My wife and I needed a quick and casual dinner before the hockey game. Yaba's absolutely delivered! We got there before a dinner rush on a Monday. Orders are placed at a kiosk and the bowls are assembled and brought to the table. Staff was efficient and the food was plentiful and delicious! I went with lamb shawarma and my wife had the chicken shawarma. Rice bases for both and we each selected 5 toppings and sauce. Really a healthy and filling meal! read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Bowls were great! - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

MUST STOP! In town for work and came across a hidden gem. Walked up the stairs right into an aroma of Middle Eastern spices. You order at the kiosks. I couldn't wait to eat. I ordered the lamb shawarma bowl and a side of hummus. You know it's going to be delicious when a lady is in the back grilling the meats and making homemade pita. Everything was phenomenal and each bite got better and better. Flavorful rich bites and the lamb was seasoned to perfection. The hummus was unreal. Sumac spice with every bite. Can't wait to come back! read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Hummus - Side - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My friend discovered this second-floor hole-in-the-wall spot right across 5th Street by PPG Paints Arena. We walked right by the door of the narrow building at first. After climbing the stairs, there's a narrow long room with ceiling fans. There was no air conditioning. We ordered at one of two kiosks. We ordered a bunch of sides to share. We picked an open table as may be half the tables were taken. The staff seemed very overwhelmed as they were fulfilling door dash orders also. But eventually they shouted our name on the order. One of the sides we ordered was missing but they brought it to us shortly after informing them it was missing. Make sure to check your order before leaving the counter. I enjoyed all the food. read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Door to the stairs - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

It is worth the climb up a very long flight of stairs to finally emerge at Yaba and be greeted by some delicious Halal food. Other reviewers use the term "hole in the wall" to describe the atmosphere, and I would have to agree with that characterization. Don't let that scare you away though! I went with the mixed meat shawarma wrap (chicken and lamb) and a side of fries. The only thing unpleasant about the meal was the price, over $20 for a wrap and fries. The quality was superb though. Definitely consider stopping by for a meal before your next Pens game, it will still beat stadium food prices. read more

Cannot recommend enough. Friendly staff, quick service and the food was outstanding. I got the chicken shawarma wrap meal and it was so much food read more

I ordered takeout last week I'm still thinking about, a lamb and rice bowl with sumac onions, hummus, pickles and falafel topped with white sauce that will easily be one of my top meals of 2026. Particularly after a meal tonight from another Middle Eastern restaurant I remembered liking but couldn't compare to the delicious food at Yaba's, it would be foolish not to go back. read more

Very glad to have this new Mediterranean place in Pittsburgh! The food feels homemade and it's very delicious. The menu is somewhat limited, and there aren't any dessert options (yet), but still a nice place to visit. I tried out their falafel wrap and lentil soup. The falafel wrap was just okay. The falafel itself was very crunchy, kind of dry, but I still loved it. However, they included way too much lettuce in comparison to the other items, and there wasn't really much sauce on it. The wrapping itself was also not grilled or anything so there wasn't any crunch. However, the lentil soup was amazing! And so cheap too. Definitely had a homemade flavor to it, nice amount of spice, and perfect for a chilly day. I'd buy a tub of this lentil soup. 100% recommend. All in all, a nice addition to the area. Wraps seem to be just ok, but if you come here, you absolutely must get that delicious lentil soup! read more

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Really nicely done Middle Eastern take on fast casual. The interior of the restaurant was a little drab, but the food was extremely well done. Everything was very fresh with bright flavors and contrasting textures. The vegetable toppings available for various bowls were flavorful and thoughtfully selected. The pickled cucumbers and pickled cabbage were particularly nice options. We ended up ordering takeout and sharing a few different bowls, and that worked very well. The salad was flavorful and paired well with crispy pita strips. The hummus bowl was delicious but better suited as a shared side than a meal on its own. The falafel was extremely crunchy while still retaining a soft and flavorful interior, though 4 pieces is a lot of food. This isn't fine dining, but it's a great option for a quick lunch. read more

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I absolutely love Yaba. The food is fantastic! Totally authentic. You order on a computer screen and they let you know when it is ready. We ordered two wraps: a lamb and a chicken swarma. FANTASTIC! The sauces are amazing. The hummus and cucumber salad were also terrific as sides. A lot of food for sure. But so very good. Why 4 and not 5 stars. I can take everyone with me. They have a lot of steps up to their establishment. I have a few friends where that would be a challenge. read more

Cafeteria stile restaurant. You pay when you order. I ordered the rice bowl with chicken shawarma, pickled cucumber, pickled cabbage, and humus. With Yaba's red sauce. This sauce added a little spicy kick. Mmm, delicious!!! Ordered falafels as a side. Unlike any other place I've been to, here they are shaped like a Twinky. Half the size. They were the best falafels I've had. This restaurant is on the second floor of a building. With windows looking at the side of the PPG Arena. There are about 14 tables seating 2 people each. I would recommend this place, and I'll be back here next time I'm in town. read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Falafels - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

SO GOOD!! We ordered takeout and had the new york cheese sandwich (so so flavorful), the hummus side (very authentic and delicious) and the lentil soup, (hearty). The prices are amazing too!! read more

5 Stars - Yaba's is a Middle Eastern Treasure! Yaba's is hands-down the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Pittsburgh! From the first bite, you can taste the authenticity and care in every dish. The hummus was unbelievably smooth and flavorful, the falafel was crispy and light, and the lamb shawarma? Absolute perfection. Their fresh, warm pita is dangerously good--I could eat a whole basket on its own. The vibe at Yaba's is relaxed yet lively, and the staff are genuinely friendly and passionate about the food they serve. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for a feast, Yaba's delivers every time. I'll definitely be coming back--and bringing friends! read more

The best Mediterranean I've ever had. So good. Friendly staff. You have to get the chicken shawarma

I have been driving past this place for a while and was sooo excited for it to open. It did not disappoint!!! I got a double smash burger and my husband got a triple smash burger. They were DELICIOUS! You can really taste how fresh and halal the meat is. The smash burgers come with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and special burger sauce. We also ordered a bowl with a base of fries and chicken shawarma as our protein. For the toppings, we got the chickpea salad, Arabic salad, sumac onions, and turnips topped with the Yaba white sauce & the aioli sauce. This was sooooo good. We devoured it. Not only was the food amazing, but the service was great and the place is so clean. I love the vibes that they went for. I will definitely be back again. Next time I'm gonna try the bowl with rice base, can't wait! read more

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Pittsburgh has its restaurant unlike any other! Starting with the entire atmosphere of the restaurant, I was amazed by the unique wall art that makes you feel like you're being embraced by the rich cultural tapestry of the Middle East. There is a ton of space and seating inside so make sure to bring your family and friends, the entire place was renovated beautifully where you'll catch yourself snapping pics of everything. The customer service was great, you are greeted by everyone in a way that would make you want to return again and again, feeling like a valued guest rather than just another customer. Food: We had the smash burger, chicken shawarma bowl with rice, fries and the lentil soup. All of them shared a common trait: the use of fresh ingredients. Starting with the smash burger, and it exceeded all expectations! The patty was perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor. But what truly set it apart was the incredible sauce--rich, tangy, and absolutely addictive. The shawarma bowl was my favorite, they offer so many toppings that you can customize it to your liking. They offer a variety of sauces that you can choose from which makes it even better. The fries had a one-of-a-kind seasoning you won't find anywhere else and the lentil soup is a special blend of spices and flavors that truly sets it apart, making it a must-try for any soup enthusiast. We are looking forward to our next visit! read more

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If you are looking for authentic middle eastern food this is the place to go. As soon as you enter you are greeted with street graffiti art highlighting the food and culture. The middle eastern booth made me feel like I was back in Kurdistan. Amazing and fast service. The food speaks for itself. We got the triple decker smash burger and loaded fries with shawarma chicken. Can't wait to go back and try another bowl. read more

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The food was amazing!!! The smash burger was the best I've had in Pittsburgh. And the babaganoush was so fresh it was out of this world. Steve, Omer and YABA were so kind and appreciative of us coming in to try the smash burgers! We will be back for sure. read more

Worth the climb!had the chicken e bowl with veggies delicious !steps were intimidating. I'm 71 years old, but I made the climb and it was wonderful. read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Some of the best food I have eaten EVER! I had a falafel bowl over fries, topped with pickled turnips, beets, pickles, hummus, tomato cucumber salad, sumac onions, Yaba's creamy red sauce, aioli, and crispy falafel. It was SO delicious. The portions were generous (especially the sauces), the fries were thin and crispy (just how I like them), everything was fresh, and I think I did a little happy shimmy with every other bite. I wish was local so I could be a regular. My husband has a lamb rice bowl with all the same toppings I had, plus Yaba's white sauce and fries on top. He loved it! I hope to try the chicken someday because that also sounds amazing. Not only was the food incredible, but the service was above and beyond. We met several of the family members and they were so friendly and kind and excited to share the food they love. We got there just before closing and they kindly made all the food we ordered hot and fresh. They even gave us lentil soup to try, on the house. The place was clean, there was lots of comfortable seating, and I loved the beautiful mural on the wall. 5 star food, 5 star service, 5 star ambience. I cannot recommend Yaba's enough! Wish there was a Yaba's in my neck of the woods! read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Fries, falafel, pickled turnips, beets, pickles, cucumber tomato salad, sumac onions, hummus, aioli, Yaba's creamy red sauce. - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We visited some friends in pittsburgh for the weekend and they said that this is one of their favorite restaurants so we went here for dinner. The food was delicious! My husband and I shared a triple smash burger, loaded chicken shawarma fries bowl, and a chicken shawarma wrap. It was very filling and flavorful. The owner was very nice and service was great. He brought us some lentil soup to try as well. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in or visiting Pittsburgh. read more

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The good reviews had me excited to try this place, but I was disappointed. I ordered a falafel rice bowl with various toppings, some of which cost extra, plus fries that were supposed to be on the bowl. When I got home, I saw that some toppings were missing, and the fries weren't there at all. Annoying, but I tried to move on. Then I took a bite--the food was okay, but nothing special. The falafel was dry and lacked much flavor. Additionally, I found a hair in my food which is never a fun experience. Maybe it was just a bad day, but I won't be back. read more

Finally a halal smash burger in Pittsburgh! And a perfect combo with the crispy fries and red sauce. The bowl was also amazing and very fresh with falafel and chicken. Highly recommend! read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Smash Burger- Double, Fries (side) - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Food was delicious, serving was large. The lentil soup was so good I want the recipe.

Phenomenal food and the staff was super welcoming! Beautiful seating too! Definitely will come back!

The food was delicious and the staff was very friendly as well. Recommending to family and friends to come eat here.

Nice little spot for a quick lunch, they had build your own bowls and wraps, I just wanted a snack though, wasn't thoroughly impressed by anything, I would rate it higher if it was slightly cheaper. It was a big space inside, and their service was fast. read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Lentil Soup - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The service, the people, and the atmosphere were great at Yabas. I've been looking for a good middle eastern restaurant in the area and landed here. I'm not disappointed at all, this was the best middle eastern food I've tried in all of PA. read more

Yaba’s Middle Eastern Street Food - Mediterranean Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Shawarma heaven. Was looking for a quick bite and it was a must get place. I got falafel on the side which was fresh and hot.

The food is great, especially for the price. Staff are friendly, and the environment is comfortable.

First time trying this restaurant. Their smash burger is amazing, perfectly cooked, just the right amount of condiments and toppings. We tried the chicken rice bowl as well, and it was good. You can customize the bowls like chipotle, many toppings to choose from, pickles, salad, onions, to name a few. A very good experience. They have plenty of space to dine in. Give it a try if you like smash burgers and Mediterranean meals. read more

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Great to find a new lunch option downtown - Wraps, bowls, salads and burgers. Lamb wrap was great and house made lentil soup very good too as a side. Service was quick and will definitely be back to try other choices. read more

Love the food!! Very clean place, courteous staff. Fresh food! Hummus and burgers are amazing. read more

Fresh food with excellent flavors! I got the rice bowl with chicken shawarma and highly recommend. Quick and friendly service.

Great little spot across from PPG! The falafel are delicious. I got a bowl with chicken shawarma. So much flavor! And if you like garlic, get the garlic paste! All of the sauces are delicious too. Staff were nice too! read more

On a recent visit to Pittsburgh we checked out Yaba's Middle Eastern Street Food (1022 5th Ave). We were extremely glad we did as the food was excellent. They were a week into their soft opening but we didn't experience any issues. Ordered two lamb shawarmas with various toppings and sauces, side of hummus and side of baba ganoush. Loved the fresh pickled turnips on the shawarmas. The baba ganoush had a light smoky flavor. Fantastic. Hummus was topped with parsley, olive oil and sprinkled sumac and had a great fresh taste. Highly recommend. read more

Food is awesome, got a shawarma wrap, smash burger and shawarma fries. Will be back for sure!

Food was very flavorful and great portions. People running the place are nice and inviting and the place is very clean. The cook even brought out free cups of soup for people waiting on takeout orders. read more

Amazing food!!! Worth the visit. Loved the quality meat and has vegetarian options too!

Absolutely amazing food and best food close to Duquesne's campus. Great customer service. Will be eating there again many times in the future! read more

Great food, friendly service and a casual atmosphere. The lentil soup is absolutely fantastic!