They have many food options for many different pallates, but mainly vegetarian. Their falafal wrap is the best in the world. They are normally packed with customers and have plenty of seating for solo eaters and plenty for groups too. The restaraunt may not be the biggest but it is cozy, colorful, and inviting. The people serving are always polite and there is never a complaint. It's my favorite place to eat in the city when I visit every time. read more

Very good service, friendly, knowledgeable. Great good, never disappoints! Can't wait to come back!

Having heard good things about Tarek's, I've had it in my list of places to hit up for a while now, but only recently stopped by for a late lunch. The location is befitting that of a lunch joint, and I like that they're sticking it to the likes of Subway which is next door in this little strip mall on Robie Street. It's a pretty casual spot with the main counter and open kitchen running the length of the back of the restaurant. Mismatched chairs and tables sit somewhere in the 30s, mostly at two-person tables for the lunch crowd. After surveying the menu above the counter, pictures and prices included, I inquired about the "half and half" plate I had read about online and saw above me. It came highly recommended and came with two proteins, beef and their chicken shawarma. It wasn't cheap for lunch at nearly $14, but the one being made in front of me for someone else looked hefty and well worth so I went with it, grabbing an iced tea from the cooler to have while I waited. With there only being a trickle of other customers at this point, my order was soon called out and I went back up to grab it and upon seeing it knew that my first meal of the day would keep me full for a while. It was loaded with strips of shredded beef and onions, the chicken was surprisingly hunks of meat instead of shaved pieces of meat, curry rice, salad, pita,hummus and tzatziki. The shawarma was a different take than I'm used to but it was definitely good, being tender and moist and with a light flavour from the marinade. The beef wasn't quite as good unfortunately, and although it had great browning and a big garlicky hit, some bits were over cooked and a bit chewy. The salad was like a Lebanese version of a garden salad with big pieces of tomato, cucumber, celery, green pepper, onion, pickled beets and lettuce, with a moderate dose of parsley and a light dressing. Everything was fresh and crispy, even the lettuce for being well out of season, and the dressing added a nice bit of zip to it. While it wasn't ground breaking, the curry rice was a vibrant yellow and had a enjoyable curry flavour, minus the spice typically associated with curried dishes. I really enjoyed the tzatziki, which had a noticeable cucumber flavour to it, which is a refreshing contrast to the blander store-bought versions I'm used to. The hummus wasn't as much up my alley as it wasn't as smooth as I like my hummus to be, but it did carry on the garlic-heavy theme of this place, which I didn't mind. Paying (in cash, as you must) on my way out, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and found myself wishing that other places in the city had meals like this one. read more

Tarek's Cafe - Half and half plate - beef and chicken shawarma. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Meet Tarek, the owner. Have the 1/2 and 1/2 plate. Toufik offers a mini bowl of lentil soup WHILE you peruse the menu. Fresh squeezed juice, personally made this morning by Tarek, after we say, "something special." Chicken and beef do tender; salad crunchy fresh. Taboulli is super crunchy parsley. All this, because a terrific aroma was coming out the door in a strip mall we went to just to send stuff with UPS!? read more

Went here with my wife recently. Food was good, but after talking with staff I found out the owner takes the tips for him and his wife. DO NOT SUPPORT RESTAURANTS WHO CANT PROVIDE A LIVING WAGE read more

I must reassert my love for this place. The service is quick and relaxed, and the familiarity of seeing great long time staff is always a bonus. Yes, today I ordered a grape leaf pita. It's my thing. It's just what I do. I remembered to ask for hot sauce today and boy, was I happy. The pita was perfectly wrapped and so saucy it was like a teenage girl getting lippy. My mom didn't love her club pita, but I think more so just because she'd wished she'd ordered a veggie one instead. NOT TO MENTION their Sunday brunch is BOMB. So many dishes, so little stomach space. Every dip I love, every nugget I crave, there for the taking. Tarek's is the epitome of a well run, family oriented, loving, hands on business. The food is consistently amazing, the service is always quick and chill, and the place is perpetually abuzz! TAREK'S, YOU ROCK MY SOCKS FOREVER. read more

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I love the ability to bookmark a place I've been wanting to try so that on the rare occasion I can't figure out where to grab a bite, I can turn to my trusty "to try" list. Tarek on Robie was one such place. So close to home I forget that it's an option when on the hunt for food. The first thing I noticed as we walked up to the door is the incredible smell. The next thing I noticed was the extensive Middle Eastern menu (and by noticed I mean you miss it cause it's right there in front of your face above the grill). My intimidation by all the choices must have been apparent cause the super cool kid behind the counter (and I say kid lightly since he was probably in his mid 20's) starts asking us what we were in the mood for. Plate or wrap? Plate He says they're making fresh falafel at that moment so that might be a good way to go. Agreed. Then he suggests the appetizer combo (10.95) which will come with said falafel. Agreed. We also ordered the mixed kabob (16.95) and sat ourselves down and waited... (with the sample bowl of soup he gave us to try = bonus) Okay so here's the jist of my review: The food is freaking good. However it was the friendliness of Steve (oh Christ I hope that's his name - the manager aka the cool kid behind the counter) that gets the last star in this 4 star review. He pretty much wooed me the second we walked in until the moment we walked out (belly's fully satisfied and happy from all the good food). Who ever owns this place should hold on to this guy for as long as possible. He is good for business! read more

Tarek's Cafe - Appetizer combo plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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First time in, loved the family feel. Workers were great, recommended what my dad and I should get and gave us complimentary soup. Food was delicious and authentic, cash only though. read more

Decided to drop in for a quick bite as I was getting some copies printed next door . Went for the lamb shank on rice dish . Food was ready fast and almost no wait . Lamb shank was wrapped in grape leaves served on basmati rice with some carrots as well . A bowl of salad accompanied the meal . The lamb was soft and tender and was fantastic . After eating my satisfying lunch I had the thirst bout in my throat the after effects of MSG in the food . Absolutely unnecessary when it was cooked so well . I do not understand why eateries use this as it is not healthy and one can still enjoy the flavours without it . All in all reasonable price and fresh food . read more

Tarek's Cafe - Lamb shank on rice with salad - Middle Eastern Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

This place was recommended to me. I went to have the curried rice and chicken. The inside is nicely decorated, tables with bright colors atop them. It is pretty much a self serve place, go up order your food, grab your own drink, and away you go. I was eating in, so they did bring my food to the table, however , I was not offered even a glass of water, and for a meal that cost almost $16.00 , I did expect that at least. I was not wowed by the meal, to me it did not have enough flavour. There was hardly any spice or heat to it. So for me, I would not order this again. I love curry , and this did not hit the mark. Now while I was there, there were lots of people coming in to order take out and sit in. They had a lunch special for around $7.00 (not bad). While you are waiting for your food, they offer you a small bowl or soup, that day it was chili,( pretty bland tasting to me). Overall it seems to have its regulars. The staff were friendly. The menu does have a good variety. read more

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Best service in town great prices and super fresh food. The location is a bit off track. Hasn't been around that long but really great referrals from my friends who have been there read more

Best shawarma In the city. Everything is fresh. The staff are great and friendly. The prices are right. Definitely a cafe style place. Order your food... Wait for it at your table (don't stand around people.. It's rude.. And don't make the staff look like morons when food is ready and you can't remember what you ordered... ) I'd suggest for a wrap the chicken shawarma... Or a full plate... The half and half plate... To die for read more

An interesting story...well, to me, anyway. Seven years ago, while I was still living in Toronto, my daughter got married...thank you and yes, they are still happily married with two little boys. But enough about me, the wedding took place at a camp outside of Halifax where my daughter met her husband, and where she is now Camp Director. Back to the real story, my in-laws catered a vegetarian Middle Eastern lunch and it was awesome, probably the best catered lunch ever. From Tarek's Cafe, no less and since we moved to the North End of Halifax, we can now do our own take out at least within five minutes from home. The portions are huge and it's a great alternative to burger fast food. One thing to remember though...they only take cash - no credit cards, no debit although they do have an ATM read more

Tarek's Cafe - shwarma & falafel pitas - Middle Eastern Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Tried here in the late 90s or early 2000s and liked it a lot, but for no real reason hadn't been back until yesterday for lunch (July 2020). It's bigger and brighter inside than it used to be, with probably a dozen tables (half in use due to covid restrictions at the moment). Seems like there are a lot of regulars who come here, as many lined up while we ate. We arrived about 11:50 at the latest so were lucky to get a table. The place seems very popular for take-out though. When you walk in, the owner always offers a free small soup sample! I grabbed mine without listening too closely what it was (maybe a lentil something), and really enjoyed it, so if I had been in the mood for soup, would've ordered it. I came with a pita in mind so ordered the chicken schwarma (8.95) which is HUGE and very tasty, juicy and not too messy to eat. I didn't realize it was going to be so big, or wouldn't have ordered a side of linguini (an item I remembered loving all those years ago). Next time I must remember to be aware of the quantity. My friend got the 2-skewer chicken plate that comes with pita, two types of rice, a Mediterranean salad and dips. He found it very flavorful as well, decent quality, just overall satisfying. We will be back soon! read more

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Fresh and tasty shawarma, for $10/person. PS: we found out about it from TheCoast.ca, who rate Tarek's as Halifax's best Middle Eastern and silver medal for shawarma: http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/best-middle-eastern-persian/BestOf?oid=4335909 http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/best-shawarma/BestOf?oid=4335926 read more

Tarek's Cafe - Middle Eastern Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

We met Tarek around 1993 on Argyle Street when we started the Trident Booksellers and Cafe. He was making pizza next door. Since then I try to say hello when I'm in the hood, and now we'll be nearby for about six weeks so we ordered some dinner. Attention, it's CASH ONLY, NO PLASTIC, but such great food! This restaurant is first class, as always. The food is healthy, beautifully prepared and carefully seasoned. What should not be salty is not salty; what should be juicy, is juicy. The garlic is balanced. The salads were full of many ingredients, and abundant. The portions Tarek decides to give are generous, as always, so Halifax is lucky to have this wonderful place to patronize. read more

My second home.. Have you ever walked into a place and took a deep breath and said I want one of everything. Well Tarek's is the place to do just that. From the brightly colored walls to the colourful tables to the hello's from Tarek behind the counter as he passes you one of this sample bowls of homemade soup. I can tell you that I have never eaten Pea soup until I tasted his, he makes the BEST shh don't tell mom. Another hot spot of mind for lunch and now I also see that they have Sunday brunch as well which I did not try. Normally when I go I get Steven to make me a chicken cesar pita with hot sauce. As well depending on the soup of the day I would get a side of that OR a side of linguini for $1.50 how can you not. Yummy.. I find it hard to narrow it down to just one thing there because it smells so good with the chicken cooking on the grill or beef. I have tried a number of things at Tarek's but always seem to go back to the half and half which is a meal of rice with grilled chicken I am additcted to the chicken there. No idea what Terek uses to season it but man is it good. What I did find out is that Terek offers cooking classes to a group and shows you some of the special dishes that he can create. In the front of the store there are speciality oils and spices to help make the dish come to life with flavour. Great lunch time treat for those who like to expand their taste buds.. But remember sometimes with this great taste comes line ups ..maybe that is why Tarek gives the soup samples. Tell him I said Hi! read more

Tarek's Cafe - cars parked in front of the restaurant - Middle Eastern Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

This is the best thing to happen to my work place. My entire office is a fan of the $10 buffet. While not technically "all you can eat", it turns out all I can fit on a plate is all I can eat (pro-tip: you can fit more in the take out container). You never know what's going to be on the buffet menu from one day to the other, but I've yet to be disappointed. Didn't love the buffet kibbi, but I can deal - I like their kibbi well enough if I order it on it's own. Like other Tarek's locations, this one is cash only. An ATM is on site, but I prefer to plan ahead and avoid service fees. Staff are great and will answer all your "so, what's that? and that? and how about that?" questions as you pile up your food. read more

Oh Tarek's! I can always tell when the old ball and chain has picked up one of their massive lunch special pita wraps during the day. Mostly because he's noticeably happier with life in general, but also because he smells like garlic for hours and hours. Basically, this is a wee restaurant in a strip mall off Robie Street. Not sold? Well, you will be once you try the food. A huge menu of platters, pitas, wraps, soups, salads, appetizers, and more Mediterranean eats than you can shake a kebab at is displayed with corresponding pictures. It's easy for first-timers to make their pick while enjoying one of the complimentary soup tasters as you wait in the order line. Huge pita wraps, tasty vegetarian platters, salads, skewers...you name it, they've got it. The only mild downsides for me is that it's cash only which I never remember, and the inside is a little dive-y. Not exactly where I'd like to spend my lunch hour but perfectly fine for takeout. read more

I think the biggest appeal to this establishment is that it's a small business privately owned. The food is good however it's very pricey and it's all mediterranean. Atmosphere is small and cramped. Customer service is below average and this is based on my experience. I went in for a lunch and the owner did not greet me nor acknowledge me he simply looked at me (it wasn't too busy). I ordered and I wasn't sure if he understood or what he just walked away. I waited 20 minutes for them to prepare the food in the meantime he served and greeted 2 others behind me whom placed similar orders as I did. Clearly this is a man that runs his business for the people he knows and not the rest of us. I will not go back. read more

This special restaurant is a reason to move to Halifax. As a vegetarian, the falafel pita is an amazing option that always brings me back. The service and smiles are a bonus to the excellent food and great prices! One of my faves, not only in Halifax, but in Canada. Go if you haven't been! read more

Tarek's is by far one of the best small eateries in Halifax. The food is to die for. Everything is very flavourful and will never disappoint. The owner is almost always on site cooking and chatting with customers. Such a great atmosphere! Steak cheese pita is out of this world. You won't be disappointed! read more

This is a fantastic place to go for a delicious inexpensive meal. The Philly Cheese Steak pita will change your life. Cash only and parking is right but this place absolutely rocks, especially if you're a garlic fan read more

This is where my heart-on for Yelp rises high. Tarek's Cafe was but a needle in a hay stack; a grain of sand in the depths of the ocean's floor; a strand of hair in Lindsay Lohan's weave. It wasn't until reading a few scrumptious reviews on Yelp that I was seduced all the way to Robie Street. Quite brilliant, truly-- the power of interconnection is upon us. Grape leaves? I went there. Roasted Pepper Dip? Yea-huh. Eggplant main dish? Swa-eet. Thanks to my fellow Yelpers for the great recommend. Tarek's was super delicious and left me wanting more. Lots of veggie friendly opportunity to make the mouth water. I'd like to try the Roasted Veggies next time. Great staff, cute spot. Delicious eats. A new fave! read more

A Tarek's lunch is always a great lunch!!! Such a wide selection of dishes made with the freshest ingredients!!! But beware, this is a cash only business.... I got caught by surprise a few times in my earlier days of frequenting the place. Now that they have all their menu laid out with pictures of every dish, it makes it that much harder to decide on what to eat. Last time I had the Schwarma combo plate and it was to die for. I always love getting my "taster" bowl of soup while waiting in the cue. Get there before 12 to beat the lunch rush!!! This place is always bustling. read more

A solid head's up before you enter Tarek's Cafe. Have money, they don't accept debit. Usually I hate when this happens, but I can let it slide here because the food is just so good. The food is full of so much taste and flavor, it's going to do incredible damage to your breath (bring a mint or ten!), but it's just so good and hard to resist. Lucky for me I don't have a job that requires a lot of face to face discussion, hence the garlic breath I have after a great meal in this cafe is alright! Tarek's is set up like a cafeteria line. You order, you wait in line, you sample the soups the workers are almost always handing out, you pay and then you find a seat. The meals are usually ready in no more than minutes and as I've already said, they taste delicious. Heed my warning on the garlic breath, it's going to stink, but it's so worth it. read more

Tarek is some sort of food wizard and his customer skills are also among the very best. I've never left this place without being thoroughly satisfied. Everyone I've recommended try Tareks has felt the same. I'd give him six stars if I could. Outstanding!! read more

Tarek's is in my hood and I've heard and read here from my yelp peeps that this place is one not to be missed. Well my friends, Tarek's does not disappoint. Tara and I came in for an early Saturday evening dinner and were rewarded with an extensive Middle Eastern menu. They have juice bar in this place! 5$ and under gets you a glass of any juice on their menu. I went for the mixed kebap plate and Tara went for the combo appetizer plate. We figured this way we could sample some of the best of Tareks. They don't have air conditioning so be warned if you're planning to eat in on a hot day, but they manage the summer heat well opening their big double doors and fans. We were treated to their fresh soup. It was a vegetarian soup and very tasty! Our next plan will be to come back and try a wrap for lunch, I just need to make sure that I don't have a work meeting after because when dining at Tarek's you will leave smelling of the garlic goodness for a least 6 hours after. read more

The Falafel Pita is Epic. I don't know how anyone albeit very few have given this place a negative review. Anything I've gotten from Tarek's has been phenomenal. If you are use to waiters basically babysitting your every move from entry to fork in the mouth and can't adjust to something different than your review is invalid. Free soup as you walk in, pick a spot to sit if available and wait for your delicious fresh food! read more

I recommend their falafel pita sandwich for $7. The large, fresh pita is stuffed full of tasty salad ingredients and falafel. Learn more at http://www.tarekscafe.ca/ read more

I got 4 words for this review Eggplant pita cash only! For lunch it is a good value and oh so good. I go here whenever I am on the road for work and in this area for lunch. read more

Five stars every time. Not only is the food delicious and flavourful but it's also so fresh! I've tried multiple things off the menu and am never disappointed. The split pea soup for when you're waiting is also an amazing touch. read more

Being nestled in beside a chain resto can often be pretty daunting, but this charming little joint has it nailed with a great menu, all tasty and all delicious. Slipped in for dinner recently and picked up a falafel pita. Bit of a wait because it was busy, but priced well for the portion and absolutely delicious. The menu goes far beyond pitas too, with Mediterranean delights for one and all. In a part of town where it's easy to go greasy, definitely a welcome oasis! read more

The only things I'm not a fan of here are that it is cash-only and the parking lot. Otherwise, I love this place. I love that I can go here on my lunch hour, get something fresh and healthy, and still have loads of time to spare. I've tried a good chunk of their menu through my own orders and sampling from fellow lunch-goers and everything has been wonderful. My favorites, by far, are the pitas and the Greek salad with chicken. read more

I learned about Tarek's Café from my former boss. He and his colleague would disappear for lunch, retuning a scant 30 minutes later. One day, I overhead him say he was headed to Tarek's, so I quizzed him when he returned. Come to find out, that was one of the best food decisions I've ever made. Tarek's Café is a nifty inclusion in the shopping plaza that faces the CTV studios on Robie St. Walking in the door, you are greeted with a signboard promising everything from tabouleh to calamari - and sometimes in the same dish! (Try the calamari salad!) Falafel, lamb, hummus - it's all there at Tarek's, in good quantities at excellent prices. Those among us who watch our diet are always interested in finding a new hotspot where we can live a little and not feel like we've completely blown our ideals. Whether you are a carnivore or vegetarian, Tarek's has something to suit your tastebuds. Watching the staff prepare your meal to order is a treat; fresh ingredients line the display cases. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this place for kids - not because of the atmosphere (which is fine) but more because a younger palate might not appreciate the diversity of flavours. Don't forget the juice! Tarek's serves fresh juices too! PS: Tarek's doesn't take Interac, but they do have an ATM onsite. read more

Service was quick and friendly, they had little snacks for you while you waited for your order to be ready. I got the diced chicken pita, they put some cheese on it that I wasn't a fan of and it wasn't heated too much, but it was OK. I might try again if I was in the area but order something different. Always encouraging to see the face/owner of the restaurant there working. read more

Huge fan of Tarek's Cafe! The staff is always really friendly and the food is soooo tasty! It is very relaxed atmosphere and you definitely get your money's worth. The "half and half" plate is a must! A gem for sure! read more

Mezza and all the other places downtown is fine for drunk food, but this is where you come if you want some real authentic and healthy Mediterranean food! They have the best chicken shawarma wrap in Halifax, hands down! I love how they give you a cup of complimentary soup while you wait for your order. The staff are quick and friendly. The atmosphere is relaxed and, as if customary in certain Mediterranean cultures, you don't pay for your meal until after you are finished eating. I love the hot sauce wall and other memorabilia around the restaurant. read more

AMAZING ! 1. Friendly staff 2. Large portions ( If you are not stuffed after you might want to consider seeing a doctor about it,just saying!) 3. Flavourful food ( my taste buds always do somersaults as I eat, its a party in there ) My only issue with Terek's is that he doesn't take debit and sometimes I forget and have to use the ATM there, which is fine except I have to pay stupid ATM fees. Oh 1 more thing he doesn't open Sundays. read more

Great value, great grub!....fast and friendly service, free soup tasting as you decide on your meal, fresh and flavorful food....falafel plate was some of the best I've had....great value too. read more