Ostas is pretty expensive, and has a limited menu, yet remains something I crave constantly. The execution is always perfect, and the preparations are simple yet flavor-packed. The hummus tastes exactly as hummus should - just lemon juice, tahini, and chickpeas - served with parsley and a plentiful amount of olive oil on top. The tabbouleh is perfect as well, and also very lemon-y. If you are a fiend for lemon as I am, the vegetarian rice is another must try and they are willing to substitute it for the standard rice in an entree. But if you must try anything here, it is the beef shawarma. I dream about this wonderful dish. Drizzle it with lots of tahini, sloppily combine with some hummus, tabbouleh, and rice, and try and stop eating before your stomach explodes. I rarely order grilled chicken anywhere because it's usually dry and overcooked, but the chicken tawook here is done very well and comes out moist with a subtle lemon flavor. Baked kibbe and the kafta kabob have an addictive mix of lamb and beef that lacks the gaminess that turns some off from lamb dishes. Somehow, I've managed to never try the falafel (one of my favorite foods) but I guess that just gives me yet another excuse to come back. They serve a couple beer and wines, including a Lebanese pilsner and a few wines from Lebanon. They always have Founders Pale Ale (in bottle, nothings on tap), which pairs very well with all the citrus undertones in the food. The menu, like Lebanese food in general, is very accommodating for vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten or dairy allergies. You will get a lot of food for the price, so my recommendation for the less-hungry or budget-conscious is to go with one of the mixed grill combos and make two meals out of it. If you go this route, box up half before you start eating because once you taste this food, you won't have the discipline to stop.
(4)
Traci T.
I've been here twice. The first time I happened upon it in the gas light district and had the appetizer Baba Ganoush which I thoroughly enjoyed. The second time I went with friends and had a full meal. That's where it changed for me. I thought my meal was okay but not spectacular. I had the grilled chicken with rice. It comes with a side of hummus and a garnish of iceberg lettuce which I didn't like. The waitstaff is great but for the food this second time around, I would've given it two stars.
(3)
Stephanie S.
Absolutely fabulous! Not only is the food authentic with loads of flavors, everyone there is warm & inviting. First time here, but definitely will not be my last!
(5)
Jason D.
Simply a fantastic restaurant and definitely a place to visit for a true Lebanese/Mediterranean meal. This family owned restaurant has a wonderful ambience and excellent service. I ordered the Combo II, which included a sample of shawarma, kafta kabob, and chicken tawook. The Tawook is the restaurant's most popular dish, and coupled with the homemade garlic sauce, it is sure to delight. The homemade tabooli is quite tasty as well, with fresh hints of parsley throughout. Lastly, I had the Walnut Baklava, which was a perfect end to an extraordinary meal.
(5)
Libbie B.
Fresh, delicious, Lebanese food. Although the dining-in experience is always pleasant, we use Osta's mainly for take out. It is the perfect go-to place at the end of a busy day. Within 15-20 minutes of calling in an order, the food is ready for pick-up. Easy, healthy,......love it! Don't forget the homemade baklava..The best!
(5)
Spencer S.
This is a great place for some seriously tasty and authentic Lebanese fare. I went with my family and could not have been better served by this friendly family staff. We will be coming back anytime we are in the area.
(5)
Dustin D.
Didn't even get a chance to eat, walked in with about 45 mins left till closing wanting take out. They will not get another chance after rudely ushering us out before closing time.
(1)
Jerry C.
If your looking for Lebanese or Mediterranean food, this is the place! The food is always marvelous, and the service is beyond compare. It is situated in quaint East Grand Rapids. If you have never been, then you are missing out!
(5)
Joey G.
For Lebanese food it's a staple that all should strive for. Simply the best. They've been around for years and for very good reason-it's consistently amazing. However, they could step up on their pita by offering a more fresh out of the fire approach.
(5)
Buck E.
My family has been dinning in and getting take out here for years and the food is superb. The Grilled Chicken Tawook dinner is absolutely fabulous! Their hommous is probably the best I have ever had and don't miss the baklava for desert. The service is always great and the friendly owners are always in the restaurant. Their fresh salads are good too and they have a nice selection of wine. This is one of my very favorite places in Gaslight Village.
(5)
Liz D.
Our all time favorite take out or dine in spot for authentic Lebanese food! Love the chicken Tawook and baked kibbee.
(5)
D N.
My 91 year old grandfather's FAVORITE restaurant and I can see why: delicious food and delightful staff! I grew up eating Lebanese food and the tabouli, hummus, and falafel here was some of the best I've ever eaten. Plus the staff and the owners treat my grandfather like he's part of the family, which I truly appreciate! Thanks for the great dining experience!
(5)
Austin P.
Other than the fattoush the food was so so. Also very expensive for what you get. After tip and dessert it was $40 for two of us for lunch. Garlic had a mayo texture. Not very authentic. Very nice owners. If you want a wrap and salad you may like this place. If you are looking for authentic like you find in Dearborn then skip it as you will leave frustrated.
(3)
Leon S.
I've been here several times now. The service and good has been consistently good. I love Lebanese, but its hard to find one that is any good. As a side note, go with the Lebanese salad, not Fattoush, unless you want pita bread on your salad.
(5)
susan e.
I was excited to try Osta's because a good friend of mine eats there often, and it's one of her favorite restaurants. Unfortunately, our experience wasn't great. Both the Lebanese Salad and the Fattoush might have been delicious, but were drowning in dressing. The strong, sharp taste of it overwhelmed the vegetables, and none of the seven of us liked it. The Swarma was apparently good (I didn't taste it), but both my daughter and I thought the hummus tasted a bit off. I ordered a Maza 1 sampler plate that had vegetarian stuffed grape leaves (they were pretty blah), falafel (which was overcooked and dry), hummus (afore-mentioned odd taste), and pita bread (which was just "ok"). I was very disappointed, especially considering the price. My father-in-law mentioned that it was my birthday and I didn't even get a "happy birthday" wish from the waitress, though she was friendly and perfectly competent otherwise.
(2)
Chad F.
Oh, Osta's...I love this place. I'm a fan of Lebanese and Mediterranean food and I am never disappointed here. Frankly, it is not a huge place, around 10-12 tables, but so happy the size complements the food: special and comforting. I come back to Osta's every chance I get when I come to GR. From the salads to the pita bread to the hummus and other dishes, there isn't anything I have had that I was disappointed in. I'm frankly surprised that one reviewer gave Osta's two stars since she thought the hummus tasted "funny". Obviously she buys her hummus at Walmart and likes the manufactured version...this stuff at Osta's is genuine if you have ever eaten REAL hummus. So I recommend the Lebanese Salad and the Fattoush, the dressing is impeccable and true to all REAL Lebanese I've ever had. The Falafel is my favorite and I always compare Osta's to all others I've eaten...they pale in comparison. The service is great, and the fact that locals love this place should be a testament to how good the food is. The owner is very kind and goes out of her way to make sure you get what you need. A colleague I bring here has a gluten allergy and has been treated very well by the staff and owner to accommodate her needs. What a wonderful place...don't miss it if you are in East GR! Oh, by the way, this place is NOT expensive by any strech of the imagination, so not sure if most of those who rate it as 'high priced' are used to eating fast food? I would say it is very reasonable for the portions.
(5)
Emily J.
Hidden gem The grape leaves all over the ceiling and the painted Mediterranean scenes make it. I often order the maza for one - or for two, if I have company - which makes ordering easy. Always enough food, even for a pregnant lady. Hummus is flavorful, pita is plentiful, and salad has a wonderful dressing. Is that dill? Mmm mmm... even after a few years away, I often choose to end up at Osta's. Healthier than Bombay, quieter than Green Mill, and the staff is sweetly attentive.
(4)
K W.
Love the baklava! The hummus is also fabulous--they add just the right amount of lemon. It is not as cosy as I would like, but the interior is clean and simple and the owners are very nice.
(5)
Holden C.
Had a great meal last week. Wife had Chicken Tawook sandwich, daughter had falafel sandwich and I had the chicken and lamb mixed grill. We all had salads and split Osta's amazing Hummus. everything was great. I would not object if they offered a cocktail menu but they seem to stick with beer and wine.
(4)
sean l.
okay, i am going to jump right to the heart of what made me decide to add a review . . . the fattoush salad. mmmmm. i have had fattoush this past week at 3 different places in Grand Rapids and i liked it the best here at Osta's. their fattoush is more meaty in that there are big chunks of cucumber and tomato and nice greens. it was only $1 to add the fattoush salad to my meal so that was quite the bonus as the salad was well proportioned. i had the chicken tawook pita and i thought it was very good. i also ordered an appetizer of hommous and it was pretty good as well -- certainly enough hommous for my family of 4. Osta's is located in the East Grand Rapids Gaslight Village so there is garage parking and street parking available and is not an issue unless you go on a night that EGR High School has some event going on. the interior is wide open, but i am going for the food and that's the bottom line. the food is good. this place is on our monthly rotation.
(4)
Disinence D.
Absolutely fantastic! One of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids!
(5)
Kim W.
Osta's Rocks! I have never had a bad meal, I am going on 10 years of twice monthly visits.The food quality and flavors our outstanding. My favorites are the tabouli, chicken tawook sandwich, fattoush salad with chicken, their garlic sauce is the best I've had. I like this place for take-out, the dining room is smaller, family owned, they have wine, outdoor seating in the warm months. A great healthy meal, reasonable pricing!
(5)
Nicole C.
After my friend's graduation her crew headed over to this quaint restaurant in the gas light district of East Grand Rapids. We had a large group for Osta's to accommodate, but they did a fine job. The service was a bit slow with some of the food, drinks, and bill, but we were having a fine time. To start we had tabooli, hummus, and baba ganoche [not sure how to spell that one]. The servers brought out plenty of flat bread to scoop up this deliciousness. This only whet our appetites though. Next was the Lebanese Salad. This was very basic, but good. Light dressing cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce. MMMMM. Finally, I split the combination #2 plate with my friend. It had fabulously, marinated, juicy, tender, melt in your mouth chicken. In addition, there was strips of wine marinated beef, and a piece of kafka with a side of rice. This was the perfect size to split with another person, and the meats were all scrumptious, and mouth-watering goodness. To finish it off Baklava!!! Very good, sweet, but not too much sticky, goodness. The staff was also very good at handling some of the drunken behavior exhibited. I would check it out if you are ever in the area!
(4)
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Address :2228 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Gaius Kaligula C.
Ostas is pretty expensive, and has a limited menu, yet remains something I crave constantly. The execution is always perfect, and the preparations are simple yet flavor-packed. The hummus tastes exactly as hummus should - just lemon juice, tahini, and chickpeas - served with parsley and a plentiful amount of olive oil on top. The tabbouleh is perfect as well, and also very lemon-y. If you are a fiend for lemon as I am, the vegetarian rice is another must try and they are willing to substitute it for the standard rice in an entree. But if you must try anything here, it is the beef shawarma. I dream about this wonderful dish. Drizzle it with lots of tahini, sloppily combine with some hummus, tabbouleh, and rice, and try and stop eating before your stomach explodes. I rarely order grilled chicken anywhere because it's usually dry and overcooked, but the chicken tawook here is done very well and comes out moist with a subtle lemon flavor. Baked kibbe and the kafta kabob have an addictive mix of lamb and beef that lacks the gaminess that turns some off from lamb dishes. Somehow, I've managed to never try the falafel (one of my favorite foods) but I guess that just gives me yet another excuse to come back. They serve a couple beer and wines, including a Lebanese pilsner and a few wines from Lebanon. They always have Founders Pale Ale (in bottle, nothings on tap), which pairs very well with all the citrus undertones in the food. The menu, like Lebanese food in general, is very accommodating for vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten or dairy allergies. You will get a lot of food for the price, so my recommendation for the less-hungry or budget-conscious is to go with one of the mixed grill combos and make two meals out of it. If you go this route, box up half before you start eating because once you taste this food, you won't have the discipline to stop.
(4)Traci T.
I've been here twice. The first time I happened upon it in the gas light district and had the appetizer Baba Ganoush which I thoroughly enjoyed. The second time I went with friends and had a full meal. That's where it changed for me. I thought my meal was okay but not spectacular. I had the grilled chicken with rice. It comes with a side of hummus and a garnish of iceberg lettuce which I didn't like. The waitstaff is great but for the food this second time around, I would've given it two stars.
(3)Stephanie S.
Absolutely fabulous! Not only is the food authentic with loads of flavors, everyone there is warm & inviting. First time here, but definitely will not be my last!
(5)Jason D.
Simply a fantastic restaurant and definitely a place to visit for a true Lebanese/Mediterranean meal. This family owned restaurant has a wonderful ambience and excellent service. I ordered the Combo II, which included a sample of shawarma, kafta kabob, and chicken tawook. The Tawook is the restaurant's most popular dish, and coupled with the homemade garlic sauce, it is sure to delight. The homemade tabooli is quite tasty as well, with fresh hints of parsley throughout. Lastly, I had the Walnut Baklava, which was a perfect end to an extraordinary meal.
(5)Libbie B.
Fresh, delicious, Lebanese food. Although the dining-in experience is always pleasant, we use Osta's mainly for take out. It is the perfect go-to place at the end of a busy day. Within 15-20 minutes of calling in an order, the food is ready for pick-up. Easy, healthy,......love it! Don't forget the homemade baklava..The best!
(5)Spencer S.
This is a great place for some seriously tasty and authentic Lebanese fare. I went with my family and could not have been better served by this friendly family staff. We will be coming back anytime we are in the area.
(5)Dustin D.
Didn't even get a chance to eat, walked in with about 45 mins left till closing wanting take out. They will not get another chance after rudely ushering us out before closing time.
(1)Jerry C.
If your looking for Lebanese or Mediterranean food, this is the place! The food is always marvelous, and the service is beyond compare. It is situated in quaint East Grand Rapids. If you have never been, then you are missing out!
(5)Joey G.
For Lebanese food it's a staple that all should strive for. Simply the best. They've been around for years and for very good reason-it's consistently amazing. However, they could step up on their pita by offering a more fresh out of the fire approach.
(5)Buck E.
My family has been dinning in and getting take out here for years and the food is superb. The Grilled Chicken Tawook dinner is absolutely fabulous! Their hommous is probably the best I have ever had and don't miss the baklava for desert. The service is always great and the friendly owners are always in the restaurant. Their fresh salads are good too and they have a nice selection of wine. This is one of my very favorite places in Gaslight Village.
(5)Liz D.
Our all time favorite take out or dine in spot for authentic Lebanese food! Love the chicken Tawook and baked kibbee.
(5)D N.
My 91 year old grandfather's FAVORITE restaurant and I can see why: delicious food and delightful staff! I grew up eating Lebanese food and the tabouli, hummus, and falafel here was some of the best I've ever eaten. Plus the staff and the owners treat my grandfather like he's part of the family, which I truly appreciate! Thanks for the great dining experience!
(5)Austin P.
Other than the fattoush the food was so so. Also very expensive for what you get. After tip and dessert it was $40 for two of us for lunch. Garlic had a mayo texture. Not very authentic. Very nice owners. If you want a wrap and salad you may like this place. If you are looking for authentic like you find in Dearborn then skip it as you will leave frustrated.
(3)Leon S.
I've been here several times now. The service and good has been consistently good. I love Lebanese, but its hard to find one that is any good. As a side note, go with the Lebanese salad, not Fattoush, unless you want pita bread on your salad.
(5)susan e.
I was excited to try Osta's because a good friend of mine eats there often, and it's one of her favorite restaurants. Unfortunately, our experience wasn't great. Both the Lebanese Salad and the Fattoush might have been delicious, but were drowning in dressing. The strong, sharp taste of it overwhelmed the vegetables, and none of the seven of us liked it. The Swarma was apparently good (I didn't taste it), but both my daughter and I thought the hummus tasted a bit off. I ordered a Maza 1 sampler plate that had vegetarian stuffed grape leaves (they were pretty blah), falafel (which was overcooked and dry), hummus (afore-mentioned odd taste), and pita bread (which was just "ok"). I was very disappointed, especially considering the price. My father-in-law mentioned that it was my birthday and I didn't even get a "happy birthday" wish from the waitress, though she was friendly and perfectly competent otherwise.
(2)Chad F.
Oh, Osta's...I love this place. I'm a fan of Lebanese and Mediterranean food and I am never disappointed here. Frankly, it is not a huge place, around 10-12 tables, but so happy the size complements the food: special and comforting. I come back to Osta's every chance I get when I come to GR. From the salads to the pita bread to the hummus and other dishes, there isn't anything I have had that I was disappointed in. I'm frankly surprised that one reviewer gave Osta's two stars since she thought the hummus tasted "funny". Obviously she buys her hummus at Walmart and likes the manufactured version...this stuff at Osta's is genuine if you have ever eaten REAL hummus. So I recommend the Lebanese Salad and the Fattoush, the dressing is impeccable and true to all REAL Lebanese I've ever had. The Falafel is my favorite and I always compare Osta's to all others I've eaten...they pale in comparison. The service is great, and the fact that locals love this place should be a testament to how good the food is. The owner is very kind and goes out of her way to make sure you get what you need. A colleague I bring here has a gluten allergy and has been treated very well by the staff and owner to accommodate her needs. What a wonderful place...don't miss it if you are in East GR! Oh, by the way, this place is NOT expensive by any strech of the imagination, so not sure if most of those who rate it as 'high priced' are used to eating fast food? I would say it is very reasonable for the portions.
(5)Emily J.
Hidden gem The grape leaves all over the ceiling and the painted Mediterranean scenes make it. I often order the maza for one - or for two, if I have company - which makes ordering easy. Always enough food, even for a pregnant lady. Hummus is flavorful, pita is plentiful, and salad has a wonderful dressing. Is that dill? Mmm mmm... even after a few years away, I often choose to end up at Osta's. Healthier than Bombay, quieter than Green Mill, and the staff is sweetly attentive.
(4)K W.
Love the baklava! The hummus is also fabulous--they add just the right amount of lemon. It is not as cosy as I would like, but the interior is clean and simple and the owners are very nice.
(5)Holden C.
Had a great meal last week. Wife had Chicken Tawook sandwich, daughter had falafel sandwich and I had the chicken and lamb mixed grill. We all had salads and split Osta's amazing Hummus. everything was great. I would not object if they offered a cocktail menu but they seem to stick with beer and wine.
(4)sean l.
okay, i am going to jump right to the heart of what made me decide to add a review . . . the fattoush salad. mmmmm. i have had fattoush this past week at 3 different places in Grand Rapids and i liked it the best here at Osta's. their fattoush is more meaty in that there are big chunks of cucumber and tomato and nice greens. it was only $1 to add the fattoush salad to my meal so that was quite the bonus as the salad was well proportioned. i had the chicken tawook pita and i thought it was very good. i also ordered an appetizer of hommous and it was pretty good as well -- certainly enough hommous for my family of 4. Osta's is located in the East Grand Rapids Gaslight Village so there is garage parking and street parking available and is not an issue unless you go on a night that EGR High School has some event going on. the interior is wide open, but i am going for the food and that's the bottom line. the food is good. this place is on our monthly rotation.
(4)Disinence D.
Absolutely fantastic! One of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids!
(5)Kim W.
Osta's Rocks! I have never had a bad meal, I am going on 10 years of twice monthly visits.The food quality and flavors our outstanding. My favorites are the tabouli, chicken tawook sandwich, fattoush salad with chicken, their garlic sauce is the best I've had. I like this place for take-out, the dining room is smaller, family owned, they have wine, outdoor seating in the warm months. A great healthy meal, reasonable pricing!
(5)Nicole C.
After my friend's graduation her crew headed over to this quaint restaurant in the gas light district of East Grand Rapids. We had a large group for Osta's to accommodate, but they did a fine job. The service was a bit slow with some of the food, drinks, and bill, but we were having a fine time. To start we had tabooli, hummus, and baba ganoche [not sure how to spell that one]. The servers brought out plenty of flat bread to scoop up this deliciousness. This only whet our appetites though. Next was the Lebanese Salad. This was very basic, but good. Light dressing cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce. MMMMM. Finally, I split the combination #2 plate with my friend. It had fabulously, marinated, juicy, tender, melt in your mouth chicken. In addition, there was strips of wine marinated beef, and a piece of kafka with a side of rice. This was the perfect size to split with another person, and the meats were all scrumptious, and mouth-watering goodness. To finish it off Baklava!!! Very good, sweet, but not too much sticky, goodness. The staff was also very good at handling some of the drunken behavior exhibited. I would check it out if you are ever in the area!
(4)