Southern California is home to a vibrant culinary scene, and shawarma is no exception.
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey, seasoned with spices like cumin, turmeric, paprika, and garlic, and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It is typically served in a wrap or pita bread with vegetables, sauces, and sometimes fries.
These are the most-reviewed and top-rated places to get shawarma in Southern California, according to Yelp.
Fatima’s Grill – Downey
- Rating: 4.5 stars (2.6k reviews)
- Cuisine: Lebanese, Mexican, Halal
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Known for its fusion of Lebanese and Mexican flavors, Fatima’s Grill offers a unique twist on traditional shawarma. Popular items include the shawarma burrito, which combines chicken and beef shawarma with traditional Lebanese ingredients. The restaurant also features outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout options.
Mezzaterranean – Rancho Cucamonga
- Rating: 4.5 stars (1.2k reviews)
- Cuisine: Lebanese, Mediterranean
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Mezzaterranean is celebrated for its authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes. The chicken shawarma is particularly popular, often preferred over the beef shawarma. The restaurant offers outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout services.
Shawarma House – Garden Grove
- Rating: 4.4 stars (1.1k reviews)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Halal, Middle Eastern
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Shawarma House is a favorite among shawarma enthusiasts, including those with a discerning palate for authentic Lebanese flavors. The restaurant provides outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout options, making it a convenient choice for many.
Alina’s Lebanese Cuisine – Ontario
- Rating: 4.0 stars (858 reviews)
- Cuisine: Halal, Lebanese, Falafel
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Alina’s Lebanese Cuisine is known for its juicy and generously portioned shawarma. The restaurant offers a variety of Lebanese dishes, with shawarma being a standout. Outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout are available.
Siraj’s Shawarma – Whittier
- Rating: 4.1 stars (851 reviews)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Halal
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Siraj’s Shawarma is praised for its friendly service and satisfying shawarma offerings. The restaurant provides a great spot to satisfy shawarma cravings with options for outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout.
These top-rated shawarma spots in Southern California offer a variety of flavors and dining experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your shawarma cravings.