The chicken and rice are awesome. Chicken was juicy and so flavorful…read more Yogurt and chive appetizer was great. The waitress recommended it and it was way better than I was anticipating. Tachin was something completely different. So many different flavors and textures. Great change up. Wouldn't be my go to. But once in a while I could enjoy it.

We walked in and tried to get a table for 2. And the owner asked us if we had reservations. But…read morethere was plenty of seating inside and outside. Funny part is, no one walked in after us. We were then seated, the first girl asked if we wanted anything to drink which we did but we never got our drinks til another waitress came and asked us 20mins later. We told her we were ready to order and we had to wait another 10mins for another waiter to order. We got the chive/shallot yogurt, lollipop lamb chops, Koobideh and Joojeh Kabob. The kabeb dishes came with grilled tomato, grilled pepper, rice with tadig on top. They also make this pink butter to put on the rice. Food is good and everything was seasoned well and not over cooked. I want to give this place a try again but they need to work on their customer service. They catered more to other tables and we didn't even get offered the dessert menu like the other tables around us. Also, we had to ask for the check and no one even came to check if we were ready to pay we had to go up there.

YUM. Ordered:…read moreShrimp taco, fish taco, chicken quesadilla, chips Highlights: honestly everything. The seasoning on both were great, the tortilla was a bit on the crunchy or thick side but I liked it bc it didn't get soggy while I was eating. Their salsas were all delish (the hot is spicy but also flavorful). Fish was a little crispy and tacos were pretty full. Notes: we came on a Monday at 7 but they ran at of tortas. Will be back to try though. Parking was pretty easy and there are two small tables under their awning. We were able to sit and eat while it was drizzling out.

Maya Halal is located around in the Oakland Downtown/Lake Merritt area. I went on a Sunday so there…read morewas a lot of street parking available which is probably different from any other day of the week. The process is easy, customers order at the window, pay, and wait outside where there are a couple tables to sit at while waiting for their orders. The main problem I found was the time it took to make a couple burritos. There were no customers in front of me and it took nearly thirty minutes to make two burritos. The other thing I noticed is the add ons really raised the price. The guacamole, etc are all extra charges on the the super burrito which in my eye makes no sense. Either it's a super or regular. Not super needing to have a ton of add ons to make it a super. But how was the burrito? Overall I thought the taste was good. Burrito was on the small side. But the ingredients seemed to be solid, and blended together nicely. Decent quality but for the price and wait time, I won't be rushing back.

Decided to come here one day after my dentist appointment. I ordered the chicken shawarma wrap for…read morepick up. It's a good size for the price, the chicken is very tasty and I really liked the garlicky sauce thing that came with it. Would definitely come back here the next time I'm craving another shawarma. Service was friendly too!

UPDATE: I am…read morechanging my rating because what happened after my original review has been even more frustrating than the food issues themselves. After I posted my review, I was publicly invited to contact the restaurant privately so they could "look into this further." I did exactly that. The first email address I was given bounced back as undeliverable. I called the restaurant to get another address and had to explain myself repeatedly just to obtain one. It was like an interrogation. That second address also bounced. I then tried additional email addresses, their website contact form, direct phone calls, voicemail, and DoorDash. Altogether, I made six separate attempts to communicate with this restaurant about the same unresolved issue. DoorDash ultimately told me they could not issue a refund because more than three days had passed. The restaurant then continued directing me back to DoorDash. Meanwhile, the responses I received from Shawarmaji repeatedly focused on whether their ordering system could "verify" the modifications I said I ordered, instead of addressing the larger issue: I had two separate experiences where I did not receive what I expected and paid for, and I then spent an absurd amount of time trying to resolve the problem in good faith. One response actually told me that I paid for something I "believe" I requested. I know what I ordered. At this point, I feel like I have been deliberately talked around, redirected, and worn down rather than helped. I cannot prove anyone's intent, but I know my own experience, and after this many attempts, I no longer believe this restaurant has made a sincere effort to resolve the issue. What began as frustration over missing items, small portions, and feeling unwelcome has turned into a customer-service fiasco. I asked for a reasonable resolution: either reimbursement of approximately $40 or a fully comped meal so I could actually receive the experience I had paid for in the first place. Instead, I have received explanations, deflections, bad contact information, and more runaround. At this point, they will not receive another dime of my money. That is genuinely a shame, because I actually like the food. But good food is not enough when the customer experience leaves you feeling dismissed, shortchanged, and exhausted from simply trying to be heard. I shouldn't have to work this hard, and I shouldn't be receiving condescending and patronizing gaslighting responses that dodge the actual issue. It feels very... patriarchal. I gave this restaurant multiple opportunities to resolve this privately before updating my review. They did not. Not ONE THIN DIME of my hard earned money will be spent at this establishment EVER. I'll spend my money at a local halal place buying ingredients to make this food at home. I'm sure it'll be infinitely more satisfying, after the nasty taste this place left on my palate.

I've been here several times and the food is always delicious, warm, and fresh…read more The Chicken and Lamb Shawerma are my favorites. Sweets are delicious as well. Enjoy!

My husband and I have been to this place more than four or five times now, and we absolutely love…read moreit! The chicken shawarma and beef dishes are always super tasty, and their koobideh kebab is perfectly cooked every time. It's honestly the only restaurant that I'd say is worth visiting at least once a month the prices are fair, the portions are generous, and the food quality is consistently great. Every time we go, everything is just excellent!

I rather enjoyed my meal here! Shared a mixed meat and veggie platter for 4 amongst 5 ladies + a…read morecouple apps and we still had leftovers. For apps we had the beef sambusas, which is nice because they are packed with protein and everybody is obsessed with protein right now (myself included but I just want a fat butt.) the friend cauliflower was crisp and juicy and came with a tangy sauce. The mixed platter had a variety of all the good stuff, but the standouts were the red lentils, lamb cubes and collard greens fa me. The injera was tender and tasty. I think what sets dis place apart is the atmosphere--it's pretty aesthetic and cute inside with those terracotta walls and they have a patio where I guess you can bring your dog. They also have a full bar and a tasty looking cocktail menu. The servers were very nice but this place seems pretty popular during peak hours so just be mindful they be busy.

The #1 best Ethiopian restaurant food in the entire bay area…read more I can't believe I haven't reviewed Enssaro yet, because I've been coming here for years. I used to live literally around the corner from an Ethiopian restaurant, and that left me very underwhelmed. I've also eaten at a few in Berkeley. Enssaro was a bit of a trek from where I lived, but even with only my feet and electric scooter as transport, the food and service has always been worth it. There is a male presenting wait person with dreds who took my order the first time. I'm not a fan of lamb (ok, to be more direct, I dislike the taste) and asked if I could order a combo with a different meat substitute. I was told yes, absolutely. There was a specific way I liked the chicken to be prepared (as in I prefer chicken tibbs to doro wot) and that's what this wait person remembered , every single time I came in , even after only that first time. I felt appreciated and special whenever that person would seat me, and say "combo with chicken tibbs instead of lamb with water" and I'd say something like "yes", with a smile cause I felt appreciated enough that my preference would be remembered. One time, I did order a mixed alcoholic drink. I got a slight buzz (but buzz nonetheless) and the taste was really good. The interior was always super clean, but sound definitely echoes inside. If sound level can get to you, I'd recommend patio seating. The bathroom is on the huge side! The price is fair: not inexpensive, not expensive. Totally worth it for the generous food portions and fresh quality. I would eat nowhere else but Enssaro for Ethiopian food. A good date night spot, if your date loves or is open to really good Ethiopian food! Highly 5 star recommended.

Went to Lazeez kitchen for lunch after reading all the good reviews…read more The restaurant was empty with one family before me ordering. I ordered the lamb and beef platter. It took like 25 mins only to find out they made it for Togo and it's just sitting there, not a problem mistakes happen. The meat was juicy and flavorful, the salad had lettuce , onion and one baby tomatoes but a lot of olives. Maybe they do it this way. The place is clean and tidy. I will try this place again sometime

Catering services has always been a pleasure with online ordering and call ahead for large groups…read more Love the falafels and the sharma chicken and rice. Salads are always a hit with arugula only my favorite or mixed greens. Large party trays with chicken, beef and falafels. Cannot do without the falafels some of the best. Beware for those who are spice sensitive the garlic yogurt is very spicy or just me lol. Definitely give a try and support local businesses!

Xingones is exactly what the neighborhood needed. There's ample seating and good bartenders if you…read morewant to dine in, though I usually end up getting their food to go. My go-tos are the Cali-style burrito with asada and the Xingones nachos (with extra cheese). Good quality ingredients and portions that are generous enough that I almost always have leftovers. Plus, the prices are fair for what you get.

The service is slow and food is just meh.. definitely not the "Best Mexican food in Oakland" like…read moretheir website says lol. The taco truck on 1st Ave will serve you better (Tacos mi Rancho)! Two stars instead of one because their horchata offered some redemption.

They have a great lunch special--$16 base price for two dishes with rice and a bread. Everything…read morewas fragrant, flavorful, and hot! Especially the veggie samosa. Really nice staff. Love that they partner with a program that donates a meal to the local food bank with proof of purchase! I can tell they are very intentional in their practices Also smells amazing inside!! Highly recommend.

I was looking for somewhere to eat with a friend who was visiting out of town and came across this…read moreplace on Yelp. We were in the mood for Indian food. When we arrived, we noticed the sign outside above the door said "Lumpia Factory", but another sign on the ground outside said the actual name of the place, so it was a little hard to find. Unexpectedly, when we walked in, we noticed it was just their kitchen and not actually a restaurant. They have some tables and chairs for you to eat at, but they are not serviced. The food they were making smelled too good, so we decided to just stay and order some food. We got the stuffed onion naan, stuffed cheese naan, samosa chaat potato vindaloo, baingan bharta (eggplant), and bhindi masala (okra). My favorite dish was the potato vindaloo as it had the perfect flavor and the samosa chaat. The stuffed naan isn't really anything by special, but the naan itself was good. Next time, I would just get garlic naan or plain naan. Overall, the food was great and very flavorful and tasty. Would definitely come here again!

Am S..o..o Glad that Canada Dry Ginger Ale Can was a Beverage Option dat " Paired Well " with my…read moreAll Time Favorite " Freshly Crafted Chicken Biryani Entree from here for Late Lunch Yesterday !!! It is Appreciated that they do not close after lunch, but stay open Str8 through into Dinner Shift. I had them via Doordash, but have Dined in their Clean, Family Friendly Dining Room before. Looks like ' It's a Small, Family Friendly Outfit near Downtown Oakland !!!!! ENJOY their Fantastic Menu. The Fone is usually answered for Questions & Special Requests. Homestyle Indo-Pakistani Cuisine !!!!!!

Overall, would not recommend this place. I encountered very racist and bigoted treatment here…read more I placed an online order last night and went by for the pick up. When I approached the front counter, the lady present was very standoffish with me. I informed her of why I was there and she asked my name for the order. Upon giving her my name she then glared at me and literally asked me to recite my entire order lol! I showed her my online receipt in which she then insisted I still tell her my order. She brushed away my receipt and let another customer cut in front of me. Interestingly, the customer told her his name and she retrieved his order with no issue and was very friendly with him. To note, I was the only Black person present at that time. When I inquired as to why that customer wasn't asked to recite his entire order, she grinned and said that he's a "regular" and that I was "new." She went on to let a few other customers cut in front of me. I then asked for my money back in which she refused to return. Even when I asked for the manager, she said he was very busy. I made several requests for this resulting in her saying no and refusing to return my money. I then noted to her I'm calling the authorities in which I did. Furthermore, while servicing some of the other patrons, she would speak in another language with them while they looked at me and start laughing and staring me down. Eventually, the manager came out. He presented himself professionally and upon explaining what occurred he apologized and said it was unacceptable. He even offered me a drink with my meal and asked that I please accept the order instead and wanted to make things right. I took him at face value and said fine. While the situation was remedied, I definitely will not be returning to this restaurant. I researched some of the other reviews and came across several where other Black patrons have had similar racially motivated experiences here. That tells me there's a common practice of racism here. I refuse to support a business where this kind of behavior is tolerated. I have zero tolerance for bigots of any kind. Overall, the experience was a waste of my time and very dehumanizing. To hate someone you don't even know simply because of their skin pigmentation and ethnicity is irrational at best and bad for business especially in a place like Oakland where it's multicultural. My advice would be to not support this establishment. I especially advise any Black patrons not to come here as they clearly have issue with anyone who is simply Black, despite not knowing them as a person. Don't give your money, nor your valuable time, to hateful individuals who dehumanize others. All in all, this place gets a thumbs down.

We had such a fabulous evening at Jaji! We started with the beet hummus and the hummus on pita and…read moreseeded crackers. Devine. We also tried the trout crudo which was delicious. We had also had several of the chicken and lamb kebabs. I had a filet of trout with crispy chili sauce which was amazing! The atmosphere was exciting! They had a belly dancer who did three different performances in 3 different outfits while we were there. There was another lady who did henna designs ( it was free but you needed to tip her) and in the back of the restaurant, they were having a paint and sip ($20.00). The place filled up quickly and everyone was having a blast. Fun night!

My friend and I came here for dinner on a Saturday night. We decided on an early reservation at…read more5:30pm, and when we first arrived, there were only a couple other tables, but the place got packed pretty quickly, and stayed that way (which was lovely to see)! Neither my friend nor I were particularly familiar with all the different flavors or things that were on the menu, so we asked for some suggestions, and ended up trying the following: Bonjon Borani - this was delicious! The giant chunks of eggplant with tomato were delicious and perfectly cooked. Bahar Crudo - I have never seen crude this gorgeous of a red color. More importantly, the flavors were really interesting and delicious. Bolani Triangles - I saw that everyone loved these, and they didn't disappoint! Absolutely delicious, and the chutney was perfection. Mantu - Do not sleep on these, this may have been my favorite thing! The meat was perfectly tender and I could have eaten three plates of this! Lamb Tenderloin - Our server recommended this and honestly, this was the only thing I wouldn't order again. I'm not sure if we just waited too long to eat it and it got a bit cold or if the flavors just weren't my thing? I just don't think it was my cup of tea. Narenj Pallow - Rice with sour orange and pistachio, this was really tasty. Lastly, we finished with the dark chocolate and pistachio cake, which was perfection. I was worried it might be too sweet, but it was perfectly balanced! The atmosphere of the restaurant was lively and fun, while the service was perfect. I also loved that the owners are around and make the rounds checking in on people and their experience, which just made it that much more fun. I would highly recommend and can't wait to go back!