well seasoned though, and after tax, my bill came to less than $10 which is nearly impossible to find for lunch. I will definitely be back to try other dishes in the future! read more

As far as I'm concerned this is the only place you need to ever go for greek/middle eastern food. The hummus is amazing. The gyro meat is awesome. The pita bread is perfect. The spicy chicken, chicken with artichoke sauce and chicken with sundried tomato sauce are all fabulous. The service is stoic to say the best. They aren't terribly friendly but they put out some great food so I tolerate it. They are speedy and they never mess up your order. read more

I have considered trying this place so many times. I regret not coming sooner!!! I wanted hummus and gyro, and craved some good spanikopita. The gyro was amazing: tender but firm, flavorful but suitable for people who can't handle spice, and perfectly portioned for leftovers. The pita is so soft and fluffy, you could probably sleep comfortably on a single layer on the floor... maybe a double. The hummus is everything I adore about hummus: a perfect, creamy blend without anything too overpowering (for me). Keep in mind that I love cumin, garlic, onions., etc.. so all the strong flavors. I just don't want to lead anyone astray here. I ended up getting Black tea to start, and it is so flavorful with spices that I could not stop drinking it. Very caffeinated, so use carefully at bedtime. The three in my party all opted for the salad, so no one can attest to the soup. But the salad is delicious. (OLIVES HAVE A PIT! Fair warning to anyone like my husband who sees an olive and automatically assumes the olives are pitted.) the dressing is pile Ranch, French and Italian has a baby... somehow THAT worked. Hmm... ok... I need to leave SOMETHING for you to find as a wonderful surprise, too! If you like Greek, go. If you like general Mediterranean. GO. Tell them I sent you. They don't know me, but if you tell them I sent you, they will... Maybe they would thank me with free Baklava. Ooooooommmmmmmgoodness. ::melts:: Pretend there's an awesome photo with this. The food was so good, I couldn't even pause to photograph the food before we were done. Then, by that point, I was ashamed of how much we'd eaten and had little left to share. ::cool pic:: read more

We were looking for a Mediterranean stop that was authentic. Wow made a great choice. From the moment we walked in the waiter joked with all of us as if we were family. There are seven of us, and everyone found something they liked. We have two younger boys that shared the schwarma plate with Greek salad. They enjoyed every bite. The rest of us tried everything from curry chicken, garlic beef to the great hummus. I also tried the Turkish coffee with cardamom, it was really good, but beware it comes in a metal pouring container along side a coffee cup. With that said there is more coffee than there is cup. Learned that the embarrassing way. It the waiter laughed and brought out another cup so I could redeem myself. Really great dining experience read more

Food = good. Especially for KC. But for a friendlier place that acts as they appreciate your business, head 15 minutes north to River Market for Habashi House. The food is better there and they don't act like you are a burden to them. Back to Holy Land Cafe. We were seated by a pleasant man; another man came to take our order. We weren't ready, asked for a few more minutes. He returned one minute later, still weren't ready. He rolled his eyes (!!) and walked away. We didn't see him again. He had enough of us taking our time; the pleasant guy returned to take our order (we were ready this time). I ordered the chicken schwarma sandwich. It was pretty good. Definitely beats Jerusalem Cafe. The lunch options were very reasonably priced. My friend and I enjoyed our meal... Then we went to the counter to pay (we took a cue from others). The unfriendly eye-roller was there to ring us up. I paid cash. He seemed to like that. My friend paid with credit card. He snatched her card, ran it through, then literally slammed it to the counter with her copy and then slammed his copy on the counter as well. Clearly not happy about something. We walked out feeling as though we may not return just because of Mr. Grumpy. The food was good, but the atmosphere was uncomfortable. Who wants to be treated like a spit of meat after paying for a meal? read more

Walking into the Holy Land Cafe you may be greeted with a cold stare or a halfhearted hello. Maybe it's just me; I don't know. The guys running it seem as though they'd like to punch you in the face just for showing up. Anyway, the food is generally good, used to be freaking great but now can be hit and miss. The lunch specials are some of the best around when the food is good. I certainly recommend trying Holy Land Cafe as long as you are aware of the service issues. Again though, they may just want to punch me in the face. read more

Sigh. If you need to have your ego stroked in order to enjoy your meal, then go somewhere commercialized or to a swankstaurant. If you want some good Eastern Mediterranean food for a fair price, then go to Holy Land Cafe. My kid and I love this place. We love their silky smooth hummus, their fresh and simple tabouleh, and their tangy house salad dressing. He likes the Beef Shawarmah, Beef w/ Mushroom Cream Sauce, and Lamb Biryani. I rarely stray from my usual Gyro Plate. Their gyro meat is always consistently delicious. Their dolmeh, spanakotia, and cucumber yogurt sauce are pretty average, but the rest of their food makes up for this. Maybe it's the fact that Holy Land is located directly behind a Taco Bell, but I had always avoided trying this place. How I regret the years I hadn't been dining here! Now it's a family favorite. read more

Can't speak to the quality of the food, just the poor service. My fiance and I are big fans of mediterranean and were in the area, so we came here for the first time for lunch on a weekday excited to try it out. Unfortunately, after we were seated, at least 10 minutes went by and no one brought us menus. There were many staff members walking by us repeatedly, don't see how we could have just been overlooked, it felt like we were being purposely ignored. After another customer near us ordered and received his food in the time we sat there and then another came in (who they seemed to to know by name) and was immediately given a menu and had his drink order taken, we ended up just getting up and walking out. Guess maybe you have to be a regular to get decent service here. read more

I ate at Holy Land Cafe once a couple years ago and did not remember what the food was like. There are only a few halal restaurants in KC and I was planning my son's first birthday there at my parent's house. Since I live in Maryland and was flying in a day before the birthday, I didn't get a chance to taste the food. Because I was desperate and the reviews on yelp were pretty good - I placed a catering order for 40. Menu: Chicken Shwarma Lamb Gyro Chicken Curry RIce Pita Hummus Red Sauce White Sauce Bakhlava Everyone LOVED the food! The quantity was more than plenty and tasted excellent. So so so glad I went with them. Highly recommend them especially for catering! read more

We walked in and were immediately asked if we were ordering to go or sitting down to eat. We were eating there, so we were told to pick a table. My little sis (who is staying with us for a month and is constantly surrounded by Middle Eastern-type cuisine where she lives) ordered a plate of stuffed grape leaves, which is listed as an appetizer. Husband ordered lamb curry and I got lamb biryani. Everything was delicious. The biryani had a bit of heat to it. My sister ate those stuffed grape leaves, closed her eyes and said how happy she was. With the Arabic music playing in the background and those stuffed grape leaves, she felt like she was at home. A young woman took our drink orders then came back over for our food order. A few minutes later a gentleman came over to ask what we wanted, because she had forgotten. She seemed really confused, so I wasn't surprised. Maybe she was new. Our meals came with a salad or soup. It was very hot in the place, so soup was not going to happen. The salad was very tasty. I had hoped that since my little sis had ordered ONLY grape leaves, that they would bring it out with the rest of the meal, but they brought it out early when they brought out our salads. She's a slow eater, so it all worked out. Overall, while they were not overly friendly, they were polite. I'm not one of those that NEEDS real friendly. As long as the waters stay full and you provide me with everything I ordered, I'm good. We will probably go back before my sister leaves because of how much she liked it, (this was the first place that she has LOVED that we've taken here besides ice cream places) but we'll definitely be going back after she leaves as well. read more

First time here!! Wish I could give ten stars it was AMAZING, I got the spicy chicken. Delicious!! And who can beat the price!! read more

Holy Land Cafe - Spicy chicken!! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Lenexa, Kansas

We usually go to Mr. Gyro because I love their rice bowl, but it is closed on Sundays. The hubby suggested Holy Land. I got the #11 which comes with rice, greek salad, gyro meat, hummus, and pita. I also got a side of olives and feta. It was A LOT of food! The hummus was wonderful. The rice tastes good as well. The gyro meat was ok. However after mixing.it all together, I poured the tzatziki souce over the top...which pretty much ruined it. The sauce was basically white colored water with a quarter slice of cucumber. Yuck! Maybe i just got a bad portion cup of it. I would be willing to give it another try though. read more

Holy Land Cafe - Middle Eastern Near Me - Lenexa, Kansas

As others have mentioned, this restaurant could improve in the customer service area... it's not bad, but not great either. But don't let that stop you from dropping in and trying the Chicken Shawarma, which I think is THE BEST in town!! They have great lentil soup and gryos as well. The portion sizes are on the small size, which is great for me, so I don't overinduldge, but not great for people like my husband, who need a little more. But overall, I think they serve great food at reasonable prices. read more

Holy cow (no pun intended;) this place is great! Apparently I need to order carryout too because dozens and dozens of orders went out the door as we sat and ate dinner. The hummus is fantastic and I love all the vegetarian options. We ordered some of the different kinds of desserts but enjoyed the regular baklava best. We will definitely return. Loved the food, the atmosphere, the prices, and the people. read more