We had the buffet for Thursday dinner. So delicious! We loved the variety of succulent meats, the homemade hummus and the fresh bread delivered to our table. In addition the service was wonderful!
(5)
Kashif A.
I am adding my review sitting in the restaurant enjoying my dinner buffet. This place is a gem. Found this place on a business trip to KC. I am here second night in a row. The kabobs are very good. The potato salad with chicken is well, yummmm! The sultani is just simply perfect; the meat just melts in your mouth. The cuisine is a mix of Persian and middle eastern and very nicely done. The decor with all the pictures from around Iran is also unique.
(5)
Dave E.
Excellent Persian food. Tried about everything and nothing disappointed. I'll return for sure.
(4)
Steve W.
Full disclosure: Many years ago I ate real Persian beef kabob handmade by a Persian man and it looked nothing like a skinny McRib as does the kabob at this establishment. With that said, I enjoyed the hearty, earthy flavors and aromas of the food served here. My favorites are the lamb curry over lentil-raisin rice, the highly seasoned steak fries and chopped greens with a few kidney beans & chicken. I'm no fan of eggplant, but the baba ganoush here is a winner.
(3)
Cyrene T.
They were so accommodating! The guy in charge was so sweet! And the food was the best! Specially the gormeh sabzi!
(5)
Carla L.
I'm no expert on Middle Eastern food - I just like food that tastes good. This place is a winner. I figured we had hit the jackpot when we walked through the door for the lunch buffet and smelled the curry - spicy and sweet and warm. I tried both the lamb/potato and chicken curries - both excellent, good flavor without too much heat. Several rices to choose from, including saffron rice and a decent lentil-raisin rice. The chicken tandoori wasn't the tandoori of my dreams, but it was really tasty in its own right (I confess, I had three pieces). Loved the naan bread! Warm and soft and crispy all at the same time ... definitely had not been sitting under a warmer lamp for an hour. Perfect. Will go back and take more newbies. I want this place to be around for a long time!
(4)
Jessica S.
I'm not sure how to say this but if you want the best kabobs in the world well I suggest you come here. I ate here several times and every time I went there I had a great experience. The place is not that big which is not a big deal because you can find a good seat and enjoy your food. The food is amazing. There are so many different selection of food and it's so hard to pick because you just want to try all of them. Out of everything I love the kabobs. They are so soft and freshly made. There is beef and chicken but I love the chicken kabobs. I always take some home with me. The people over there are so nice and friendly. They treat you like you are their family and they give you full attention. You don't have to ask for anything because everything is already at the table when you sit down. We met the owner and he is such s nice person and very friendly. Came and talked to us at our table and also played the flute. The price is around $11 and it's worth it. Everything was just amazing.
(5)
Teague P.
This place is good. And in Lenexa, which is a little bit of a food wasteland. I was here for lunch today, on Sunday at noon. It was inexplicably empty. You should all go, so it doesn't close. It's a persian restaurant, and has a buffet, which is great. I've ordered off the menu before (try the lamb shank with dill) , but the buffet is a good meal. Small amounts out on the buffet, they continually make new (well, on other, busier visits). Their falafel is delicious, full of finely ground parsley and nice and crispy. They usually have a lamb curry, today it was lamb and potato in a lovely mild but very complex-ly spiced curry gravy. The tandoori chicken is also good, and I just adore the soups. They have an amazing eggplant and little-green-lentil soup which is silky and just delicious, and a wonderful soup full of chopped greens with a few kidney beans and chicken. Also, the dill rice is very nice. Good baba ganoush too. They have sumac in a shake jar on the table, it's nice, tangy and a new flavor to me. The owner is always there, and the quality reflects this. He's very nice and the service is charming. The owner seems to put out a lot of coupons, so it's a cheap lunch with one of those, and very reasonable without.
(5)
Jillian C.
Went here for lunch with a friend. They serve an $8.99 lunch buffet with lots of choices. They had something like four kinds of rice (plain, dill, saffron, and my favorite: lentil raisin rice) and all sorts of meats both in sauces and alone. They had grilled veggies and hummus and baba ganoush. Rice pudding and lemon zest potatoes and pita bread. Quite the spread and everything tasted great. My water never ran empty and my plate was full. The service was attentive but not helicopter like. The owner was walking around and saying hello, making sure the food was to everyone's standards. He also seemed to have quite the relationship with people who came into and out of the restaurant. It was nice to see someone so involved. I'd say you really couldn't beat the price and relaxed atmosphere. Also, on a gluten free note: I called the day before to check and make sure I could eat most of what I would be paying for on a buffet. The owner was very knowledgeable and the only things I had to avoid were the falafel and the bread. I could eat everything else. Score.
(4)
Tyga M.
Solid lunch buffet. Not as good as maybe a Persian mom's home cooking, but it satisfies if you need a fix, hah! I don't think dinner prices are worth it, unless you have a coupon.
(4)
Shannon F.
Great lunch buffet. The lentil soup is authentic. Chicken and beef kabob is very tender. Lamb carry and chicken curry is awesome. Worth the price. Great decor, you can tell their soul in their business
(4)
Meghan M.
We stopped in here due to a coupon, convenience, and a raging-desperate hunger. Happy to say, we left pretty damn happy, and we'll be returning soon! We arrived late on a weeknight, and the place was empty. The owner was very nice, and I think he could see our "hanger" (i.e. hungry + angry) as he quickly brought us complimentary baba ghanoush...which was DEE-licious. For the meal, we ordered a gyro and Chelo kebab. Both were very good. I thought the prices were a little marked up, but with the good service and coupons it was fine for us. They have a lunch AND a dinner buffet, so I'm definitely going back soon for that! Oh yes, and how can I forget, the walls of this place are covered in photographs, pictures, and articles. It gives it some down home charm, but also seems to show how much he has put into this place. Happy it's in this 'hood, and I will be back!
(4)
Sarah N.
This place is by far the BEST Persian restaurant in the KC area. My husband and I love coming here and he knows Hamed personally (as do the rest of my husband's family). We never have to wait too long for our food and the buffet is always a great choice as well! The food itself is always a hit and I absolutely love coming here. My favorite is the Koobideh and naan! I could it eat it for days and never get sick of it. We also went to an Afghan wedding that KC grill catered and the food was amazing there as well. We even got to see Hamed break it down on the dance floor! :)
(5)
Thomas A.
This is a really good Persian/Middle Eastern venue. We went for the buffet. It is nestled in a strip mall off 87th Street. We were quickly seated. You know you're in a good place when you see a lot of people who represent the country of the cuisine. In this case, a lot of the clientele were Middle Eastern/Persian/East Indian. So, I figure the food is probably pretty decent and it was. Everything was fresh and flavorful. The hummus was good and the flat bread was GREAT! We ate so much we didn't have room for anything sweet. The owner even came over and spoke pleasantly with us and thanked us for coming in. I'm not real familiar with all the names but everything I had was delicious, flavorful, hot and fresh! I will definitely be back and I have recommended this place to friends who like Middle Eastern.
(4)
Ashery G.
Love this restaurant...even better than Holy Land Cafe down the street. Very authentic Persian food and wonderful flavor. I have never been disappointed and I'm pretty picky. They have either buffet or standard menu ordering. Buffet is about $13 pp for dinner and entrees are about the same price. My favorites are the koobideh and appetizer platter. Friendly staff amd you may be lucky enough to go on a night when the owner is singing.
(5)
Sheheryar J.
I would never go back to this place ever again. My wife and kids went to this place today at buffet time. The owner overcharged them on carry out from buffet bar more than the price advertised. Always check what they charge in this restaurant. My wife asked him couple of times what was the rate being charged and still got swindled by these crooks. The menu is also not the best quality food either. There are better quality Persian food restaurants in town as an alternatives. Different friends in the past have recommended NOT to go here due to the overcharge and bad quality food. Today we learned in bad experience what not to do ever again. Thanks KC Kabab Grill!. I wish there was an option to give ZERO star 'cause that's what you really deserve. P.S. Did this restaurant owner leave anything behind at home?...'cause even the damn shoes are decorated on the wall. Also, highly recommended that the staff learn Courtesy101 at a local Community college if it's offered as a course.
(1)
Allison L.
We've been to a few Mediterranean/Persian restaurants in the area, and this is our new favorite. The hummus is exactly like I like it...lots of garlic!! Everything was very tasty! We were a little confused when we walked in, because no one was there to greet us. We decided to just seat ourselves and wait. After a few minutes a server came to our table. They were pretty full, so I'm just assuming they were understaffed and a little overwhelmed...possibly? The owner was very friendly and came to our table to chat. He noticed my husbands English accent and started a conversation with him about English football. He even brought over a cilantro sauce for him to try with his beef...and he LOVED it. So glad we found a great Persian place so close to our house. We'll definitely be trying the buffet next visit.
(4)
Sudhir M.
Not worth the time and money. No labels on what type of food it is during the buffet.
(1)
Zach G.
We had the dinner buffet here and it was...okay. It wasn't huge, but it had some solid choices - chicken, beef, lamb, hummus, veggies, rice. They didn't seem to be turning the food over that quickly, though, so don't expect the freshest of buffets. I imagine the lunch buffet is probably a better choice. My favorite things were the dill rice (seriously...all rice should be dill rice, it's awesome), chicken kabob (I forget the actual name, but you'll know what I mean) and hummus. However, with that being said, nothing jumped out as being overwhelmingly memorable, aside from the dill rice. On the other hand, nothing was bad. Service was neither friendly nor rude. It was minimal - got the job done, albeit without a smile. I'll probably return for a real menu, but won't rush back, and won't do the dinner buffet again.
(3)
Dawn C.
Table of 4, lunchtime on a Tuesday. What a great escape from the workday! The owner himself walked us through the little buffet area and gave us hints as to which things we might like best, he checked in on us a few times and really was eager to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and felt welcome. He personally brought us fresh bread and a little platter of the beef kabobs as that dish had been nearly empty when we did our first go through. Though not a huge selection, everything was tasty and fresh. I usually lean more towards hummus than baba ghanouj, but this time the eggplant delicacy really trumped the humble chickpea. Delicious! For dessert we tried the rose, saffron and pistachio ice cream, it was a rare experience. Homemade! We'll be back!
(4)
Jeremy C.
Went on a Sunday at 11:30 for lunch buffet. Not busy. About 10 entrees on the buffet. Staff was friendly, but not overbearing. Food was very good and a nice change from local fare. Price for two buffets came to about $30 - reasonable given the quality and quantity of food. Would recommend for Mideast cuisine.
(4)
Amirhossein N.
Great persian food I love it so much specialy the barg kabob is awsome and reminds me the homeland of mine :)) The buffet is also great I liked it...........
(5)
Carson B.
Ate here once for lunch and I liked it. I did the buffet, which allowed me to sample a range of different things. The variety was decent, though it could've been a little bigger. Everything was pretty damn good! The Persian ice cream is... Interesting? An acquired taste, I suppose, but pretty cool. Full disclosure: I liked it a lot. My not-very-picky wife didn't love it. My not-very-picky daughter didn't love it. My pickier little daughter was a pain in the butt, but did find buffet items she liked.
(5)
Azile Y.
DELICIOUS- meat is so tender, be sure to try the Persian ice cream (made in house with rose water, cardamom, pistachio and saffron). Service is attentive and friendly. Decor kicks ASS! Love this place, can't wait to come back to try the buffet!
(5)
Alex T.
Maybe I was disappointed because of my expectations. I had several Persian friends recommend the food here, and the only thing that kept me away for so long was the driving distance. While the food was good, I wasn't overly impressed. It was interesting to me to have this type of food in a buffet, and I made sure I tried just about everything. First, the positives. I really liked the saffron rice and the condiments. Their tzatziki was just awesome, and that green mush stuff that everyone is raving about in these reviews was definitely worthy of the buzz. The hummus was excellent, and the baba ghanouj hit the spot, too. I also thought the falafel was top-notch. Most of everything else I liked but didn't love, for one reason or another. The lentil soup was pretty good, but the lentils were a bit tough. The roasted chicken legs were tasty, but it seemed like a good amount of the flavor was washed out of them by the buffet steam and the resulting puddle of brownish-red water they were sitting in. The disturbingly McRib-like meat offerings whose names I can't recall tasted really good but were kind of lukewarm and rubbery, like they'd been languishing in their buffet tray for quite awhile. The pita bread was average. I'd certainly come back to KC Grill and Kabob...if it wasn't 25 minutes away from me. As it is, I'll probably be back at some point, but my meal here wasn't the belly-dancing, awe-inspiring, Nirvana achieving, foodgasmic experience I was hoping for/expecting. Two things occur to me: 1) I didn't try the kabobs, dammit and 2) most of the problems I had with my meal were buffet-related. Consequently, I figure I owe them a repeat visit. 3.5 stars for now.
(3)
Ann W.
This place has one of the best lunch deals in Kansas City for a weekday lunch. At 7.99 for a buffet that is a bounty of Persian flavors, it cannot be beat. Walking into KC Grill and Kabab always puts a smile on my face....ahhh, the smells! There are always 3 different unique and tasty varieties of rice on their buffet as well as hummus and baba ghanoush. They have this cilantro jalapeno sauce that is absolutely out of this world and should not be missed if you like spicy food. They always have a good variety of curries and "kabobs." They also have some soups off to the side of the buffet and generally a nice rice pudding flavored with a bit of rosewater that is delish. The interior jumps out at you. While the tables and booths are fairly typical restaurant fare, pretty much every square inch of the walls is covered with vibrant depictions of life in Iran and there are some pretty baubles on display as well at the buffet line. The owner is usually there and he does a great job of making people feel welcome. I think he truly cares if people are relishing their experience at his restaurant.
(5)
JB Z.
Very good example of Persian food, specifically kabob or kobideh. The lunch buffet also included chicken curry, lamb curry, tandoori chicken and three kinds of rice. Tried the ice cream (homemade) and it is definitely unusual with a lingering taste of something floral, perhaps roses? We liked the meal, but will pass on the ice cream next time.
(4)
Arayna K.
Lunch buffet is a great option - good price and variety, so you can try whatever you like. The owner was there and very friendly.
(4)
C D.
Best hummus and pita bread ever!!!!
(4)
Karen P.
The food is 5 stars. The service is 5 stars. The place just needs a really good scrub down though, which is why my review is 4 stars. My table was sticky, part of the booth seating was cracked, & the buffet had some spills on it. But let's get back to the food. It was, in a word, WOW. I went to the lunch buffet and stuffed myself silly. Everything was a absolutely delicious. The Baba Ghanouj was the best I've ever had. The hummus had a delightfully lemon kick to it, the chicken and beef kabob meat were perfectly spiced and super tender. The not-too-spicy curry was amazing- I definitely tasted some cinnamon in there. The falafel balls were a bit over cooked but still packed with flavor. All 3 (Yes- 3! This buffet doesn't skimp on food) of the different rices were amazing, and the lentil soup (more like a thick stew) was divine. Make sure you try the Iranian ice cream too- a unique treat. The only weak link as far as the food was concerned was the bread they brought to the table. It was hard and only lukewarm, but the flavor was still good. The owner greeted us warmly and explained all the dishes to us. He's proud of his restaurant, as he should be. I will definitely return.
(4)
Josh E.
The food on the buffet is absolutely delicious. The environment is friendly and well lit (I went during the day).
(5)
Kris T.
We ate here for lunch on Saturday and we'll be coming back. First, the owner agreed to honor an expired coupon--very nice of him and he didn't have to do that. As you walk in, you'll notice pictures featuring beautiful places in Iran and other Persian artwork. Nothing really fancy here, but you won't come here for the ambiance. I can only speak for the lunch buffet, but it was fantastic. Everything was clearly labeled, fresh and most importantly delicious! Highlights include the chicken and beef kibidehs, falafel and there OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD chutney. We asked the owner about the ingredients and he mentioned jalapeno, cilantro and then kind of trailed off after that. Why reveal all of his secrets, right? They have a kids menu and even charged us a kid's amount for the buffet which was helpful and appreciated. So come here--you'll find something you like. I promise! You'll be treated kindly by the staff and owner.
(4)
Shawn B.
It was pretty good. The staff was very friendly and appreciative. The kabobs left a little to be desired. There were 2 on the buffet, chicken and lamb, at least I think it was lamb. They really could mark the items better. There were things labeled one thing that they clearly were not. It felt like everything, including the bread, needed something. I was glad to have the dealsaver coupon. If I have it again I may give them another shot.
(3)
Susan C.
Pretty delish! I don't like to step out of my comfort zone and I've always had terrible experiences with buffets; however, the owner of this place made his rounds to each table asking how things were and made the experience that much more personal. He even got on the mic and said a thank you to everyone. How sweet is that?! The prices are extremely fair for a buffet. ($8.99 for lunch...until 2:30pm, I believe)? My colleagues and I will be back!
(4)
Jessica A.
This is turning into one of my regular lunch locations. I like the location - it's tucked away, not a huge restaurant and it's never loud, a great start for me to enjoy some good food. I love bread and the house made pita bread is served warm with a light crisp outside, yum!! It goes great with the hummus and baba ganoosh - the baba ganoosh is the best I've tried anywhere. I normally don't eat it. I'm not a huge meat eater so I like that they have 3 different rice options - dill, plain and saffron and also grilled onions and tomatoes. The owner always comes by to say hello, he is a sweetheart. I never leave hungry and all of the different flavors in the food are wonderful. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. It's a nice buffet - moderate sized with quality, homemade food. I will keep coming back here. 5 stars.
(5)
Melissa B.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in KC. It might not look like a strip mall restaurant on the outside but when you walk in it is filled with pictures, and you are immediately greeted, it is a nice friendly place. The food is beyond good, the baba ganouj is the best I've ever had, the buffet has this green hot sauce that I want to put on everything, the falafel is crispy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside, and the beef and chicken kabobs are great! The owner is very nice and the many times I've been there the service has been great.
(5)
Sarah Y.
Really wonderful baba ghanoush and homemade bread! The service was great as well. Will definately be back.
(4)
Paul N.
It is really hard to find good ethnic food in the KC area, particularly Persian food. The buffet is very good with a selection of soups, stews, and curry that I really like. Chick peas, hummus, baba ganoush, and lentils abound. I can make a meal of the sauces and flat bread alone. The best is the green sauce. I am not sure, but I think it is a cilantro-green chile sauce that has good heat to it and is perfect. We went there on a Saturday night and the service wasn't the best, but the food more than made up for it. The owner is really good at working the house and checking in with almost every table to make sure the customers are happy. The first time we were there he opened the ice cream freezer and gave out popsicles to all of the kids in the restaurant. I love this place!
(4)
Tammi C.
Food was great!! The chicken kabob was spot on! Service impeccable. Never once had to ask for a refill on drinks. Homemade pita and hummus was out of this world. Cannot believe this gem is in Lenexa and I was ever skeptical to go in due to the outside look. We will be back!!!
(5)
Kim Y.
I have been here many times and it is excellent every time. The owner is so nice and welcoming and the food is fabulous!
(5)
Eric A.
For Persians.... I am from LA. I am Persian. We have the best Persian food in the United States arguably in LA. I mean they do call it Tehrangeles. So possibly my review is a bit off because I am biased. But then again, everyone's mom's cooking is really good - so that should be the standard right? There is no way someone's mom was in charge of these recipes. I was hoping I would find an awesome Persian restaurant hidden in KC among the 2 that are here - but it was DEFINITELY not KC Grill & Kabob. Nothing tasted authentic. Any yelpers - message me if you go to LA - actually, you don't need to - ANY persian restaurant is better in terms of authentic flavor than KC Grill. Looking at the reviews, they all seem to be from non-Persians who don't know any better - so I guess if you fit that category, you may like it. But the staff was SUPER nice. I feel bad giving 1 star, but the phrase "Eek! Methinks not," is much closer to how I feel than "Meh, I've experienced better." Staff and service, 5 stars, but food 1 star. And I won't go back to a restaurant just for the staff. What am I doing eating Persian food in KC anyway? BBQ here I come. Oh, and I will also be trying out Caspian just to compare.
(1)
Shethewriter A.
Food is delicious and affordable. Ambiance has a cultured flavor to rival those in downtown Chicago or Westport. The buffet isn't huge, but the quality of the food is so incredible that you won't suffer for lack of options. It's buffet food at made-to-order taste, if not better. The bread and ice cream are also made in-house, and the ice cream is unique and very tasty. They also have a healthy selection of sodas in vintage glass bottles, which made me happy. Amazing food at a low price. This place is a local gem.
(5)
Marie F.
Went for the lunch buffet and brought a coupon from the website. They gladly accepted the coupon and explained the items on the buffet for us. The owner was there and his was very personable. He came over and chatted for a moment and gave us some food pairing suggestions. It's a small buffet, but don't let that discourage you. Some items were: falafel, chicken and beef kabob, four different kinds of rice, greens (my favorite, eat it with the crunchy rice), baba ganoush, hummus, eggplant soup, lentil soup (delicious), grilled tomatoes/onions, cucumber tomato salad, house made pita bread, rice pudding. They are even offering ice cream now. It's rose water, pistachio and cream. It's not part of the buffet, but add 99cents to give it a try.
(4)
Chad H.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! The owner is very engaged in his business and greets guests and the food is stellar! I travel the country to a different city every week for business so I get to explore different foods all over and this place has some of the best Persian food I have encountered. A definite must have! Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this great dining experience next time you are in the Lenexa, Mission, Merriam, Overland Park, or Greater Kansas City area in general!
(5)
Rob M.
We don't have a lot of options for Persian cuisine in Kansas City. This small and friendly restaurant in Lenexa is one. I had dinner there tonight and enjoyed everything I ate. I tried the buffet, since I had never been here before, and it had a pretty good variety of Persian foods. The trays on the buffet were small and refilled regularly, so the food was fresh. I had a very tasty lamb and potato stew that was slightly tart, with the lamb just falling apart (as it should have been after long cooking). There were several kinds of rice and pilaf to choose from. I also had the ground lamb and chicken kabobs and a different whole chicken kabob that was a bit like tandoori chicken, with the pieces of chicken colored an appealing red. To accompany the food I had some refreshing cucumber/yogurt salad, similar to Indian raita. For dessert there was some Persian rice pudding. The food must be reasonably authentic. There were several happy tables of Iranian students and families having dinner while I was there. In addition to the buffet, which is $11.99, there is an a-la-carte menu which I'd like to try next time. The prices are all moderate, with the most expensive item being $17.99. The Google map showing the location is inaccurate. KC Grill & Kabob is located at 8611 Hauser St., just north of 87th St. and a block or two east of Pflumm. The restaurant is located right next door to the Eddoko restaurant (another place I plan to try).
(4)
Mandi F.
This is the place for amazing Persian food! Just moved to KC and lucky for us this fantastic place is across the street! We grabbed takeout on a Friday night. The chicken and beef kabobs were moist, flavorful and grilled to perfection! They were served with delicious basmati rice, grilled tomato, and a side of raita (yogurt) and naan. The owner Hamir was gracious and kind and it's clear he takes a lot of pride in his restaurant and his food and that he loves what he does. We're so glad that they're in our new neighborhood! We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Matt S.
Definitely a family owned place and you could tell right when you walk in. Everything I tried looked good and I went back for seconds of course. I'm already thinking about going back again after my lunch yesterday. Great service and great homemade Mid-East food. Solid!
(4)
Jo W.
I'm a foodie and was so excited to try this restaurant as I obviously love kabobs, gyros, etc. who doesn't? I took my pregnant sister and her friend after we had pedicures nearby at a Salon. I had an a Groupon to use and thought it would be a great time to try the food since we were literally a few businesses away. We walked over and my sister's friend was holding her shoes but had on sandals so her nails could finish drying. As soon as we walked in during the lunch buffet a man approached and begin questioning us about how we heard about the place. he saw the shoes in my sister's friend's hand and said, "what's wrong couldn't figure out your shoes" -we told him we had just finished pedicures at the salon next door to which he humphed and walked away. Needless to say we began to feel uncomfortable. We inquired about the buffet and my little sister because she's pregnant decided not to order as her stomach was up set but the rest of us ordered the buffet. I think the man we encountered early was upset by this because they sat us parallel to the door, then he opened the door so the cold air from outside would blow directly on my pregnant sister. She says she heard him say under his breathe, "I better not hear a complaint". Other patrons including another pregnant woman seemed to be surprised the door would be opened when it was windy, cold, and raining (lightly) outside. The same man we encountered earlier who I by now assumed was the owner walked around and was polite to other customers but not to us which i didn't understand as we were first timers and very polite. The food was okay but the buffet was messy and not labeled well. Do not waste your money here go where they respect and value customers. Other local businesses will appreciate your money and willingness to give their business a chance. I'm sad that I convinced others to try this business and they were so rude. I won't ever go again.
(1)
Katie G.
I love this restaurant. The owner always makes a point to stop and chat, and he's extremely friendly. The green cilantro sauce is like crack. I put it on everything. They're always friendly to my kids, when I bring them, and the service is quick. The decor is charming, packed with Persian photos. The Falafel is so good, Tandoori Chicken is delicious, and the bread is fantastic. Love this place!
(5)
Julie A.
This is one of our favorite restaurants around Kansas City. Everything on the buffet is always wonderful. Only wish it was closer to where we lived!
(5)
Bill C.
I have been there at lunch and the owner has come up to me with fresh Naan (that's bread for you Americans). I normally try to avoid the buffets (Especially Chinese that's not even Chinese to begin with, that's another story though.) Vegetarians need not apply. (Yeah, I try to eat less meat these days too, but hey I was made an omnivore) The Chicken actually falls off the bone here and I swear the bone is darn near edible. I have not really eaten enough Persian food to be an expert. But I do know that this place beats out another highly revered Middle Eastern Restaurant in a couple of respects. Maybe not a diamond in the rough. But I think a gem no less.
(4)
Danielle W.
My family and I have a love for Middle Eastern food and growing up in Michigan (where they have the 2nd biggest population of Arabic people outside of the Middle East) we ate at many Arabic owned establishments on a regular basis. My son and I went last night to check out a Persian owned restaurant, when I asked if they took credit cards as a payment, the owner shouted out throughout the entire restaurant: "We do not take American Express because they are run by Jews in NYC and I don't like Jews." Of course I let him know that I am Jewish...He apologized to me but the damage is done and I will never return to that restaurant. I was disappointed that my son had to be subjected to such stupidity The food wasn't good either. The baba ganoush was GRAY and the chicken was tasteless. I would have rather eaten at IHOP for the same money and not had to be ridiculed by such an anti semitic JERK! He complained to me that Jewish people don't come to eat at his restaurant, well I can definitely see why! If he doesn't like Jewish people the chances are that list is much longer and spans further than just Jews! I was so offended by this experience that I mentioned on Facebook. This was my next door neighbors response: "My wife and I walked in, were offended by pushiness of owner and walked right back out. Never have eaten there and never will. That's probably why he coupons so much...its only way he can get people in. Have u tried Caspian bistro at 90th and Metcalf? Its good." Looks like there is a reason why at 6PM we were the only ones in the restaurant!
(1)
Ian Y.
No, it's not the American kabobs you make at home nor those sold at grocery stores.This is an Iranian restaurant. You can't tell from the name, so it could be a surprise as soon as you open the door. To be honest, it doesn't impress you at all when you walk in. You immediately notice the decor is extremely dated, from the tables, chairs, a wood-buffet station with wooden panel from decades ago, and carpet that yells "change me! I'm filthy!". On the other hand, there're tons of pictures on the wall, but somehow I actually feel they bring some characteristics to the restaurant. During my visit, there're only two gentlemen (owners, I assume) that run the whole operation. There may be someone else in the kitchen, but the place is awfully quiet. There was a moment that I heard a "ding" sound from the kitchen, a tone that reminds me microwave oven... The attractions come from the dinner entrees, which are grilled meat and vegetable. I wouldn't be surprised that the items were actually re-heated because of the "ding" sound I mentioned above. However I was pleasantly surprised by the beef and chicken kabob. The chicken breasts pieces are very juicy, most, tender and flavorful. The same attributes apply to the (ground) beef patty as well. There's not much presentation to the dish, with rice, "house salad" and grilled tomato filling up the rest of the plate. I really wanted to try the fillet mignon or the hen, but the're not available (or not offered anymore). If I were to visit again, I would definitely give the lamb dishes a try. To sum it up, chicken and beef kabob is a safe choice and the meat seems to be marinated cooked very well, but the decor deserves some update and please bring back the missing menu items! I can't rate its authenticity but somehow I feel there's something much better out there.
(2)
david n.
very good food. warm bread brought to your table. some of the best flat bread i ever had. just a nice little place to enjoy something different.
(5)
Jo B.
I have been visiting this place since 2009, and every single time I come in the food tastes exactly as how I remember the last time. Which is a good thing! The owner is honestly one of the kindest persons I have ever met, truly a sincere person. My sister has been ill for the past two years and I mentioned this one time to him and he insisted that I take her a to-go box for her, on the house . I insisted on paying and he would not take my money. Upon coming back a few months later he inquired about my sister (I never even thought he would have remembered), again just above and beyond kind. The food is outstanding, always fresh and always full. I happened to bring my girlfriend in on an occasion and she's more of a "chicken fingers and french fries" type of girl so this food seemed a little strange to her. The owner realized this and hand selected a plate from the buffet and brought it to her, selecting what he believed she would like the most. She ended up loving the place, and of course the friendly atmosphere. The chicken and beef kabobs are hands down the best in KC, and the flat bread is amazing (be careful, sometimes it's TOO good and you end up stuffing yourself on just that!). In this day in age where customer service and and a friendly atmosphere comes few and far between, this is a refreshing take on what a small business and food establishment should be run like! I cannot speak for the dessert as I've never tried it, but if you're looking for a place that will hit the spot every single time you visit, this is it!
(5)
Curt H.
The restaurant is small and very middle eastern feeling from the decorations on the walls. The staff was friendly. The owner was also there and walked around to talk to every table a few times during our meal. The presence and hands on owner was very comforting in this world we live in today. The food is a mixture of Persian and middle eastern. The Cilantro/Pepper sauce/dip was very very good...don't shy away from the green stuff, pile it on your plate and use it with the meat and rice. I am sorry but I am not a big buffet fan...and the waiter and owner really pushed us to have it, we all enjoyed it...and it did have a very good variety.
(3)
Alexandria M.
KC Grill and Kabob is a hidden gem. The little restaurant is filled with homemade delicious Persian specialities. The owner is more than accommodating, enthusiastic, and gives you the full experience of having a taste of Persia. They have a rose water, pistachio, cardamom ice cream that was so unique and tasty. We walked away full, happy, and with a new cultural experience. We will be back soon!
(5)
Melisa V.
great friendly, family atmosphere, though the food left little to be desired. we came in on a Friday night and it was pretty busy. so busy that they didn't have any highchairs. thankfully a family who were already finished with their meal kindly brought their highchair to our booth. they had the buffet set up so we decided that would be our best option to try everything. grabbed a few of the chicken and steak kebabs for my son and he was not a fan. he did really like the banana pudding and pita bread. like most buffets, everything was a bit hit or miss. the falafel was pretty good and so was the vegetable curry. the pita, hummus and jalapeno dip were also good. my son was really entertained by everything going on, especially the keyboard player. the staff was also very friendly and accommodating. I just wish the food was better.
(3)
Darcey R.
I really didn't know what to expect before eating here. I had read the reviews on Yelp and seemed pretty confident that I would enjoy the food. I must say that, while I enjoyed the food, I was expecting a bit more. I found the buffet to be rather small; I would have thought there would be more options since the buffet is basically all they do. I should have read the reviews more closely to see that they will explain what is what on the buffet if you have never been there before. Because I had no idea really what I was supposed to be eating together. Overall though, I thought that the food was pretty good. I haven't eaten a lot of middle eastern cuisine so I can't really judge how authentic it is (but considering 90% of the clientele in there was of Middle Eastern descent I'd guess it is). All the staff was very friendly and the owner came by to make sure we were enjoying our meal a few different times. I do think that this place is a nice addition to the typical suburban food options. I think I was just expecting more. I think I will have to eat there again to make my final determination on whether I liked the place or not.
(3)
Angelo Joan B.
Excellent food and value...love their all you can eat buffet
(5)
C L.
Tonight was my third time dining here. I'd gone once with co-workers, once with friends, and this time, I went with my son. He was craving hummus and tabouleh, so he suggested Holy Land Cafe, but I asked if he wanted to try someplace new. That piqued his interest and he was down. Success! Their buffet is small, but it satisfies. My son was impressed by the four different kinds of rice - saffron, basmati, dill (I think), and one with raisins. He tried the first three and liked them all. He's also partial to lamb, so he really enjoyed the lamb and chickpea stew. Neither of us like ground/formed meat kabobs, so he tried and finished them, but didn't get seconds. His hummus and tabouleh cravings were quenched. They didn't have tabouleh, but they had a cucumber/tomato salad (Shirazi) that is very similar in flavor. It took 3 trips to the buffet to get his fill. My ignorance with Persian cuisine annoys me. I find it frustrating that I have no idea what I'm eating because not everything on their buffet is labeled or they're mislabeled. The owner and servers are really friendly, but I wasn't in the mood to chat it up tonight. Instead, I went with my usual rule of thumb at ethnic buffets - "anything green is good." I'm just guessing on some of what I ate, so don't judge me for not knowing WTH I'm talking about. Mint chutney? Spicy goodness. I don't know what you're SUPPOSED to eat it with, but I eat it with naan or rice. Two different kinds of greens braised in yummy flavors. Also ate those with rice. See? Ignorance. Anyway, I'm not an expert in this area, so I'm not gonna pretend to know what I'm talking about. But the owner is very friendly and the atmosphere is great. The walls are covered in photos, pictures, and art. Gives you a real look into Middle Eastern culture. Oh, but if you plan to go anywhere after a visit here, you may want to be mindful of others. We reeked up the car with the smells embedded in our clothes. Also, I don't think a prison inmate of 20 years would want to kiss me with the taste left in my mouth. It smells like a rotting garlic factory. Happy eating!
(4)
Melodie H.
Excellent food. Reasonable prices. Must try the Persian Ice Cream.
(4)
Kev L.
Best Persian kabobs in the KC area (well, it ain't like there's much competition?!?!?!?!?! Caspian Who??) But when you compare them to kabobs you could have in SoCal and in the northeast, these really put up a formidable comparison. Saffron usage is absolutely perfect. Not so much the saffron overpowers everything else and not so little you can't notice it. I had the lamb & chicken kabobs while my partner in crime had the chicken & beef kabobs. All three were excellent. The lamb was not the best I have had but really close. The chicken though was top notch. Also had the Iranian ice which also included saffron (no surprise) cardamom and a few other spices. It really has a unique and pleasant flavor. Probably one of the more off the wall ice creams I have had (still waiting for that avocado ice cream though!) Hamid (the owner) came by and had a nice chat with us. It's pretty rare nowadays to have the owner of a business talk to you, much less really show concern for your opinion of the food. I will for sure be a new regular at this place. Let me also advise that your first experience should be the non-buffet dinner menu as the dinner menu gives you a chance to try lamb and whole chucks of chicken.
(5)
Chris W.
Lucky me, I live about a mile away so I eat at KC G&K several times a month. I was in again today and as always had a great experience. I can't say enough about Hamid, the owner. He knew my name by my second visit and comes to the door and greets me when I come in. From reading the reviews, it's obvious that ALL of his guests feel that he is genuinely glad to have us. The food is made in house with fresh ingredients. I love the flavor of the chicken and beef kabobs but I always go back for seconds for the greens seasoned with turmeric, lentil soup and the best baba ganoush I have ever had. I get every bit with freshly baked (never microwaved) pita. The cucumber tomato salad and egg plant soup are both delicious, too. The rice pudding has the perfect amount of rose water every time. I didn't know that the ice cream came in such interesting flavors; I plan to try it next time. There is usually a coupon to be found either in a mailer or online and be sure to ask for a buffet punch card. Food this good will definitely bring you back.
(5)
Lisa B.
This place is a hidden gem. They have a buffet so you can sample a little bit of everything. I have only been at lunch time so I am not sure how crowded it gets at night, but every time I have been here I can get in and out in less than 30 mins. The food is Iranian/Persian and super tasty. Lots of curry based dishes. The felafel, hummus, and babganoush are awesome. Their tandoori chicken is great! If they have the "hot wings" on the buffet, grab some! They are delicious but not always on there.The owner is very friendly and always makes sure to walk around greeting and mingling with people. He is very helpful if it is your first time visiting. He has no problem explaining each dish and how it is made. I love this place and go here often for my lunch breaks. Fast, delicious food with amazing service!
(4)
Tresha G.
I visited this place after seeing it on Check Please KC. I opted for the buffet as I didn't know if I would like any of this Persian foods. I was in the mood for something different. We walked in at 11am with coupon in hand from website, and there was only a couple other tables. We were told to seat ourselves. We were quickly sought out and given a tour of the buffet, being our first time. Nice touch. We both found a few likings and were full after a samplings. We were then offered a ending tea. Roomie declined but I am all for tea to help the food go down. This tea was so good to me. A wonderful end to any meal. I think, if I return I would go back to buffet again. And definitely early, as by the time we were leaving, it was getting packed.
(3)
Stephanie P.
I live in Johnson County, yes I do. I can't help it. So when I crave food from the east, it's difficult to find anywhere acceptable around. I was driving along 87th with my phone in hand (I was the passenger) and Yelping a good place to eat. This is one of the first restaurants that popped up. My boyfriend and I decided, what the hay, let's give it a whirl. I am sooooo excited still that this exists in Johnson county. When we walked in, the atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. Families were dining in big groups and Persian music was playing and everyone was having a lovely time. We were promptly sat at our table and our server was super nice. She even brought us out complimentary hummus, baba ganoosh, and freshly warmed pita bread. This is the best baba ganoosh I have had. She said she noticed that we had never been there before and she wanted to let us try some of their specialties. Needless to say after she walked away for five minutes and came back to take our order, the plate was licked clean. She was impressed. We both ordered gyros, but the buffet looked wonderful. I think the dinner buffet was around $13 if I remember correctly. Anyway, back to my gyro. They rivaled Jerusalem Cafe. They were better! The best. Amazing. The tzatizki sauce had dill in it, which I have never experienced in this type of sauce. The meat was crispy and dripping with love. I will be back to try the buffet. Please stop by here if you can. The owner will come by and shake your hand and be your best friend. You don't get that enough, especially around Johnson County.
(5)
Steve L.
I love this place. The owner and employees are very nice, the food is amazing, the portions are quite large and the restaurant itself is small, quiet and peaceful. I have not tried the buffet yet although every time I go in there that seems to be what most people are eating. I stick with the Cornished Hen Kabob and the Lamb and Chicken Kabob, both of which are amazing. I tend to support small, locally owned businesses that don't seem to advertise. If you are in the mood for something different, great food and a great atmosphere, I would highly recommend KC Grill & Kabob.
(5)
Jennifer W.
horrible service. Not so great food/buffet. Tiny restaurant. Grumpy waitresses. After we were sat at our table we didn't ever see our waitress again until our check came. Don't waste your time going to this restaurant!
(1)
caitlin j.
When you want ghormeh sabzi in KC, what can you do besides stand over a stove for a few hours? Drive yourself along OP asphalt and get yourself to one of those Persian restaurants--- that's what! I don't remember how I stumbled on this place--- it's pretty hidden and out of the way--- but when I did find it, I ate here for about a month straight. I prefer it over other nearby Persian restaurants I've tried due to price, service. It's a fairly small space but the guys who run it tend to be very talkative and accommodate you while you're there.... Oh--! for those who dig the doogh, check the cooler near the front. I normally try to avoid the buffet (buffets in general are fine for a bit of variety-- but stuff gets so.... stale and sad-- "You should've eaten me an hour ago!"). Sadly, this buffet is where the ghormeh sabzi can usually be found. But if you want some koobideh, fillet mignon kabob, tadeeg, kabob joojeh, dill rice (yes, please) the menu works just fine. They have sandwiches, too. Like the stuff your friend's Persian grandmother makes for you, this is bad for vegetarians. ("Yes, it's no-meat. But there's a little bit of lamb.") If this place added a section on their menu for stews, and variations on rice dishes like loobia polo, albaloo polo, (or really--- any polo!) I'd bump them up a star. But for a nice kabob (there's even a kid-friendly size)... I do enjoy them.
(3)
Connie Mistler D.
Based on other reviews, I wanted this restaurant to have incredible food. Maybe it was the expectation, but the actual delivery was good, but not stellar. Dishes were tasty, but not incredible. We went on a Saturday, and we were the first customers. Dishes were varied. My favorites were the rice dishes and the hummus. The service was good and friendly. Bread was sort of cracker-like. It wasn't soft with a fresh taste. The meats were tender, and I thought they were overdone. My husband thought that they were fine. The desserts were banana pudding out of a can and rice pudding. Usually, I have to hold myself back when eating rice pudding. Until now, I had never met a rice pudding that I didn't love. I tried to improve the rice pudding by stirring a bit of the canned banana pudding into it, but I still left half of the small portion of rice pudding. The Saturday buffet is $11.99 per person. It does not include a drink. We had a $10 coupon, if we bought 2 large drinks for $1.99 each. With tax, our bill came to $30.55. After the coupon and tip we paid $24 for a meal that was good, but nothing to write home about. If you like ethnic food, you would be better served to go to Flavor of India, which has an exquisite buffet, or Holyland Cafe. Both are just a few blocks away.
(3)
Joe H.
Returned for lunch after a long delay between visits...still awesome! I will say, the lunch buffet price is high, maybe outrageous. The dine in buffet was $12+ after taxes. I highly recommend KC Grill & Kabob because they serve food unlike any I am aware of in the metro, but be aware of the price.
(4)
Chick-n T.
What a waste! I really like a place called Caspian Bistro, a friend recommended this as a similar style of food. After reading over the website and deciding on the buffet to try a better variety of stuff, a friend and I decided to go over on Saturday 10/06/12. Before moving on, I should mention this direct quote from the website, "We offer All You Can Eat Buffet everyday for lunch and all day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays." We arrived at about 11:45, open time was 11, and were seated. After being seated, we told the waitress we would both be having the buffet. She walked away saying nothing and we were left there wondering about whether we were just supposed to just start at the buffet or wait on something. The reason we didn't just get in without asking was because there were metal lids on all of the hot dishes. After standing there awkwardly for a few moments, we were approached by a man who told us that we would not be able to get the buffet, and that we were welcome to order off of the menu instead. When asked why, the man proceeded to tell us that there was a party of 60 coming in at 12, and that the buffet was all ready for them and it was private, pretty crappy news after making the 40 min drive over there! I tried to talk to the man and was curious as to why regular customers weren't going to be allowed, but he just made excuses as to the buffet not being ready as they were prepping for the party set to arrive at 12. Again, opening time is 11, and as noted on the site, "We offer All You Can Eat Buffet everyday for lunch and all day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays." Basically we were blown off, but decided to check the menu anyway since we had already made the drive over. The food looked decent, but the prices were $2-$3 higher on average than the website menu, noted with small white stickers with handwritten new pricing stuck over the old price. Wish I could give a review of the actual food, but the experience in general was enough to make me stay away, FAR away! Wouldn't recommend to anyone, next time I'll just stick to Caspian Bistro, a much closer place to home with service and food that always meets expectations, and then some.
(1)
Dan P.
Flavor! Small but delicious lunch buffet. Spicier than most Middle eastern cafes. Beautiful photos of Iran on the walls.
(4)
Susan B.
I really enjoyed KC Grill & Kabob. I normally don't eat much ethnic food, but the spices are very mild and easy to like. I went there at lunch time and tried their buffet. At first, I tried some the items I was most familiar with. Then, with the encouragement of the owner (who is one of the friendliest people I've ever met!), I tried some additional selections on the buffet table. He explained what everything was and how to eat it. Without a doubt, I would eat there again! I just bought a deal certificate on Lucky Monkey this weekend. I would encourage others to buy one also and give it a try before it's gone. I can't wait to try the gyros... Other reviews I've seen just RAVED about them!!! By the way, when you go there..if you don't see the owner, Hamid...ask for him. He's passionate about making his customers happy and helping them understand more about food choices available.
(5)
Lia B.
I usually love this kind of food but this food was bland to the extreme. Like stuck on a desert island with no supplies bland. Where's the fragrant saffron rice and beautifully grilled meat? Not here.
(1)
Jamie S.
I really enjoy this cozy little restaurant that's tucked away off 87th St. Not only is the food made with love and skill... its a different kind of buffet. People don't rush when eating this food, it has to be enjoyed...I really believe the owner is very passionate about his food and his restaurant...please don't waste or get more than you need, this isn't the Chinese buffet, to fill you up w/ just oil, sugar, and fat...This is real Persian food from the heart and they make you feel very welcomed. Grateful to have a place like this in KC.
(5)
Shana S.
We went here last week and had the dinner buffet on Friday night. It was $12 for each of us, not including drinks, for all the delicious food we could eat. Our waitress asked us if we had been in before, and when we told her "no," she took us on a tour of the buffet so that we could be sure we knew what everything was. Some of the labels were wrong because they were incorporating some new items as well as the regular things (kudos to them) and had not yet changed the labels. I tried a little bit of most everything. The smell on the chicken and ground beef kabob meat reminded me of my mom and grandparents, and since they cook some of these foods authentically, that's a compliment. The falafels were amazing and the hummus and babaganoush (sp?) were also delicious. They were trying out samosas, but they ran out and did not replace them while we were there (perhaps for the test run of new items). I had some lamb curry and they had many types of basmati rice to eat with the meal. It was REALLY good, and I would highly recommend this place, especially to those looking to patronize a non-chain local kind of place.
(5)
Sarah H.
i have been coming here for years, and still do when i visit KC, after i discovered how delicious their hummus is. it's a great little place for a light but filling dinner buffet/lunch. their selection is phenomenal and pretty authentic. it also tastes something like a middle eastern mother makes for their family, since everything is so fresh! their beef kabobs and chicken kabobs are fantastic. the owner is super nice and went through what dishes go well with each other, and also did so with other customers. service was fine for a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and our total ended up being a little over $55 (including tip) for 4 people. definitely suggest this place if you aren't wanting to go to other chain restaurants around the lenexa area!
(4)
Dan L.
Nice lunch buffet. Owner was there and very gracious host.
(4)
Timothy H.
A buddy and I ate lunch there last week. The service was good and we had no wait. We used a coupon and both had the buffet. The food was fresh. What was particularly nice was the spices that were used. The grilled veggies and meats were packed with flavor. I will definitely be back!.
(5)
Kat N.
We visited KC G&K on a whim since we had an Entertainment coupon--what a stroke of luck! Persian restaurants are few and far between in Kansas City. And while I and my children have been spoiled for many years by my Iranian husband's cooking, this place did not disappoint in any way. Staff was minimal but extremely welcoming, as would be expected in a family-run eatery. Our server made welcome suggestions for my boys' beverages and offered me Persian Tea as an alternative to the coffee I requested. The buffet was a nice mix of Persian "home cooking" (Gormeh Sabzi, Gai Meh) and "restaurant" (kabob items) and a variety of rices to go with. Everything was delicious. And while the actual buffet was not huge, really, how much can one eat at one sitting, especially when all you can think about is going back to get more of the last thing you tasted? Just before we left the owner stopped by to chat and make sure we had a satisfactory experience. It was obvious he took pride in his establishment and cared that we had enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely make the trek out to Lenexa again to dine at KC Grill & Kabob. At some point, culture is irrelevant; good food is good food.
(4)
E F.
The meat kabobs were absolutely delicious. Couldn't get enough. Great deal for the buffet at $7.99 / person. Owner is very friendly.
(4)
priya k.
Its cute small buffet, also very good price. The chicken melted in your mouth it was soo good, I would defitnely go back
(4)
Jessica D.
Great food and very friendly service. I had their buffet late on a Sunday night for dinner. It was tasty, although a few of the dishes looked a little dried from sitting out. I didn't try those, as I stuck to the nonmeats.
(4)
Sir Jason B.
I have had lunch here twice. Great Persian food, nice lunch buffet and the prices are great. The Owner and servers are very pleasant and helpful if you ask any questions they enjoy talking. Interesting/Fun place to eat. The food is good. I have eaten at many Persian restaurants this one is authentic.
(4)
Larry S.
did the buffet at this strip center middle eastern joint. this place is ok lots of authentic dishes felafel, hummus, curry's, chicken & beef kabob also lots of well prepared interesting vegetarian dishes. the buffet was kept hot and full. well run, attention to doing a good job and yes lots of middle eastern customers to share lunch with...always a good sign in ethnic places. fair price. i will return
(3)
Dave L.
Good but small buffet at lunch hour. Their kabobs are excellent, and the atmosphere is nice for a strip mall joint. The owner is a real character. He will make sure you enjoyed your meal.
(3)
Victoria F.
The staff and owner are great! The food is amazing! The hummus and baba ganoush are to die for, as are the kabobs!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Elizabeth D.
We had the buffet for Thursday dinner. So delicious! We loved the variety of succulent meats, the homemade hummus and the fresh bread delivered to our table. In addition the service was wonderful!
(5)Kashif A.
I am adding my review sitting in the restaurant enjoying my dinner buffet. This place is a gem. Found this place on a business trip to KC. I am here second night in a row. The kabobs are very good. The potato salad with chicken is well, yummmm! The sultani is just simply perfect; the meat just melts in your mouth. The cuisine is a mix of Persian and middle eastern and very nicely done. The decor with all the pictures from around Iran is also unique.
(5)Dave E.
Excellent Persian food. Tried about everything and nothing disappointed. I'll return for sure.
(4)Steve W.
Full disclosure: Many years ago I ate real Persian beef kabob handmade by a Persian man and it looked nothing like a skinny McRib as does the kabob at this establishment. With that said, I enjoyed the hearty, earthy flavors and aromas of the food served here. My favorites are the lamb curry over lentil-raisin rice, the highly seasoned steak fries and chopped greens with a few kidney beans & chicken. I'm no fan of eggplant, but the baba ganoush here is a winner.
(3)Cyrene T.
They were so accommodating! The guy in charge was so sweet! And the food was the best! Specially the gormeh sabzi!
(5)Carla L.
I'm no expert on Middle Eastern food - I just like food that tastes good. This place is a winner. I figured we had hit the jackpot when we walked through the door for the lunch buffet and smelled the curry - spicy and sweet and warm. I tried both the lamb/potato and chicken curries - both excellent, good flavor without too much heat. Several rices to choose from, including saffron rice and a decent lentil-raisin rice. The chicken tandoori wasn't the tandoori of my dreams, but it was really tasty in its own right (I confess, I had three pieces). Loved the naan bread! Warm and soft and crispy all at the same time ... definitely had not been sitting under a warmer lamp for an hour. Perfect. Will go back and take more newbies. I want this place to be around for a long time!
(4)Jessica S.
I'm not sure how to say this but if you want the best kabobs in the world well I suggest you come here. I ate here several times and every time I went there I had a great experience. The place is not that big which is not a big deal because you can find a good seat and enjoy your food. The food is amazing. There are so many different selection of food and it's so hard to pick because you just want to try all of them. Out of everything I love the kabobs. They are so soft and freshly made. There is beef and chicken but I love the chicken kabobs. I always take some home with me. The people over there are so nice and friendly. They treat you like you are their family and they give you full attention. You don't have to ask for anything because everything is already at the table when you sit down. We met the owner and he is such s nice person and very friendly. Came and talked to us at our table and also played the flute. The price is around $11 and it's worth it. Everything was just amazing.
(5)Teague P.
This place is good. And in Lenexa, which is a little bit of a food wasteland. I was here for lunch today, on Sunday at noon. It was inexplicably empty. You should all go, so it doesn't close. It's a persian restaurant, and has a buffet, which is great. I've ordered off the menu before (try the lamb shank with dill) , but the buffet is a good meal. Small amounts out on the buffet, they continually make new (well, on other, busier visits). Their falafel is delicious, full of finely ground parsley and nice and crispy. They usually have a lamb curry, today it was lamb and potato in a lovely mild but very complex-ly spiced curry gravy. The tandoori chicken is also good, and I just adore the soups. They have an amazing eggplant and little-green-lentil soup which is silky and just delicious, and a wonderful soup full of chopped greens with a few kidney beans and chicken. Also, the dill rice is very nice. Good baba ganoush too. They have sumac in a shake jar on the table, it's nice, tangy and a new flavor to me. The owner is always there, and the quality reflects this. He's very nice and the service is charming. The owner seems to put out a lot of coupons, so it's a cheap lunch with one of those, and very reasonable without.
(5)Jillian C.
Went here for lunch with a friend. They serve an $8.99 lunch buffet with lots of choices. They had something like four kinds of rice (plain, dill, saffron, and my favorite: lentil raisin rice) and all sorts of meats both in sauces and alone. They had grilled veggies and hummus and baba ganoush. Rice pudding and lemon zest potatoes and pita bread. Quite the spread and everything tasted great. My water never ran empty and my plate was full. The service was attentive but not helicopter like. The owner was walking around and saying hello, making sure the food was to everyone's standards. He also seemed to have quite the relationship with people who came into and out of the restaurant. It was nice to see someone so involved. I'd say you really couldn't beat the price and relaxed atmosphere. Also, on a gluten free note: I called the day before to check and make sure I could eat most of what I would be paying for on a buffet. The owner was very knowledgeable and the only things I had to avoid were the falafel and the bread. I could eat everything else. Score.
(4)Tyga M.
Solid lunch buffet. Not as good as maybe a Persian mom's home cooking, but it satisfies if you need a fix, hah! I don't think dinner prices are worth it, unless you have a coupon.
(4)Shannon F.
Great lunch buffet. The lentil soup is authentic. Chicken and beef kabob is very tender. Lamb carry and chicken curry is awesome. Worth the price. Great decor, you can tell their soul in their business
(4)Meghan M.
We stopped in here due to a coupon, convenience, and a raging-desperate hunger. Happy to say, we left pretty damn happy, and we'll be returning soon! We arrived late on a weeknight, and the place was empty. The owner was very nice, and I think he could see our "hanger" (i.e. hungry + angry) as he quickly brought us complimentary baba ghanoush...which was DEE-licious. For the meal, we ordered a gyro and Chelo kebab. Both were very good. I thought the prices were a little marked up, but with the good service and coupons it was fine for us. They have a lunch AND a dinner buffet, so I'm definitely going back soon for that! Oh yes, and how can I forget, the walls of this place are covered in photographs, pictures, and articles. It gives it some down home charm, but also seems to show how much he has put into this place. Happy it's in this 'hood, and I will be back!
(4)Sarah N.
This place is by far the BEST Persian restaurant in the KC area. My husband and I love coming here and he knows Hamed personally (as do the rest of my husband's family). We never have to wait too long for our food and the buffet is always a great choice as well! The food itself is always a hit and I absolutely love coming here. My favorite is the Koobideh and naan! I could it eat it for days and never get sick of it. We also went to an Afghan wedding that KC grill catered and the food was amazing there as well. We even got to see Hamed break it down on the dance floor! :)
(5)Thomas A.
This is a really good Persian/Middle Eastern venue. We went for the buffet. It is nestled in a strip mall off 87th Street. We were quickly seated. You know you're in a good place when you see a lot of people who represent the country of the cuisine. In this case, a lot of the clientele were Middle Eastern/Persian/East Indian. So, I figure the food is probably pretty decent and it was. Everything was fresh and flavorful. The hummus was good and the flat bread was GREAT! We ate so much we didn't have room for anything sweet. The owner even came over and spoke pleasantly with us and thanked us for coming in. I'm not real familiar with all the names but everything I had was delicious, flavorful, hot and fresh! I will definitely be back and I have recommended this place to friends who like Middle Eastern.
(4)Ashery G.
Love this restaurant...even better than Holy Land Cafe down the street. Very authentic Persian food and wonderful flavor. I have never been disappointed and I'm pretty picky. They have either buffet or standard menu ordering. Buffet is about $13 pp for dinner and entrees are about the same price. My favorites are the koobideh and appetizer platter. Friendly staff amd you may be lucky enough to go on a night when the owner is singing.
(5)Sheheryar J.
I would never go back to this place ever again. My wife and kids went to this place today at buffet time. The owner overcharged them on carry out from buffet bar more than the price advertised. Always check what they charge in this restaurant. My wife asked him couple of times what was the rate being charged and still got swindled by these crooks. The menu is also not the best quality food either. There are better quality Persian food restaurants in town as an alternatives. Different friends in the past have recommended NOT to go here due to the overcharge and bad quality food. Today we learned in bad experience what not to do ever again. Thanks KC Kabab Grill!. I wish there was an option to give ZERO star 'cause that's what you really deserve. P.S. Did this restaurant owner leave anything behind at home?...'cause even the damn shoes are decorated on the wall. Also, highly recommended that the staff learn Courtesy101 at a local Community college if it's offered as a course.
(1)Allison L.
We've been to a few Mediterranean/Persian restaurants in the area, and this is our new favorite. The hummus is exactly like I like it...lots of garlic!! Everything was very tasty! We were a little confused when we walked in, because no one was there to greet us. We decided to just seat ourselves and wait. After a few minutes a server came to our table. They were pretty full, so I'm just assuming they were understaffed and a little overwhelmed...possibly? The owner was very friendly and came to our table to chat. He noticed my husbands English accent and started a conversation with him about English football. He even brought over a cilantro sauce for him to try with his beef...and he LOVED it. So glad we found a great Persian place so close to our house. We'll definitely be trying the buffet next visit.
(4)Sudhir M.
Not worth the time and money. No labels on what type of food it is during the buffet.
(1)Zach G.
We had the dinner buffet here and it was...okay. It wasn't huge, but it had some solid choices - chicken, beef, lamb, hummus, veggies, rice. They didn't seem to be turning the food over that quickly, though, so don't expect the freshest of buffets. I imagine the lunch buffet is probably a better choice. My favorite things were the dill rice (seriously...all rice should be dill rice, it's awesome), chicken kabob (I forget the actual name, but you'll know what I mean) and hummus. However, with that being said, nothing jumped out as being overwhelmingly memorable, aside from the dill rice. On the other hand, nothing was bad. Service was neither friendly nor rude. It was minimal - got the job done, albeit without a smile. I'll probably return for a real menu, but won't rush back, and won't do the dinner buffet again.
(3)Dawn C.
Table of 4, lunchtime on a Tuesday. What a great escape from the workday! The owner himself walked us through the little buffet area and gave us hints as to which things we might like best, he checked in on us a few times and really was eager to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and felt welcome. He personally brought us fresh bread and a little platter of the beef kabobs as that dish had been nearly empty when we did our first go through. Though not a huge selection, everything was tasty and fresh. I usually lean more towards hummus than baba ghanouj, but this time the eggplant delicacy really trumped the humble chickpea. Delicious! For dessert we tried the rose, saffron and pistachio ice cream, it was a rare experience. Homemade! We'll be back!
(4)Jeremy C.
Went on a Sunday at 11:30 for lunch buffet. Not busy. About 10 entrees on the buffet. Staff was friendly, but not overbearing. Food was very good and a nice change from local fare. Price for two buffets came to about $30 - reasonable given the quality and quantity of food. Would recommend for Mideast cuisine.
(4)Amirhossein N.
Great persian food I love it so much specialy the barg kabob is awsome and reminds me the homeland of mine :)) The buffet is also great I liked it...........
(5)Carson B.
Ate here once for lunch and I liked it. I did the buffet, which allowed me to sample a range of different things. The variety was decent, though it could've been a little bigger. Everything was pretty damn good! The Persian ice cream is... Interesting? An acquired taste, I suppose, but pretty cool. Full disclosure: I liked it a lot. My not-very-picky wife didn't love it. My not-very-picky daughter didn't love it. My pickier little daughter was a pain in the butt, but did find buffet items she liked.
(5)Azile Y.
DELICIOUS- meat is so tender, be sure to try the Persian ice cream (made in house with rose water, cardamom, pistachio and saffron). Service is attentive and friendly. Decor kicks ASS! Love this place, can't wait to come back to try the buffet!
(5)Alex T.
Maybe I was disappointed because of my expectations. I had several Persian friends recommend the food here, and the only thing that kept me away for so long was the driving distance. While the food was good, I wasn't overly impressed. It was interesting to me to have this type of food in a buffet, and I made sure I tried just about everything. First, the positives. I really liked the saffron rice and the condiments. Their tzatziki was just awesome, and that green mush stuff that everyone is raving about in these reviews was definitely worthy of the buzz. The hummus was excellent, and the baba ghanouj hit the spot, too. I also thought the falafel was top-notch. Most of everything else I liked but didn't love, for one reason or another. The lentil soup was pretty good, but the lentils were a bit tough. The roasted chicken legs were tasty, but it seemed like a good amount of the flavor was washed out of them by the buffet steam and the resulting puddle of brownish-red water they were sitting in. The disturbingly McRib-like meat offerings whose names I can't recall tasted really good but were kind of lukewarm and rubbery, like they'd been languishing in their buffet tray for quite awhile. The pita bread was average. I'd certainly come back to KC Grill and Kabob...if it wasn't 25 minutes away from me. As it is, I'll probably be back at some point, but my meal here wasn't the belly-dancing, awe-inspiring, Nirvana achieving, foodgasmic experience I was hoping for/expecting. Two things occur to me: 1) I didn't try the kabobs, dammit and 2) most of the problems I had with my meal were buffet-related. Consequently, I figure I owe them a repeat visit. 3.5 stars for now.
(3)Ann W.
This place has one of the best lunch deals in Kansas City for a weekday lunch. At 7.99 for a buffet that is a bounty of Persian flavors, it cannot be beat. Walking into KC Grill and Kabab always puts a smile on my face....ahhh, the smells! There are always 3 different unique and tasty varieties of rice on their buffet as well as hummus and baba ghanoush. They have this cilantro jalapeno sauce that is absolutely out of this world and should not be missed if you like spicy food. They always have a good variety of curries and "kabobs." They also have some soups off to the side of the buffet and generally a nice rice pudding flavored with a bit of rosewater that is delish. The interior jumps out at you. While the tables and booths are fairly typical restaurant fare, pretty much every square inch of the walls is covered with vibrant depictions of life in Iran and there are some pretty baubles on display as well at the buffet line. The owner is usually there and he does a great job of making people feel welcome. I think he truly cares if people are relishing their experience at his restaurant.
(5)JB Z.
Very good example of Persian food, specifically kabob or kobideh. The lunch buffet also included chicken curry, lamb curry, tandoori chicken and three kinds of rice. Tried the ice cream (homemade) and it is definitely unusual with a lingering taste of something floral, perhaps roses? We liked the meal, but will pass on the ice cream next time.
(4)Arayna K.
Lunch buffet is a great option - good price and variety, so you can try whatever you like. The owner was there and very friendly.
(4)C D.
Best hummus and pita bread ever!!!!
(4)Karen P.
The food is 5 stars. The service is 5 stars. The place just needs a really good scrub down though, which is why my review is 4 stars. My table was sticky, part of the booth seating was cracked, & the buffet had some spills on it. But let's get back to the food. It was, in a word, WOW. I went to the lunch buffet and stuffed myself silly. Everything was a absolutely delicious. The Baba Ghanouj was the best I've ever had. The hummus had a delightfully lemon kick to it, the chicken and beef kabob meat were perfectly spiced and super tender. The not-too-spicy curry was amazing- I definitely tasted some cinnamon in there. The falafel balls were a bit over cooked but still packed with flavor. All 3 (Yes- 3! This buffet doesn't skimp on food) of the different rices were amazing, and the lentil soup (more like a thick stew) was divine. Make sure you try the Iranian ice cream too- a unique treat. The only weak link as far as the food was concerned was the bread they brought to the table. It was hard and only lukewarm, but the flavor was still good. The owner greeted us warmly and explained all the dishes to us. He's proud of his restaurant, as he should be. I will definitely return.
(4)Josh E.
The food on the buffet is absolutely delicious. The environment is friendly and well lit (I went during the day).
(5)Kris T.
We ate here for lunch on Saturday and we'll be coming back. First, the owner agreed to honor an expired coupon--very nice of him and he didn't have to do that. As you walk in, you'll notice pictures featuring beautiful places in Iran and other Persian artwork. Nothing really fancy here, but you won't come here for the ambiance. I can only speak for the lunch buffet, but it was fantastic. Everything was clearly labeled, fresh and most importantly delicious! Highlights include the chicken and beef kibidehs, falafel and there OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD chutney. We asked the owner about the ingredients and he mentioned jalapeno, cilantro and then kind of trailed off after that. Why reveal all of his secrets, right? They have a kids menu and even charged us a kid's amount for the buffet which was helpful and appreciated. So come here--you'll find something you like. I promise! You'll be treated kindly by the staff and owner.
(4)Shawn B.
It was pretty good. The staff was very friendly and appreciative. The kabobs left a little to be desired. There were 2 on the buffet, chicken and lamb, at least I think it was lamb. They really could mark the items better. There were things labeled one thing that they clearly were not. It felt like everything, including the bread, needed something. I was glad to have the dealsaver coupon. If I have it again I may give them another shot.
(3)Susan C.
Pretty delish! I don't like to step out of my comfort zone and I've always had terrible experiences with buffets; however, the owner of this place made his rounds to each table asking how things were and made the experience that much more personal. He even got on the mic and said a thank you to everyone. How sweet is that?! The prices are extremely fair for a buffet. ($8.99 for lunch...until 2:30pm, I believe)? My colleagues and I will be back!
(4)Jessica A.
This is turning into one of my regular lunch locations. I like the location - it's tucked away, not a huge restaurant and it's never loud, a great start for me to enjoy some good food. I love bread and the house made pita bread is served warm with a light crisp outside, yum!! It goes great with the hummus and baba ganoosh - the baba ganoosh is the best I've tried anywhere. I normally don't eat it. I'm not a huge meat eater so I like that they have 3 different rice options - dill, plain and saffron and also grilled onions and tomatoes. The owner always comes by to say hello, he is a sweetheart. I never leave hungry and all of the different flavors in the food are wonderful. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. It's a nice buffet - moderate sized with quality, homemade food. I will keep coming back here. 5 stars.
(5)Melissa B.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in KC. It might not look like a strip mall restaurant on the outside but when you walk in it is filled with pictures, and you are immediately greeted, it is a nice friendly place. The food is beyond good, the baba ganouj is the best I've ever had, the buffet has this green hot sauce that I want to put on everything, the falafel is crispy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside, and the beef and chicken kabobs are great! The owner is very nice and the many times I've been there the service has been great.
(5)Sarah Y.
Really wonderful baba ghanoush and homemade bread! The service was great as well. Will definately be back.
(4)Paul N.
It is really hard to find good ethnic food in the KC area, particularly Persian food. The buffet is very good with a selection of soups, stews, and curry that I really like. Chick peas, hummus, baba ganoush, and lentils abound. I can make a meal of the sauces and flat bread alone. The best is the green sauce. I am not sure, but I think it is a cilantro-green chile sauce that has good heat to it and is perfect. We went there on a Saturday night and the service wasn't the best, but the food more than made up for it. The owner is really good at working the house and checking in with almost every table to make sure the customers are happy. The first time we were there he opened the ice cream freezer and gave out popsicles to all of the kids in the restaurant. I love this place!
(4)Tammi C.
Food was great!! The chicken kabob was spot on! Service impeccable. Never once had to ask for a refill on drinks. Homemade pita and hummus was out of this world. Cannot believe this gem is in Lenexa and I was ever skeptical to go in due to the outside look. We will be back!!!
(5)Kim Y.
I have been here many times and it is excellent every time. The owner is so nice and welcoming and the food is fabulous!
(5)Eric A.
For Persians.... I am from LA. I am Persian. We have the best Persian food in the United States arguably in LA. I mean they do call it Tehrangeles. So possibly my review is a bit off because I am biased. But then again, everyone's mom's cooking is really good - so that should be the standard right? There is no way someone's mom was in charge of these recipes. I was hoping I would find an awesome Persian restaurant hidden in KC among the 2 that are here - but it was DEFINITELY not KC Grill & Kabob. Nothing tasted authentic. Any yelpers - message me if you go to LA - actually, you don't need to - ANY persian restaurant is better in terms of authentic flavor than KC Grill. Looking at the reviews, they all seem to be from non-Persians who don't know any better - so I guess if you fit that category, you may like it. But the staff was SUPER nice. I feel bad giving 1 star, but the phrase "Eek! Methinks not," is much closer to how I feel than "Meh, I've experienced better." Staff and service, 5 stars, but food 1 star. And I won't go back to a restaurant just for the staff. What am I doing eating Persian food in KC anyway? BBQ here I come. Oh, and I will also be trying out Caspian just to compare.
(1)Shethewriter A.
Food is delicious and affordable. Ambiance has a cultured flavor to rival those in downtown Chicago or Westport. The buffet isn't huge, but the quality of the food is so incredible that you won't suffer for lack of options. It's buffet food at made-to-order taste, if not better. The bread and ice cream are also made in-house, and the ice cream is unique and very tasty. They also have a healthy selection of sodas in vintage glass bottles, which made me happy. Amazing food at a low price. This place is a local gem.
(5)Marie F.
Went for the lunch buffet and brought a coupon from the website. They gladly accepted the coupon and explained the items on the buffet for us. The owner was there and his was very personable. He came over and chatted for a moment and gave us some food pairing suggestions. It's a small buffet, but don't let that discourage you. Some items were: falafel, chicken and beef kabob, four different kinds of rice, greens (my favorite, eat it with the crunchy rice), baba ganoush, hummus, eggplant soup, lentil soup (delicious), grilled tomatoes/onions, cucumber tomato salad, house made pita bread, rice pudding. They are even offering ice cream now. It's rose water, pistachio and cream. It's not part of the buffet, but add 99cents to give it a try.
(4)Chad H.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! The owner is very engaged in his business and greets guests and the food is stellar! I travel the country to a different city every week for business so I get to explore different foods all over and this place has some of the best Persian food I have encountered. A definite must have! Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this great dining experience next time you are in the Lenexa, Mission, Merriam, Overland Park, or Greater Kansas City area in general!
(5)Rob M.
We don't have a lot of options for Persian cuisine in Kansas City. This small and friendly restaurant in Lenexa is one. I had dinner there tonight and enjoyed everything I ate. I tried the buffet, since I had never been here before, and it had a pretty good variety of Persian foods. The trays on the buffet were small and refilled regularly, so the food was fresh. I had a very tasty lamb and potato stew that was slightly tart, with the lamb just falling apart (as it should have been after long cooking). There were several kinds of rice and pilaf to choose from. I also had the ground lamb and chicken kabobs and a different whole chicken kabob that was a bit like tandoori chicken, with the pieces of chicken colored an appealing red. To accompany the food I had some refreshing cucumber/yogurt salad, similar to Indian raita. For dessert there was some Persian rice pudding. The food must be reasonably authentic. There were several happy tables of Iranian students and families having dinner while I was there. In addition to the buffet, which is $11.99, there is an a-la-carte menu which I'd like to try next time. The prices are all moderate, with the most expensive item being $17.99. The Google map showing the location is inaccurate. KC Grill & Kabob is located at 8611 Hauser St., just north of 87th St. and a block or two east of Pflumm. The restaurant is located right next door to the Eddoko restaurant (another place I plan to try).
(4)Mandi F.
This is the place for amazing Persian food! Just moved to KC and lucky for us this fantastic place is across the street! We grabbed takeout on a Friday night. The chicken and beef kabobs were moist, flavorful and grilled to perfection! They were served with delicious basmati rice, grilled tomato, and a side of raita (yogurt) and naan. The owner Hamir was gracious and kind and it's clear he takes a lot of pride in his restaurant and his food and that he loves what he does. We're so glad that they're in our new neighborhood! We'll definitely be back!
(5)Matt S.
Definitely a family owned place and you could tell right when you walk in. Everything I tried looked good and I went back for seconds of course. I'm already thinking about going back again after my lunch yesterday. Great service and great homemade Mid-East food. Solid!
(4)Jo W.
I'm a foodie and was so excited to try this restaurant as I obviously love kabobs, gyros, etc. who doesn't? I took my pregnant sister and her friend after we had pedicures nearby at a Salon. I had an a Groupon to use and thought it would be a great time to try the food since we were literally a few businesses away. We walked over and my sister's friend was holding her shoes but had on sandals so her nails could finish drying. As soon as we walked in during the lunch buffet a man approached and begin questioning us about how we heard about the place. he saw the shoes in my sister's friend's hand and said, "what's wrong couldn't figure out your shoes" -we told him we had just finished pedicures at the salon next door to which he humphed and walked away. Needless to say we began to feel uncomfortable. We inquired about the buffet and my little sister because she's pregnant decided not to order as her stomach was up set but the rest of us ordered the buffet. I think the man we encountered early was upset by this because they sat us parallel to the door, then he opened the door so the cold air from outside would blow directly on my pregnant sister. She says she heard him say under his breathe, "I better not hear a complaint". Other patrons including another pregnant woman seemed to be surprised the door would be opened when it was windy, cold, and raining (lightly) outside. The same man we encountered earlier who I by now assumed was the owner walked around and was polite to other customers but not to us which i didn't understand as we were first timers and very polite. The food was okay but the buffet was messy and not labeled well. Do not waste your money here go where they respect and value customers. Other local businesses will appreciate your money and willingness to give their business a chance. I'm sad that I convinced others to try this business and they were so rude. I won't ever go again.
(1)Katie G.
I love this restaurant. The owner always makes a point to stop and chat, and he's extremely friendly. The green cilantro sauce is like crack. I put it on everything. They're always friendly to my kids, when I bring them, and the service is quick. The decor is charming, packed with Persian photos. The Falafel is so good, Tandoori Chicken is delicious, and the bread is fantastic. Love this place!
(5)Julie A.
This is one of our favorite restaurants around Kansas City. Everything on the buffet is always wonderful. Only wish it was closer to where we lived!
(5)Bill C.
I have been there at lunch and the owner has come up to me with fresh Naan (that's bread for you Americans). I normally try to avoid the buffets (Especially Chinese that's not even Chinese to begin with, that's another story though.) Vegetarians need not apply. (Yeah, I try to eat less meat these days too, but hey I was made an omnivore) The Chicken actually falls off the bone here and I swear the bone is darn near edible. I have not really eaten enough Persian food to be an expert. But I do know that this place beats out another highly revered Middle Eastern Restaurant in a couple of respects. Maybe not a diamond in the rough. But I think a gem no less.
(4)Danielle W.
My family and I have a love for Middle Eastern food and growing up in Michigan (where they have the 2nd biggest population of Arabic people outside of the Middle East) we ate at many Arabic owned establishments on a regular basis. My son and I went last night to check out a Persian owned restaurant, when I asked if they took credit cards as a payment, the owner shouted out throughout the entire restaurant: "We do not take American Express because they are run by Jews in NYC and I don't like Jews." Of course I let him know that I am Jewish...He apologized to me but the damage is done and I will never return to that restaurant. I was disappointed that my son had to be subjected to such stupidity The food wasn't good either. The baba ganoush was GRAY and the chicken was tasteless. I would have rather eaten at IHOP for the same money and not had to be ridiculed by such an anti semitic JERK! He complained to me that Jewish people don't come to eat at his restaurant, well I can definitely see why! If he doesn't like Jewish people the chances are that list is much longer and spans further than just Jews! I was so offended by this experience that I mentioned on Facebook. This was my next door neighbors response: "My wife and I walked in, were offended by pushiness of owner and walked right back out. Never have eaten there and never will. That's probably why he coupons so much...its only way he can get people in. Have u tried Caspian bistro at 90th and Metcalf? Its good." Looks like there is a reason why at 6PM we were the only ones in the restaurant!
(1)Ian Y.
No, it's not the American kabobs you make at home nor those sold at grocery stores.This is an Iranian restaurant. You can't tell from the name, so it could be a surprise as soon as you open the door. To be honest, it doesn't impress you at all when you walk in. You immediately notice the decor is extremely dated, from the tables, chairs, a wood-buffet station with wooden panel from decades ago, and carpet that yells "change me! I'm filthy!". On the other hand, there're tons of pictures on the wall, but somehow I actually feel they bring some characteristics to the restaurant. During my visit, there're only two gentlemen (owners, I assume) that run the whole operation. There may be someone else in the kitchen, but the place is awfully quiet. There was a moment that I heard a "ding" sound from the kitchen, a tone that reminds me microwave oven... The attractions come from the dinner entrees, which are grilled meat and vegetable. I wouldn't be surprised that the items were actually re-heated because of the "ding" sound I mentioned above. However I was pleasantly surprised by the beef and chicken kabob. The chicken breasts pieces are very juicy, most, tender and flavorful. The same attributes apply to the (ground) beef patty as well. There's not much presentation to the dish, with rice, "house salad" and grilled tomato filling up the rest of the plate. I really wanted to try the fillet mignon or the hen, but the're not available (or not offered anymore). If I were to visit again, I would definitely give the lamb dishes a try. To sum it up, chicken and beef kabob is a safe choice and the meat seems to be marinated cooked very well, but the decor deserves some update and please bring back the missing menu items! I can't rate its authenticity but somehow I feel there's something much better out there.
(2)david n.
very good food. warm bread brought to your table. some of the best flat bread i ever had. just a nice little place to enjoy something different.
(5)Jo B.
I have been visiting this place since 2009, and every single time I come in the food tastes exactly as how I remember the last time. Which is a good thing! The owner is honestly one of the kindest persons I have ever met, truly a sincere person. My sister has been ill for the past two years and I mentioned this one time to him and he insisted that I take her a to-go box for her, on the house . I insisted on paying and he would not take my money. Upon coming back a few months later he inquired about my sister (I never even thought he would have remembered), again just above and beyond kind. The food is outstanding, always fresh and always full. I happened to bring my girlfriend in on an occasion and she's more of a "chicken fingers and french fries" type of girl so this food seemed a little strange to her. The owner realized this and hand selected a plate from the buffet and brought it to her, selecting what he believed she would like the most. She ended up loving the place, and of course the friendly atmosphere. The chicken and beef kabobs are hands down the best in KC, and the flat bread is amazing (be careful, sometimes it's TOO good and you end up stuffing yourself on just that!). In this day in age where customer service and and a friendly atmosphere comes few and far between, this is a refreshing take on what a small business and food establishment should be run like! I cannot speak for the dessert as I've never tried it, but if you're looking for a place that will hit the spot every single time you visit, this is it!
(5)Curt H.
The restaurant is small and very middle eastern feeling from the decorations on the walls. The staff was friendly. The owner was also there and walked around to talk to every table a few times during our meal. The presence and hands on owner was very comforting in this world we live in today. The food is a mixture of Persian and middle eastern. The Cilantro/Pepper sauce/dip was very very good...don't shy away from the green stuff, pile it on your plate and use it with the meat and rice. I am sorry but I am not a big buffet fan...and the waiter and owner really pushed us to have it, we all enjoyed it...and it did have a very good variety.
(3)Alexandria M.
KC Grill and Kabob is a hidden gem. The little restaurant is filled with homemade delicious Persian specialities. The owner is more than accommodating, enthusiastic, and gives you the full experience of having a taste of Persia. They have a rose water, pistachio, cardamom ice cream that was so unique and tasty. We walked away full, happy, and with a new cultural experience. We will be back soon!
(5)Melisa V.
great friendly, family atmosphere, though the food left little to be desired. we came in on a Friday night and it was pretty busy. so busy that they didn't have any highchairs. thankfully a family who were already finished with their meal kindly brought their highchair to our booth. they had the buffet set up so we decided that would be our best option to try everything. grabbed a few of the chicken and steak kebabs for my son and he was not a fan. he did really like the banana pudding and pita bread. like most buffets, everything was a bit hit or miss. the falafel was pretty good and so was the vegetable curry. the pita, hummus and jalapeno dip were also good. my son was really entertained by everything going on, especially the keyboard player. the staff was also very friendly and accommodating. I just wish the food was better.
(3)Darcey R.
I really didn't know what to expect before eating here. I had read the reviews on Yelp and seemed pretty confident that I would enjoy the food. I must say that, while I enjoyed the food, I was expecting a bit more. I found the buffet to be rather small; I would have thought there would be more options since the buffet is basically all they do. I should have read the reviews more closely to see that they will explain what is what on the buffet if you have never been there before. Because I had no idea really what I was supposed to be eating together. Overall though, I thought that the food was pretty good. I haven't eaten a lot of middle eastern cuisine so I can't really judge how authentic it is (but considering 90% of the clientele in there was of Middle Eastern descent I'd guess it is). All the staff was very friendly and the owner came by to make sure we were enjoying our meal a few different times. I do think that this place is a nice addition to the typical suburban food options. I think I was just expecting more. I think I will have to eat there again to make my final determination on whether I liked the place or not.
(3)Angelo Joan B.
Excellent food and value...love their all you can eat buffet
(5)C L.
Tonight was my third time dining here. I'd gone once with co-workers, once with friends, and this time, I went with my son. He was craving hummus and tabouleh, so he suggested Holy Land Cafe, but I asked if he wanted to try someplace new. That piqued his interest and he was down. Success! Their buffet is small, but it satisfies. My son was impressed by the four different kinds of rice - saffron, basmati, dill (I think), and one with raisins. He tried the first three and liked them all. He's also partial to lamb, so he really enjoyed the lamb and chickpea stew. Neither of us like ground/formed meat kabobs, so he tried and finished them, but didn't get seconds. His hummus and tabouleh cravings were quenched. They didn't have tabouleh, but they had a cucumber/tomato salad (Shirazi) that is very similar in flavor. It took 3 trips to the buffet to get his fill. My ignorance with Persian cuisine annoys me. I find it frustrating that I have no idea what I'm eating because not everything on their buffet is labeled or they're mislabeled. The owner and servers are really friendly, but I wasn't in the mood to chat it up tonight. Instead, I went with my usual rule of thumb at ethnic buffets - "anything green is good." I'm just guessing on some of what I ate, so don't judge me for not knowing WTH I'm talking about. Mint chutney? Spicy goodness. I don't know what you're SUPPOSED to eat it with, but I eat it with naan or rice. Two different kinds of greens braised in yummy flavors. Also ate those with rice. See? Ignorance. Anyway, I'm not an expert in this area, so I'm not gonna pretend to know what I'm talking about. But the owner is very friendly and the atmosphere is great. The walls are covered in photos, pictures, and art. Gives you a real look into Middle Eastern culture. Oh, but if you plan to go anywhere after a visit here, you may want to be mindful of others. We reeked up the car with the smells embedded in our clothes. Also, I don't think a prison inmate of 20 years would want to kiss me with the taste left in my mouth. It smells like a rotting garlic factory. Happy eating!
(4)Melodie H.
Excellent food. Reasonable prices. Must try the Persian Ice Cream.
(4)Kev L.
Best Persian kabobs in the KC area (well, it ain't like there's much competition?!?!?!?!?! Caspian Who??) But when you compare them to kabobs you could have in SoCal and in the northeast, these really put up a formidable comparison. Saffron usage is absolutely perfect. Not so much the saffron overpowers everything else and not so little you can't notice it. I had the lamb & chicken kabobs while my partner in crime had the chicken & beef kabobs. All three were excellent. The lamb was not the best I have had but really close. The chicken though was top notch. Also had the Iranian ice which also included saffron (no surprise) cardamom and a few other spices. It really has a unique and pleasant flavor. Probably one of the more off the wall ice creams I have had (still waiting for that avocado ice cream though!) Hamid (the owner) came by and had a nice chat with us. It's pretty rare nowadays to have the owner of a business talk to you, much less really show concern for your opinion of the food. I will for sure be a new regular at this place. Let me also advise that your first experience should be the non-buffet dinner menu as the dinner menu gives you a chance to try lamb and whole chucks of chicken.
(5)Chris W.
Lucky me, I live about a mile away so I eat at KC G&K several times a month. I was in again today and as always had a great experience. I can't say enough about Hamid, the owner. He knew my name by my second visit and comes to the door and greets me when I come in. From reading the reviews, it's obvious that ALL of his guests feel that he is genuinely glad to have us. The food is made in house with fresh ingredients. I love the flavor of the chicken and beef kabobs but I always go back for seconds for the greens seasoned with turmeric, lentil soup and the best baba ganoush I have ever had. I get every bit with freshly baked (never microwaved) pita. The cucumber tomato salad and egg plant soup are both delicious, too. The rice pudding has the perfect amount of rose water every time. I didn't know that the ice cream came in such interesting flavors; I plan to try it next time. There is usually a coupon to be found either in a mailer or online and be sure to ask for a buffet punch card. Food this good will definitely bring you back.
(5)Lisa B.
This place is a hidden gem. They have a buffet so you can sample a little bit of everything. I have only been at lunch time so I am not sure how crowded it gets at night, but every time I have been here I can get in and out in less than 30 mins. The food is Iranian/Persian and super tasty. Lots of curry based dishes. The felafel, hummus, and babganoush are awesome. Their tandoori chicken is great! If they have the "hot wings" on the buffet, grab some! They are delicious but not always on there.The owner is very friendly and always makes sure to walk around greeting and mingling with people. He is very helpful if it is your first time visiting. He has no problem explaining each dish and how it is made. I love this place and go here often for my lunch breaks. Fast, delicious food with amazing service!
(4)Tresha G.
I visited this place after seeing it on Check Please KC. I opted for the buffet as I didn't know if I would like any of this Persian foods. I was in the mood for something different. We walked in at 11am with coupon in hand from website, and there was only a couple other tables. We were told to seat ourselves. We were quickly sought out and given a tour of the buffet, being our first time. Nice touch. We both found a few likings and were full after a samplings. We were then offered a ending tea. Roomie declined but I am all for tea to help the food go down. This tea was so good to me. A wonderful end to any meal. I think, if I return I would go back to buffet again. And definitely early, as by the time we were leaving, it was getting packed.
(3)Stephanie P.
I live in Johnson County, yes I do. I can't help it. So when I crave food from the east, it's difficult to find anywhere acceptable around. I was driving along 87th with my phone in hand (I was the passenger) and Yelping a good place to eat. This is one of the first restaurants that popped up. My boyfriend and I decided, what the hay, let's give it a whirl. I am sooooo excited still that this exists in Johnson county. When we walked in, the atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. Families were dining in big groups and Persian music was playing and everyone was having a lovely time. We were promptly sat at our table and our server was super nice. She even brought us out complimentary hummus, baba ganoosh, and freshly warmed pita bread. This is the best baba ganoosh I have had. She said she noticed that we had never been there before and she wanted to let us try some of their specialties. Needless to say after she walked away for five minutes and came back to take our order, the plate was licked clean. She was impressed. We both ordered gyros, but the buffet looked wonderful. I think the dinner buffet was around $13 if I remember correctly. Anyway, back to my gyro. They rivaled Jerusalem Cafe. They were better! The best. Amazing. The tzatizki sauce had dill in it, which I have never experienced in this type of sauce. The meat was crispy and dripping with love. I will be back to try the buffet. Please stop by here if you can. The owner will come by and shake your hand and be your best friend. You don't get that enough, especially around Johnson County.
(5)Steve L.
I love this place. The owner and employees are very nice, the food is amazing, the portions are quite large and the restaurant itself is small, quiet and peaceful. I have not tried the buffet yet although every time I go in there that seems to be what most people are eating. I stick with the Cornished Hen Kabob and the Lamb and Chicken Kabob, both of which are amazing. I tend to support small, locally owned businesses that don't seem to advertise. If you are in the mood for something different, great food and a great atmosphere, I would highly recommend KC Grill & Kabob.
(5)Jennifer W.
horrible service. Not so great food/buffet. Tiny restaurant. Grumpy waitresses. After we were sat at our table we didn't ever see our waitress again until our check came. Don't waste your time going to this restaurant!
(1)caitlin j.
When you want ghormeh sabzi in KC, what can you do besides stand over a stove for a few hours? Drive yourself along OP asphalt and get yourself to one of those Persian restaurants--- that's what! I don't remember how I stumbled on this place--- it's pretty hidden and out of the way--- but when I did find it, I ate here for about a month straight. I prefer it over other nearby Persian restaurants I've tried due to price, service. It's a fairly small space but the guys who run it tend to be very talkative and accommodate you while you're there.... Oh--! for those who dig the doogh, check the cooler near the front. I normally try to avoid the buffet (buffets in general are fine for a bit of variety-- but stuff gets so.... stale and sad-- "You should've eaten me an hour ago!"). Sadly, this buffet is where the ghormeh sabzi can usually be found. But if you want some koobideh, fillet mignon kabob, tadeeg, kabob joojeh, dill rice (yes, please) the menu works just fine. They have sandwiches, too. Like the stuff your friend's Persian grandmother makes for you, this is bad for vegetarians. ("Yes, it's no-meat. But there's a little bit of lamb.") If this place added a section on their menu for stews, and variations on rice dishes like loobia polo, albaloo polo, (or really--- any polo!) I'd bump them up a star. But for a nice kabob (there's even a kid-friendly size)... I do enjoy them.
(3)Connie Mistler D.
Based on other reviews, I wanted this restaurant to have incredible food. Maybe it was the expectation, but the actual delivery was good, but not stellar. Dishes were tasty, but not incredible. We went on a Saturday, and we were the first customers. Dishes were varied. My favorites were the rice dishes and the hummus. The service was good and friendly. Bread was sort of cracker-like. It wasn't soft with a fresh taste. The meats were tender, and I thought they were overdone. My husband thought that they were fine. The desserts were banana pudding out of a can and rice pudding. Usually, I have to hold myself back when eating rice pudding. Until now, I had never met a rice pudding that I didn't love. I tried to improve the rice pudding by stirring a bit of the canned banana pudding into it, but I still left half of the small portion of rice pudding. The Saturday buffet is $11.99 per person. It does not include a drink. We had a $10 coupon, if we bought 2 large drinks for $1.99 each. With tax, our bill came to $30.55. After the coupon and tip we paid $24 for a meal that was good, but nothing to write home about. If you like ethnic food, you would be better served to go to Flavor of India, which has an exquisite buffet, or Holyland Cafe. Both are just a few blocks away.
(3)Joe H.
Returned for lunch after a long delay between visits...still awesome! I will say, the lunch buffet price is high, maybe outrageous. The dine in buffet was $12+ after taxes. I highly recommend KC Grill & Kabob because they serve food unlike any I am aware of in the metro, but be aware of the price.
(4)Chick-n T.
What a waste! I really like a place called Caspian Bistro, a friend recommended this as a similar style of food. After reading over the website and deciding on the buffet to try a better variety of stuff, a friend and I decided to go over on Saturday 10/06/12. Before moving on, I should mention this direct quote from the website, "We offer All You Can Eat Buffet everyday for lunch and all day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays." We arrived at about 11:45, open time was 11, and were seated. After being seated, we told the waitress we would both be having the buffet. She walked away saying nothing and we were left there wondering about whether we were just supposed to just start at the buffet or wait on something. The reason we didn't just get in without asking was because there were metal lids on all of the hot dishes. After standing there awkwardly for a few moments, we were approached by a man who told us that we would not be able to get the buffet, and that we were welcome to order off of the menu instead. When asked why, the man proceeded to tell us that there was a party of 60 coming in at 12, and that the buffet was all ready for them and it was private, pretty crappy news after making the 40 min drive over there! I tried to talk to the man and was curious as to why regular customers weren't going to be allowed, but he just made excuses as to the buffet not being ready as they were prepping for the party set to arrive at 12. Again, opening time is 11, and as noted on the site, "We offer All You Can Eat Buffet everyday for lunch and all day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays." Basically we were blown off, but decided to check the menu anyway since we had already made the drive over. The food looked decent, but the prices were $2-$3 higher on average than the website menu, noted with small white stickers with handwritten new pricing stuck over the old price. Wish I could give a review of the actual food, but the experience in general was enough to make me stay away, FAR away! Wouldn't recommend to anyone, next time I'll just stick to Caspian Bistro, a much closer place to home with service and food that always meets expectations, and then some.
(1)Dan P.
Flavor! Small but delicious lunch buffet. Spicier than most Middle eastern cafes. Beautiful photos of Iran on the walls.
(4)Susan B.
I really enjoyed KC Grill & Kabob. I normally don't eat much ethnic food, but the spices are very mild and easy to like. I went there at lunch time and tried their buffet. At first, I tried some the items I was most familiar with. Then, with the encouragement of the owner (who is one of the friendliest people I've ever met!), I tried some additional selections on the buffet table. He explained what everything was and how to eat it. Without a doubt, I would eat there again! I just bought a deal certificate on Lucky Monkey this weekend. I would encourage others to buy one also and give it a try before it's gone. I can't wait to try the gyros... Other reviews I've seen just RAVED about them!!! By the way, when you go there..if you don't see the owner, Hamid...ask for him. He's passionate about making his customers happy and helping them understand more about food choices available.
(5)Lia B.
I usually love this kind of food but this food was bland to the extreme. Like stuck on a desert island with no supplies bland. Where's the fragrant saffron rice and beautifully grilled meat? Not here.
(1)Jamie S.
I really enjoy this cozy little restaurant that's tucked away off 87th St. Not only is the food made with love and skill... its a different kind of buffet. People don't rush when eating this food, it has to be enjoyed...I really believe the owner is very passionate about his food and his restaurant...please don't waste or get more than you need, this isn't the Chinese buffet, to fill you up w/ just oil, sugar, and fat...This is real Persian food from the heart and they make you feel very welcomed. Grateful to have a place like this in KC.
(5)Shana S.
We went here last week and had the dinner buffet on Friday night. It was $12 for each of us, not including drinks, for all the delicious food we could eat. Our waitress asked us if we had been in before, and when we told her "no," she took us on a tour of the buffet so that we could be sure we knew what everything was. Some of the labels were wrong because they were incorporating some new items as well as the regular things (kudos to them) and had not yet changed the labels. I tried a little bit of most everything. The smell on the chicken and ground beef kabob meat reminded me of my mom and grandparents, and since they cook some of these foods authentically, that's a compliment. The falafels were amazing and the hummus and babaganoush (sp?) were also delicious. They were trying out samosas, but they ran out and did not replace them while we were there (perhaps for the test run of new items). I had some lamb curry and they had many types of basmati rice to eat with the meal. It was REALLY good, and I would highly recommend this place, especially to those looking to patronize a non-chain local kind of place.
(5)Sarah H.
i have been coming here for years, and still do when i visit KC, after i discovered how delicious their hummus is. it's a great little place for a light but filling dinner buffet/lunch. their selection is phenomenal and pretty authentic. it also tastes something like a middle eastern mother makes for their family, since everything is so fresh! their beef kabobs and chicken kabobs are fantastic. the owner is super nice and went through what dishes go well with each other, and also did so with other customers. service was fine for a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and our total ended up being a little over $55 (including tip) for 4 people. definitely suggest this place if you aren't wanting to go to other chain restaurants around the lenexa area!
(4)Dan L.
Nice lunch buffet. Owner was there and very gracious host.
(4)Timothy H.
A buddy and I ate lunch there last week. The service was good and we had no wait. We used a coupon and both had the buffet. The food was fresh. What was particularly nice was the spices that were used. The grilled veggies and meats were packed with flavor. I will definitely be back!.
(5)Kat N.
We visited KC G&K on a whim since we had an Entertainment coupon--what a stroke of luck! Persian restaurants are few and far between in Kansas City. And while I and my children have been spoiled for many years by my Iranian husband's cooking, this place did not disappoint in any way. Staff was minimal but extremely welcoming, as would be expected in a family-run eatery. Our server made welcome suggestions for my boys' beverages and offered me Persian Tea as an alternative to the coffee I requested. The buffet was a nice mix of Persian "home cooking" (Gormeh Sabzi, Gai Meh) and "restaurant" (kabob items) and a variety of rices to go with. Everything was delicious. And while the actual buffet was not huge, really, how much can one eat at one sitting, especially when all you can think about is going back to get more of the last thing you tasted? Just before we left the owner stopped by to chat and make sure we had a satisfactory experience. It was obvious he took pride in his establishment and cared that we had enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely make the trek out to Lenexa again to dine at KC Grill & Kabob. At some point, culture is irrelevant; good food is good food.
(4)E F.
The meat kabobs were absolutely delicious. Couldn't get enough. Great deal for the buffet at $7.99 / person. Owner is very friendly.
(4)priya k.
Its cute small buffet, also very good price. The chicken melted in your mouth it was soo good, I would defitnely go back
(4)Jessica D.
Great food and very friendly service. I had their buffet late on a Sunday night for dinner. It was tasty, although a few of the dishes looked a little dried from sitting out. I didn't try those, as I stuck to the nonmeats.
(4)Sir Jason B.
I have had lunch here twice. Great Persian food, nice lunch buffet and the prices are great. The Owner and servers are very pleasant and helpful if you ask any questions they enjoy talking. Interesting/Fun place to eat. The food is good. I have eaten at many Persian restaurants this one is authentic.
(4)Larry S.
did the buffet at this strip center middle eastern joint. this place is ok lots of authentic dishes felafel, hummus, curry's, chicken & beef kabob also lots of well prepared interesting vegetarian dishes. the buffet was kept hot and full. well run, attention to doing a good job and yes lots of middle eastern customers to share lunch with...always a good sign in ethnic places. fair price. i will return
(3)Dave L.
Good but small buffet at lunch hour. Their kabobs are excellent, and the atmosphere is nice for a strip mall joint. The owner is a real character. He will make sure you enjoyed your meal.
(3)Victoria F.
The staff and owner are great! The food is amazing! The hummus and baba ganoush are to die for, as are the kabobs!
(5)