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Lentil soup and beef shawarma in California

The combination of hearty lentil soup and spiced beef shawarma offers a satisfying contrast of textures.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Zitouna image 1
Zitouna image 2
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Mediterranean restaurant

Stylish interior with high ceilings creates an open and airy atmosphere. Warm, welcoming vibe suits both casual lunches and special dinners. Hand-painted wall art and pleasant music add to the cozy, inviting feel.

Lentil soup offers a warm, comforting option that pairs well with grilled meats like lamb and beef shawarma. It suits cooler, misty days and complements dishes such as mixed kebab and kofta.

Beef shawarma comes in wraps and mixed plates alongside lamb shawarma, often paired with sides like baba ghanoush and lentil soup. Dishes include Mixed Shawarma Plate, Lamb and Beef Shawarma Wrap, and Hummus with Lamb.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"The lentil soup was perfect for a misty day."

"I had the beef shawarma wrap and it was the best I’ve ever had."

Good to know

1

Zitouna offers remarkably reasonable pricing for high-quality food and service.

2

The portions at Zitouna are beyond generous.

3

Zitouna is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

02
Al Awael Restaurant مطعم الاوائل image 1

Middle Eastern restaurant offers a spacious, clean dining area with a modern yet cozy design and welcoming family-owned atmosphere. Soft music plays, creating a warm and inviting vibe suitable for casual or special occasions.

Complimentary chilled yellow lentil soup starts the meal, followed by a comforting serving of warm lentil soup alongside bread. Lentil soup appears as a consistent, welcoming starter here.

Beef shawarma features perfect seasoning and great flavors that taste like home. It comes with crispy fries that complement the dish well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, rich, and perfectly seasoned."

"The beef shawarma tasted like home, tender and delicious."

"Their complimentary lentil soup was so refreshing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can accommodate gluten allergies; inform them to avoid gluten-containing ingredients.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

The place is very clean and well organized.

03
Alien Döner Halal Turkish & Mediterranean Grill - Lake Forest image 1

Small space with space-themed decor and alien artwork creates a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Easy self-order kiosks add convenience to the modern, clean environment. Friendly vibe suits quick bites or relaxed meals.

Rich lentil soup comes with a drizzle of oil and pairs well with their fresh bread. The soup stands out as one of the most delicious and well-crafted options in the area.

Beef shawarma here is rich, tender, and flavorful. It melts in your mouth and stays true to authentic Middle Eastern style.

People are saying

"This food tastes like authentic Istanbul döner."

"I tried the lentil soup; it's the best I've had in the US."

"The Beef Shawarma here is rich, tender, and melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is primarily a take-out spot with limited seating available.

3

Parking is ample and free in the surrounding area.

04
Wally's Cafe image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Small hole-in-the-wall with a U-shaped counter and swivel wooden stools creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual with Arab and jazz music blending into a lively yet unassuming vibe. Access through a bar adds a speakeasy charm that sets it apart from typical Lebanese spots.

Complimentary bowls of tasty lentil soup arrive right after sitting down. The soup has a rich flavor that surprises many first-timers.

Beef shawarma features complex marinated beef wrapped perfectly in a wrap. It comes with fries, lentil soup, and homemade baklava for a full meal.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is always fresh and tasty."

"I loved the lentil soup; it was amazing."

"The beef shawarma here is flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens some nights at the bar.

2

Wally's Cafe now accepts electronic payments instead of cash only.

3

Free soup is offered if you eat in.

05
Kan Zaman Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small, cozy space with Moroccan-style lamps and Middle Eastern decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Ambiance feels authentic and transports diners to another country. The restaurant offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a notable selection of Armenian and Lebanese beers.

Generous portions make it easy to share and save room for the lentil soup. The soup is extremely tasty and pairs well with other dishes like babagannush.

Savory, flavorful meat defines the beef shawarma here. It melts in your mouth and delivers a delectable taste.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The lentil soup here is delicious and tasty."

"The Beef Shawarma here is savory and delectable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect longer wait times during weekend dinner hours.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes at reasonable prices.

06
Dvine Mediterranean Experience image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a clean and bright space with a quaint outdoor patio that feels cozy and inviting. The atmosphere stays laid back and lively, supported by a great music selection that encourages dancing. It suits casual lunches or dinner dates with friends and family.

Lentil soup here is less creamy than typical Turkish versions and lacks crunchy onion. It stands out as a greatly underrated dish with a unique texture and flavor.

Beef shawarma comes in a wrap with fries on the side. It offers flavorful and authentic taste, cooked well and very tasty.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the kebabs and hummus, was fantastic."

"I loved the fresh and flavorful Mediterranean salad."

"I thought the lentil soup was the best I'd had in a long time."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, but it gets busy around lunchtime.

2

The best time to visit is before or after the lunch rush.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of grilled meat and side options.

07
Village Kabob Mediterranean Grill image 1

Restaurant offers bright, airy space with cozy, casual dining atmosphere and tasteful decor including a unique patio and window bar seating. The vibe stays peaceful and inviting, suited for relaxed meals on a quiet street. Fresh pita bread and Mediterranean dishes stand out as memorable features.

Homemade red lentil soup comes in a good portion for sharing and pairs with warm, fresh pita. It stands out as a tasty and satisfying option alongside kebob and shawarma plates.

Beef shawarma comes as a delicious entree often preferred over chicken. Plates include rich flavors and pair well with sides like red lentil soup.

People are saying

"The hummus and pita here are the best I've ever had."

"The Beef Shawarma here is seasoned to perfection and super juicy."

"I found the homemade lentil soup to be the tastiest I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals on food and alcohol are available, typically from 4-6pm.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions, so arriving hungry is recommended.

3

They accept the Synergy card for discounts on meals.

08
Yalla Habibi image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Small dining area creates an intimate setting with simple decor focused on food. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Middle Eastern music that adds to a cozy, family-oriented vibe. Noise levels rise during busy times, but the space remains inviting and safe.

Lentil soup comes with freshly made bread and pairs well with vegetarian labneh for a filling meal. Quality matches the kofta kebab, though some find it less impressive.

Beef shawarma stands out with its smoky flavor and a nice contrast from pickled vegetables. Options include combos, bowls, wraps, and sandwiches, all noted for their high quality and satisfying taste.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious, especially the baba ganoush."

"I found the beef shawarma to be the best I've ever had."

"I dream about their Lentil Soup sometimes."

Good to know

1

Yalla Habibi does not have a restroom.

2

The restaurant can get very busy, so I recommend making reservations.

3

There are various vegan options at Yalla Habibi.

09
Mal Al Sham image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers authentic Middle Eastern vibe with cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful outdoor seating featuring water elements and umbrellas. The space feels warm and inviting, blending traditional scents and lively music that evoke a sense of traveling to Syria.

Lentil soup comes with a rich, hearty flavor that pairs well with hummus and falafel. It often appears alongside mixed plates and wraps, making it a solid choice for a filling meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I'll be coming back for more of this amazing Beef Shawarma."

"I thought the lentil soup was the best."

Good to know

1

Special meals are served on weekends, including Mansaf and Ouzi.

2

They serve special dishes during Ramadan.

3

The parking lot is small and often full; street parking is available nearby.

10
Pita House Inc image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Modern Mediterranean restaurant offers a nice and open space with understated, relaxing decor and visible kitchen setup. Atmosphere feels casual and serene with table service and a trendy vibe. Food is authentic and affordable, featuring standout dishes like beef shawarma and fresh hummus.

Lentil soup comes highly recommended with a consistently excellent taste. It pairs well with dishes like the beef kofta plate and reheats nicely for leftovers.

Beef shawarma comes as a wrap or plate with large pieces of meat that can be tough and chewy. Quality varies from S-tier to just decent, with some versions paired well with fattoush salad or hummus.

People are saying

"This Mediterranean food is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"The Beef Shawarma here is peak comfort food, truly delicious."

"I thought the lentil soup was awesome."

Good to know

1

Pita House Inc is halal and kosher, making it suitable for diverse dietary needs.

2

Expect a wait time during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The food is affordable, with prices generally under $20 per meal.

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