Shawarma-less in Seattle

March 23, 2006 9:06 PM

Where can I find awesome shawarma in the Seattle area?

I used to get some awesome shawarma at a Mediterranean place in California, but I haven't had any luck finding a good shawarma place since I moved to Seattle. (I found a place on the internet last year that was supposed to be good, but it was prepackaged and they just microwaved it to lukewarm -- yecch!) I always liked the chicken, but I eat beef and lamb too. Any recommendations, either in Seattle or on the East side?

posted by clarahamster to Food & Drink (13 answers total)

i've never had shawarma so I looked it up and it sounds good! Have you tried Mediterranean Kitchen in Queen Anne? One of the reviewers seems to really love their lamb shawarma.

I might have to go check it out myself.
posted by freudianslipper at 9:28 PM on March 23, 2006

Med Kitchen used to be good, haven't been lately. I've had good lebanese at Ali Baba on broadway, can't remember if that included shwarma though.
posted by Good Brain at 9:31 PM on March 23, 2006

there's "truly mediterranean" on about 12th & 50th in the u-district which has a big neon sign reading 'shwarma' and i'm told it's good; i don't eat animals so i can't comment- i'm only going by the sign.
posted by baklavabaklava at 10:04 PM on March 23, 2006

Turkish Delight, on the northern tip of Pike Place Market off of Virginia. They charge a little more, but their food is the best. Their chicken Shawarma has always been my favorite. Get some of their hummus too. Just don't be surprised at the bill. I go for lunch sometimes and somehow end up spending $15 without a blink of an eye.

You can eat in or take out. It's a buffet-style counter. Family owned and operated.
posted by ValveAnnex at 11:27 PM on March 23, 2006

The best shwarma in Seattle were always at the Cedars, on the Ave, I don't remember the cross street but somewhere around 42nd. There was a Cedars II up at 45th and a few blocks west. I haven't eaten there in about 5 years though, so this may be a lost cause. I sure hope it's still around though...
posted by hugo at 6:14 AM on March 24, 2006

Cedars, on 50th across from the Safeway. Always packed, always delicious, still run by the same slightly grumpy guy and family. Yummmm.
posted by mwhybark at 7:03 AM on March 24, 2006

Cedars' sister restaurant is Taste of India, which I like just a little better than Cedars. Have never had the shawarma, but if it's good at one, it's probably the same at the other. Now their chicken coconut curry, on the other hand, is my favorite dish in all of Seattle. To die for.
posted by GaelFC at 8:00 AM on March 24, 2006

Response by poster: awesome! i'll try a few of these places and report back. :)
posted by clarahamster at 11:20 AM on March 24, 2006

Ah Cedars... I miss the days of working in the U-District and going to the walk-up window at lunch. I believe the owners are Lebanese, I always liked the somewhat abrupt man yelling out, "What can I get for you friend!" He has no patience for undecided people, so know what you want before you step up to order!
(We nicknamed him the Falafel nazi, but he really is a total sweetheart to talk to when he isn't busy)
posted by Jazz Hands at 12:36 PM on March 24, 2006

Man, I've never understood the popularity of Cedars. The food was heavy and greasy, and not well flavored. Maybe it was an off day, but my partner agreed with me and neither of us have been back since. On the other hand, I haven't had their shawarma. I'll have to try some of the other Mediterranean places listed in this thread.
posted by digitalis at 3:27 PM on March 24, 2006

I'd recommend Zaina on 3rd and Pine, they're located underneath the Macy's parking garage. $5 wraps and $10 for large plates w/ hummus, salad, extra pitas, etc. I used to eat there once a week when I lived in Seattle.
posted by beaverd at 10:44 PM on March 24, 2006

I love Mediterranean Kitchen's chicken shawarma, either in Bellevue near Bellevue Square or in Seattle on Roy. They also serve great soup, and their salad dressing is garlic heaven. I always ask them to kick up the spice a bit because I prefer a little heat in my food.
posted by Zair TL at 11:35 AM on March 27, 2006

Response by poster: OK, I tried Cedars. They didn't have shawarma on the menu and directed me to the chicken sandwich. It was OK, but not great. (The stuff I used to get was like heaven, but made of meat!) On the other hand, it was very inexpensive. While I was waiting for my takeout, a woman told me their tandoori chicken is excellent, so I may go back and try that instead.

I'll try to get to the other places and see what they're like.
posted by clarahamster at 4:56 PM on March 31, 2006