Simply amazing! Food is fresh and full of flavor. The owners were very courteous and attended to our needs. I highly recommend eating at Lavash.
(5)
Anna H.
I dined here for the first time last night, with my husband and another couple. I read other reviews about how good the falafel is and they were right...it was the best I've ever had. I had the Falafel Plate, which included falafel, hummus/bread, tabouleh, and a salad. My husband had the Gyro entree with rice, and we split an order of fries. We all enjoyed our food very much, although my husband thought it was overpriced. I would definitely go back to try other veg-friendly dishes. The guy who took our order and cashed us out was very friendly. Two things: they do not serve alcohol, and it is a casual, order at the counter, and pick up your food when your name is called kind of place.
(4)
Steve C.
Best moussaka in town! Love everything, usually get lamb kabob, kefta kabob sandwich, moussaka, and their excellent baba ganoush.
This place is great, and for anybody. It is comfortable with indoor and outdoor seating, great food and friendly staff. I went here with my son and he refused to eat the hummus that I ordered him, so one of the cooks came out and gave him different small plates of food until he finally settled on a cupcake. They were so kind, and also brought me Arabic coffee after our meal even though I didn't order or pay for it. As we left the owner asked my name and welcomed me to his restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon to get my Mediterranean food fix.
(5)
Mischa B.
Love this place. Fast and friendly. Never had bad meal here- but my go to is the falafel sandwich, yum!
(4)
Kevin D.
I enjoyed Lavash Cafe but wouldn't return. The pros: friendly service, nice casual atmosphere, big portions, fancy soda machine with dozens of flavors, food made fresh, big dessert selection. Cons: I just didn't love most of the food. Compared to other middle eastern restaurants that I frequent in other cities, I didn't care for a few of their dishes, specifically the falafel, grape leaves, baba ganoush and pita (very thick and bready). This is just my personal opinion however - I don't think anything was made poorly, they just weren't my taste. I think Lavash Cafe is definitely worth a visit.
(3)
Teri S.
Wonderful Mediterranean restaurant. We have been enjoying Nasir Latif's cuisine since the 80's when he owned Firdous and then Firdous Express. Just make sure you save room for dessert!
(5)
Gavin D.
We originally came here because we were told that they have good gyros. But we've been told plenty of times that this is a great place by people in the neighborhood as we've begged people to tell us about good food in Clintonville. We've only gone once, and gyros are definitely not their specialty, so I'm going to start with 3 stars and hope that I'm happily surprised in the future. You order up front and then they bring your food out to the table - I'd like to go and try sitting outside in the pergola-ed area some time, but we ate inside on a hot summer day. My guess is that the kabobs are the way to go, given their prominence on the menu and in the display case. But, we had some hummus (fine), dolma (awfully mushy), gyro (bland), and something else that I can't remember now (I was really going for the gyro) but I recall was the best thing we had. All of it added up to just OK - fresh ingredients it seemed, but missing the boat on the flavors. As far as Clintonville goes, this seems to be a great restaurant, but I'm hopeful a) I'll be more taken in the future and b) I find other better restaurants. I should also note that it struck me as on the pricey side. Not crazy expensive, but if I'm going to pay $15/person, I'd probably rather sit down and be served (but then I guess there'd be tip, so it'd be more). I had a sampling of stuff from here at a party that was catered as well, but I won't count that (kibbeh, spanikopita, etc.), except to say it didn't leave me with a significantly different opinion.
(3)
Sharon B.
We discovered Lavash a few years ago, after reading a listing of some of the top sandwich restaurants in Columbus. This place has never disappointed us. The meats in the cold case - kabobs, raw lamb chops, etc. - look good enough and fresh enough to almost want to eat them raw. The tabbouleh is fresh, fresh, fresh, with plenty of parsley to give it crunch. If I thought it would hold up on the 3 hour drive home, I would buy it by the quart. Their pita is equally delicious; I am not sure if they make it in their own bakery, but the bread chef should be applauded. Portion sizes are quite generous; their sandwiches with one side should be enough for most appetites. This time, I had the beef/lamb shwarma; the meet was a little they this time, but the flavors are still perfect. BTW, one order of fries is enough to serve two people. I can't really speak about the dessert selection; it looks beautiful, but I am not a fan of baklava and the like, so I can't really address that area. When I have to go to Columbus, I often try to figure out how to include a trip to Lavash, no matter how short the visit will be. I wish them a long and profitable future, which gives me ample opportunity to enjoy their offerings.
(5)
Teresa N.
This is my first time visiting Lavash. Walking in, the environment was fine, modern, airy, and clean. One couldn't help but notice all the achievements this restaurant had on the wall. We were really excited to try out since they have pretty many stars and reviews on Yelp. I ordered a Kefta sandwich and tiramisu. Husband ordered Lavash combo (vegetarian dish). Prices were $7.95, $3.95, and $12.95. I gave 3 stars. One star for cleanliness. One star for the Kefta sandwich. The other star for the tiramisu. It was great and not too sweet. Husband didn't like his food. And I thought the food was pricy for the amount of food we received. We were still hungry after eating all of that. Not sure if we will return for the main dishes. Maybe just for the tiramisu. I'm a sucker for desserts.
(3)
Michael G.
Very typical menu offerings for a Mediterranean restaurant. You can read the other reviews on the food and the homey environment. I'm here to tell you about the quality. Top Notch! We've eaten here many times in this location and past locations known as Firdou's, and the food is consistently very good. I think they may have the best humus in town. Ditto for the lentil soup. Chicken is very tasty and seasoned well. Ask about the spice level on some of the foods, it may be a surprise for people who are not expecting it. Counter ordering is efficient. They have their ordering system down, although since this takes place at the front of the store, sometimes the line is out the door. Open kitchen and they coordinate orders well enough, announcing your order. Nice outdoor seating, but the tables usually need attention. Bathrooms are well maintained in a very busy environment. We are major Fans. Keep up the good work.
(5)
Anna S.
NOTE: Upgrading to three stars and updating for the sake of providing new information; will likely not return. I posted my previous one star review on my local Clintonville Discussion Forum Facebook page (post has now been removed by moderators). I was met with a lot of indignation, bullying, and it was also insinuated that I'm, perhaps, ignorant of immigrants' cultural norms/mores (which is interesting, since I'm Indian-American, my parents are 100% straight from India, I've lived in India/traveled abroad, and speak two other languages fluently other than English). In either case the pros: - The owner's son, who is also a co-owner, bought new trays so that all trays will be washed after one use. No more germs! Hummus for all! - He made a donation in my name to the Clintonville Resource Center for as "a gesture of goodwill". However, the cons: - The only explanation that was given for the the owner's rude behavior was my apparent misunderstanding of cultural norms. No apology, just that he couldn't have behaved the way I described. So, dear Yelpers, take my experience at face value. If you want good food, then this is definitely the restaurant to try. Nothing in my review suggest that the food is anything but delicious. If you have started to love Lavash over the years, and feel brave enough to offer some kind suggestions, then, perhaps, don't do it. You may be met with an irate business owner who is having a bad day.
(3)
Avinash K.
This is good place to grab lunch - we got a ton of food amongst three of us. We were visiting a friend in Columbus - ordered spicy black bean hummus - which was good. But I thought it would come with Pita - it didn't, a Kibbeh - lamb cutlet which was pretty good and it was pretty big. I ordered a chicken shawarma sandwich and my friend got some beef entree with salad and pita. We finished it off with Baklava across the table - was delicious. The place is self-service FYI and it gets crowded during lunch times.
(4)
Gus W.
I finally got a chance to head to Lavash, and it only took four years! It's been on my radar ever since I lived behind it at Olentangy Village, but I think I took its location for granted and then never ended up going. So much has been written about this place already that I won't be contributing anything too new to the conversation, so I'll try to keep it short. First off, this place has plenty of parking with a large private lot in the back plus plenty of street parking along High St. The inside is not very big, so I'd be wary of bringing large groups in. You order at the counter, and they call your name once your order's up to grab it. I went with the beef and lamb shawarma on the Lavash bread which is like a wheat wrap, and my girlfriend tried the chicken shawarma on the regular Greek (Mediterranean?) style bread. I also went with hummus and fries and a chocolate and almond baklava. The food was out quickly, and my shawarma was pretty tasty, but I think I like Pita House's shawarma a little better. The Lavash bread was just okay for me. The meat was tasty and had lots of flavor, but I'm not sure if the rest of the ingredients added much to the dish. My girlfriend's chicken shawarma was very good, however. It was definitely the garlic sauce that came with it, and the bread was much better in my opinion. The hummus was tasty, but the pita bread was a bit burnt. I really loved the fries and the seasoning that was on them. It's a pretty big order and could definitely be split between two people. The baklava was great as well, and I probably could have stuffed down more of those, but I managed some self control. Overall, probably not my favorite Mediterranean spot in Columbus, but I do want to try some of their other non-sandwich dishes, because they look delicious. I definitely won't write them off based on the other reviews, but if I'm looking for a lamb shawarma sandwich, I'll definitely be sticking to Pita House.
(4)
Sabrina R.
One of my favorite shawarma spots in Columbus. Everything is really fresh, amazing hummus and baklava.
(5)
Mary Margaret M.
Lavash is a great little spot to grab a bite in the Clintonville area. It's location on High Street is super convenient because they have their own lot as well as street parking. It's is my go-to spot for falafel and hummus. ~~The best I've had here~~ Their falafel sandwich (wrapped in lavash) with a side of hummus is super delicious and a dynamite lunch or dinner if there ever was one--some of the best in the city. I don't know what they do to their hummus, but it's my favorite I've ever had. So if you're in the mood for a little Mediterranean I'd recommend giving it a-go. Their pistachio baklava rocks my socks. If you dig pistachios it's a mighty fine after lunch/dinner dessert. You won't be sorry. ~~Worthy mention~~ Their grape leaves are good, but not greatest ever, but that doesn't mean I've stopped ordering them. I have also tried their Shawarma (Beef & Lamb) sandwich and it was good, but not my everything. Their best seating is outside on the patio so if it's nice, I'd recommend grabbing a spot out there. Their inside seating (particularly the lighting) has room for improvement. TIP: if you call ahead your order can skip the line--a good idea during peak lunch or dinner times.
(4)
julie j.
Please overlook the negative review below. I live in the area and have eaten at lavash over 50 times. Its clean its amazing and the owner is hands down the most sincere and involved guy you'll ever meet. Hes more like a owner of a five star joint than a little cafe. Its true, the restaurant is not a tip restaurant (you can tip a jar but many dont) and patrons should buss their own damn tables but the owner likes to keep on top of things and whenever possible he is having his bussers clear dishes and run and fetch whatever else you want and for minimum wage and no tip. The trays are not with food sitting on them any length of time and of course would be washed if any food accidentally dripped on them. They are literally carried from the counter to the table and any table there is max 15 feet away its that compact a place. Lets add that our lovely restaurant owner who is on the floor all night every night speaks with a heavy middle eastern accent and may miss the nuances of an American conversation. And lets say because he is so proud of his restaurant and so tired from his devotion that he misunderstands and thinks that reused trays is reused food. So he gets upset because he works so hard to accomodate all his guests and the place is buzzing most nights. Then she, not understanding any of these important factors, is only able to expect total ass kissing as an American who's never traveled to a foreign country and learned how to be diplomatic in or toward another culture, storms off to write a bad review on yelp. Go to lavash people. Enjoy great food and a sweet owner who will check on you and bend over backwards to make your visit worth it.
(5)
Matt W.
This place is AMAZING! Love the small neighborhood feel and the inviting atmosphere. The owner is always kind and welcoming. The staff always tries their best to help any way they can. I love having this gem in my neighborhood! If you are looking for excellent Mediterranean food in Columbus for a VERY reasonable price, this is the place!
(5)
Jordan K.
This place is amazing. The food is delicious, the employees are welcoming and enjoyable, and every experience I have had there - which have been several - leaves me craving a soon to be fulfilled return trip. I love the falafel plate, and I always get the homemade walnut baklava. My husband loves the low carb salad with gyro meat (he loves all their baklava choices). Sometimes I'll walk by and regret not stopping in for some hummus for lunch, so we go there for dinner instead. Love this place.
(5)
Jeff B.
Their food is fresh, made from quality ingredients, and is authentic mediterranean food... the best in Columbus I have found so far! For some reason, Aladdin's is popular among many people but in my opinion, Lavash is one hundred times better in every way. The prices are very reasonable and the food is always high quality. I highly recommend it!
(5)
David D.
Go Here Now. It's that's good. Perfect blending of healthfulness, taste, spices, and exoticness all in a perfectly clean and inviting environment. There are lots of options on the menu, and they're happy to adjust to your palate. They display their wares for all to see, which is a good sign and tres Mediterranean. I'm a low-carb nut, and this place fits the bill. Here's what I did: - Low-carb salad + Chicken Kabobs - light and refreshing fattoush salad with deliciously tender and well spiced chicken kabobs. They come with some special sauces and I added hot sauce since I'm a glutton for heat. The salad is very large and the chicken filling - Lamb chops (side) - I had this done rare, and they were so juicy and tasty. This is a delectable treat that I'd eat too often were I in the area! - They comped me a side of house-made hummus one spicy and one regular - regular is a misnomer, since I could tell they're serious about their hummus (probably take away the skins before preparing, etc.) and the spicy version is the right fit for me. Good sign in that they served it with cut cucumber, since they heard I was going low-carb for lunch The servers are extremely pleasant as are the cooks. They take the time to describe what you're choosing and the components of all the spices and sauces. Finally, the owner takes the time to greet each "guest" and will make you feel invited. Prices are very reasonable and portions are filling.
(5)
Lauren G.
Friendly staff, great food. Nice variety. The of us ordered the combo platter which "feeds 2-3 people." absolutely delicious, but should read "feeds 2-3 people who have not eaten for 24-48 hours at least." oh well; leftovers were great! Baklava pretty good too. Lovely little patio under a grape arbor (with actual growing grapes), but relatively close to High Street, so not sure it gets used much. Definitely come here!
(5)
Allyson L.
Best. Hummus. Ever. Beyond that, all the dishes I have tried here were fantastic. You can tell that everything is fresh and homemade. So far it is my favorite Mediterranean place in Columbus.
(5)
Lou H.
Tasty food the meals are shrinking. They are friendly, the seating outside is nice.
(3)
I S.
I live about 2 minutes away so I have frequented this restaurant too many times to remember. I would say Lavash has some of the tastiest Middle Eastern food in Columbus. The food is always consistently delicious whenever I come here, whether having order online or in the restaurant. I usually get their babaganoush, hummus, falafel, or shawarma sandwiches/platters. Their salad is also very good, seems like they use fresh vegetables. It's a very casual restaurant if you want to sit down and eat, therefore I don't understand why their prices have been soaring. It costs about $8 for a shawarma sandwich and that does not come with any sides at all, and a shawarma platter is $15. A couple of years ago, you could get a sandwich for almost $6 and a platter for maybe $10 or so. I have not been going as much because despite the quality of food, I cannot justify paying that much money for a light sandwich. It's quite disappointing, and I hope they make their prices more reasonable in the future.
I haven't strayed too far from a few menu items (kefta kabob, shawarma, falafel, fatayer, gyro, fries and baklava). I prefer a gyro with tzatziki sauce so I no longer get the gyro. The meat entrees are delicious. With a side salad and rice it's very filling. There are plenty of vegetarian offerings so don't let my carnivorous ways scare you off.
(5)
Leo Y.
The place is slightly misleading, as what they call "lavash" is just a wrap, likely whole wheat judging by the taste. I almost dinged them a star for that, but I guess it's probably healthier for me that way anyways, so I'll keep it. I had the lamb kabob lavash, and the lamb melted in my mouth, with the taste and texture of the inside of the sandwich being perfect. I will get the pita next time, as I'm not a big fan of wraps. They had a great selection for both lunch and dinners, an impressive choice of desserts, including baklava, dates, and tiramisu, and a neat little soda dispensing machine with a touchscreen. There was both indoor and outdoor seating, the staff was great, and the pricing was very reasonable.
(5)
Alexa L.
Went here for lunch today with a friend and started with the hummus and falafel appetizers. The hummus was very flavorful and the pita bread it came with was super fluffy and delicious! The falafel was also good. I got the lamb shawarma entree, which was good, although the lamb was a little bit tough. For half the price my friend got the shawarma sandwich which came with just as much meat as the entree, but just didn't include rice. I would definitely go back but would order a sandwich next time. The food came out very fast and service was excellent. Employees were quick to clean up finished plates, and the owner even came around to each table to ask how the food was. I can imagine the place gets pretty crowded on busier days.
(4)
Kate H.
Solid. I would be in 5 star territory if not for the confusing way this place is laid out, the difficulty in ordering and the chaos which ensues when you eventually get your food. The people are really friendly (especially the owner), the food fresh and fantastic. It is well worth the confusion.
(4)
Andy P.
I recently got into Mediterranean food, and this place was really good. I got the lamb skewers. I really hate dry meet, so thank you it wasn't dry. The rice was a little dry for me though, but they have nice condiments like olive oil and other sauces. The service wasn't really that friendly, but they did their job. The decor is interesting with multi-color, and it was definitely different. Very homey feeling to it and great for groups of family where you can share portions. Where you order food also reminds me of a deli style and the wait for the food isn't long. They had a lot of meat on display, which made me want to order everything - especially the kabobs! I want to come back here with a group of people and have a family style sharing dinner.
(4)
Bethel T.
I really love this place! The people here at friendly, all the way from the owner to the staff. The meat they have is just so tender and moist and seasoned to perfection. I tend to get lamb chops when I go and love it with the garlic sauce. I'll say this is really one of my favorite Mediterranean eateries I've been to and that I've actually voted for on the 614 mag for the Best in Columbus edition.
(5)
Natalie E.
My visiting Lebanese and Greek relatives and I went to Lavash this evening. We all thought the array of Mediterranean food was outstanding! We found it to be truly authentic and some of the BEST Mediterranean food we've had! The owner and the restaurant manager were so attentive to all of the customers! If you don't try this restaurant, you are really missing out on some fantastic Mediterranean cuisine!!! We'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(5)
Anthony D.
Amazing food. The outside looks a little mysterious, but the inside is nice, they have a patio, and it just keeps getting better from there. The owner greeted us at our table and sent out some special desserts since it was our first time here. All of the food we sampled was great, but like others have said, the black bean hummus was over the top good! Will be back!
(5)
Eric S.
Great food, friendly service, this is a staple for our household takeout meals. Affordable and tasty Mediterranean cuisine thats close to where we live and never disappoints.
(4)
Owais N.
I have been in Columbus for 3 months and have been eating out. This place is the best, amazing great food, awesome service. Highly recommended
(5)
Ammar A.
Place is good but the food portions are really small. I am not sure how people have 5 stars. The location and setting is nice and cozy. Quality of food is good but for 16 dollars kefta kabob is way too small.
(3)
Tiffany W.
One of my favorites in Columbus! The food here is amazing and the portion sizes are generous -- I usually end up taking some back with me and it makes for a great lunch the next day. The hummus and pita are absolutely delicious, especially when the pita comes out fresh and warm. =) Their main entree dishes are also excellent. The rice is flavorful and delicious, and the meats are really well prepared. I don't even usually like lamb, but I have really enjoyed their lamb dishes! I've tried their biryani, shawrma, shish kabob, kefta kabob, and fish. I've loved everything I've tried so far! Also, their freshly squeezed juices are amazing! A little pricey ($4 for a glass) but makes for a nice addition to the meal or to take back with you. Their dessert selection that is on display is always super tempting -- I have had their baklava (because I love baklava) and it's pretty good, though I will admit I usually don't have much room for dessert after a meal here. Overall, service is great. Seating and parking are easy to find even during peak times, and food is delivered to you pretty quickly.
(5)
Genevieve F.
I don't get what the hype is about... The food is decent, but certainly not great, and its not cheap either. I've gotten a few of their plates and a lamb shawarma. The shawarma especially was underwhelming. Basically just meat and pretty bland tasting wrap that didn't taste fresh. There was hardly more than a pinch of lettuce or tomato. For $8 they could definitely up the quality with a fresher wrap and better quality and greater amount of veggies.
(2)
Bradley A.
Food was excellent. Analee and the other lady was so very nice, and explained the menu to me. I will tell everyone how good this place was
(5)
James S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Columbus. They have a lot of good options, and excellent homemade pastries.
(5)
John M.
As someone who lived in the north campus/south Clintonville area for many years, it is difficult to talk about Lavash Cafe, about their menu, their service, their prices, etc, without talking about the elephant in the room. And that elephant is called Aladdin's Eatery, which had been a solid Clintonville fixture in Greek/Mediterranean cuisine since I was an undergrad. Lavash made its Columbus debut by moving in two doors down from that much-loved elephant, which is a ballsy move by anyone's standard's, and so it got me thinking: these people must be pretty confident in their product. And make no mistake, their menu offers up much of what Aladdin's offers, but where it seems to stand out a bit is the boldness of their flavor palette. From their spicy black bean hummus to their falafel (and their fantastic red snapper entree -mon dieu!), your taste buds are sent on a nice little coaster ride. What's more, the portions are surprisingly generous. On the downside, however, I was disappointed to see the price increases, some dramatically higher, since my first visit. Also, their desserts leave something to be desired. The baklava and basma seemed to be a bit stale and somewhat bland, but these are bite-sized and cheap so I let it pass. All in all, these guys have given every Greek/Mediterranean restaurateur a good run for their money, and good for them for doing so. Factoring in everything, I can't say that it has unseated Aladdin's in my mind, but if I told you I'd never go back to Lavash Cafe, you could safely call me a liar, liar, pants on fire.
(3)
Kent K.
The main thing I have to say here is that the food is The Taste!! I got the Lamb Mousaka, some kind of lasagna type dish with ground lamb, cheese and fried eggplant instead of pasta, and rice on the side. Plus meals come with a salad and a plate of hummus and pita bread. Unfortunately there is some bad I must add. The food is overpriced, in my opinion. If this is a high class sit down and order type of restaurant it would be ok. But it not. So you see the price and expect more out of the place. Or maybe you see the place first and expect lower prices, but whatever. Plus they had some food pre-made, which is great for take-out, but it makes me question the quality. And I must mention the Turkish coffee! C'mon, coffee is meant to be consumed alone, not with 30 added spices! I realize though, Turkey is a foreign country and that's fine if they want to make it like that. It's good for 1 or 2 demitasse full. Anyways, it is good food which is hard to argue with. Overall I was impressed.
(4)
Robb M.
I LOVE this restaurant. Perhaps my top 3 favorite places in Columbus. Try the Kabobs or bring family and get a platter meal. Amazing!!!!
The food, and SERVICE was amazing... If you go here, you must try the fries! There was confusion around our order, but EVERYONE there made it MORE than right! Thank you for a great experience!!
(5)
Ramen S.
Baklava. Baklava. Baklava. That is hard to say three times fast. But I found myself tasting three different types of Baklava VERY fast when I came to dessert time at Lavash. These baklava were perfect: crispy meets sticky in a delicious pastry sensation. Behind a large glass case, the desserts catch your attention and welcome your appetite as soon as you enter this delightful, busy Mediterranean cafe. There's more to this cafe than the desserts. To start, I enjoyed two different types of hummus: regular and black bean. I preferred the black bean as it offers a spicy surprise to your traditional hummus. Just as my mouth was heating up, then came the Beef shish-kabob. YUM. The beef was served alongside cooked (perhaps over-cooked) peppers and saffron rice. The beef was perfectly tender and well seasoned. These cooks know what they're doing! My largest drawback with Lavash is the semi-fast food serving style. If I am going to pay $15 for an entree, I do not appreciate having to bus my own table. Overall: 4 stars. I'll be back for the baklava!
(4)
Danielle A.
This is going to be short and sweet. Lavash is great! The service is extremely fast and very friendly. The food is delicious. My husband and I were looking to try something/someplace new while on vacation for the holiday season. We found Lavash by searching highly rated restaurants on Yelp within a few miles of our location. We arrived around lunch time and were lucky enough to secure street parking right in front of the restaurant. The restaurant was crowded but still had tables available. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma with a side of rice. My husband attempted to order the same. The woman taking our order recommended he get a side of hummus instead of rice and we share. Thank you!!!! The hummus was maybe the best I have ever eaten. I have no idea why we are just now discovering Lavash Cafe, but we will most definitely be back. This is good stuff!!
(5)
Kasem W.
Great atmosphere, cool soda dispenser, friendly to kids, lots of space, very fast,great service, clean bathrooms. Their veggie sandwich was the best I've ever had anywhere in 40 states I've visited, it's a must try even if you're not vegetarian. Their sweets are phenomenal.
I can't get enough of Lavash. I don't eat out that often, but when I do, Lavash is usually where I go, hands down. I love their Tabbouleh salad, it's fresh and delicious. Apart from the salad the Falafels are an excellent choice, and I like to order good old lamb gyro meat. They have a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and lots of parking.
(5)
Maddie O.
The lavash and pita are always delicious. The falafel and hummus is my favorite. The service is excellent and I always feel very welcomed.
(4)
Tractassan ..
The food was absolutely delicious! Fantastic Turkish coffee! As I was leaving, I spoke with the owner, an incredibly sweet man who made me feel right at home. I couldn't love the place more! Everyone at Lavash was so friendly and helpful! I can't wait until I can go back!
(5)
Theresa H.
neighborhood casual counter restaurant. we love the snapper, lamb shanks and Kebobs it is nice to sit outside when the weather is nice
(5)
Rebecca A.
500 miles later, my partner and I had our first sit down meal here at Lavash and we're happy to say it was a very pleasant experience: good service, great food, good price, and yummy desserts. We recommend you to try this place, you won't be disappointed. #vegetarianfriendly
(5)
Michelle H.
I have mixed feelings about this place. I really want to like it, I really do. It's a super adorable place, with lots of seating, very nice selection of food, friendly servers and incredible desserts. The spicy black bean hummus was incredible! I can probably eat the entire large tray by myself. The pita served with that was soft and tasty. So why 3-stars? I think based on others' reviews, we just had a bad experience today with the food. We had a group of 20 some people. Our entrees came out fairly quickly even though it's a large group. All the food looked amazing, but they definitely looked much tastier than they actually are. Everyone around me had fairly dry meat in their sandwiches. My chicken shawarma tasted like the chicken was overcooked, my friends' gyro and beef/lamb shawarma had dry meat too. I don't know if the large group made the difference. The dining room was completely packed when we left. And this is a stormy Tuesday night. So i want to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt and say we just had a bad experience. Maybe our food was rushed because they were trying to fill the order promptly.
(3)
Jennifer H.
Wanted to try shawarma. Their chicken shawarma sandwich is delicious! The hummus was nice and creamy. The rice!!! Omg the rice was sooooo good!!!!! I will be back again for sure to try the beef lamb shawarma and falafel next time.
(5)
Gg Z.
Great taste Good humus And ribs Shawarma is good but too much garlic Fresh squeezed orange juice is very good
(4)
Lindsay G.
There are lots of fantastic reviews of Lavash, and they are right in track. They knock it out of the park with delicious specials, depth of flavor, outstanding vegetarian options, and speedy service. But that's not even the best part; the welcome and generous staff bring you a smile and make you feel like a regular on your first visit. My 3-year-old son selected some falafel and hummus was making his way over to the table when the owner approached him and said "if you eat a good lunch, you can pick out a dessert from the case!" What a delight!
(5)
Tan N.
What is the big deal about this place? A not-fancy, run of the mill gourmet food truck in NY does better than this spot. Why the high ratings? First time we went here we got all vegetarian stuff like the falafel sandwich, a zataar fatayer and a lentil soup. The lentil soup was the only memorable thing or tasty thing we had. The dough of the fatayer was super doughy and stale. Tasteless. When we went to complain, it was if they knew it was no good because they pointed to get a free bag of it from the counter and didn't even say a word. Why would we want a whole bag of stale bread?? The falafel was dry and tasteless. I figured maybe it's because we had only veggie. I came back on my own the other day and got a lamb gyro and it was super dry and I ended up throwing half of it away. The guy who runs the gyro food truck on Weber does a better job and he's still only 3.5 stars in my book. Super disappointed and not coming back.
(2)
Annie D.
Came here after a late night flight 20 min before closing and everyone at the Lavash Cafe welcomed us. We were not rushed to make any decision. The guy who took our order gave us a thorough rundown of the most popular dishes and we decided on the Lamb Moussaka (kinda like lasagna but 100times better), small hummus, beef kefta and chicken kabobs. The moussaka was tender, cheesy, extremely flavorful. The small hummus plate was huge. The beef kefta was grilled to perfection and comes with a tzatziki dipping sauce. The chicken kabob was super delicious, may even be better than the beef kefta as it comes with this amazing garlic dipping sauce. I will definitely come back here for dinner again next time I am in town!!!! Oh if you are into spicy food, definitely ask about having the homemade hot sauce on the side! It was smoky and absolutely delicious.
(5)
Elaina W.
The ingredients are fresh and tasty. You do have to walk back to the counter to get tea refills.
(4)
Aklilu A.
If you enjoy good lamb chops and wonderful Mediterranean meats cooked well, then this is the place for you. The meat is slow cooked over a grill right in front of you and comes out juicy. Besides the entrees, they also have a huge assortment of desserts for you to choose from.
(4)
Sarah M.
Yummy sandwiches, divine mushroom soup (seriously!), the tabbouleh tastes almost like my mamas. The bread is fresh and plentiful. Out door seating a plus, parking is a pain. Owner cruises the dining room and chats, and he has a unique sense of humor (my hubs likes it, me not so much). Also a little pricey.
(4)
Carrie F.
We love Lavash for many reasons. Some of our favorites are the lamb chops, lentil soup, chicken kabob sandwich and the hummus. There's something for everyone. I think this restaurant is a great value- fresh, delicious food with a fantastic staff who treat you like family.
(5)
Natalya V.
Great fresh food made before your eyes, super fast ! Great energy , everyone is working hard to serve tasty food , the place is packed but kept very clean. Delicious , authentic food. Will come back again .
(5)
andy p.
Food is great! Quality is there but quantity is not. Ordered two sandwiches, (chicken and lamb/beef combo) portions were off. Chicken was way heavier then the lamb and bed combo sandwich. (Lost a star for inconsistency) The sweet lady who was the cashier was excellent at describing all the menu items and even showed us pictures....,kinda brought me back to the 1st grade with the picture to word association. She recommends a black bean hummus that was awesome The guy that called your name and delivered the food was equally friendly with great humor and pizazz. He even recommended items to accommodate what we ordered and made the first experience much better.
(4)
Adam R.
The staff is so nice!. I have only gotten to-go a few times since I can walk there from home. Maybe the food isn't for me but it is always somewhat bland and soggy. Tried some wraps and salads so far. I know, I know...I havent tried the kabobs yet!. Maybe that will totally change my vote!
(3)
Mary S.
Oh my goodness, Lavash is a feast for the taste buds! I am in love with their falafel sandwich (and am considering proposing marriage). I had it first from their booth at a festival (it was either the art festival or comfest), and decided I needed to check out the actual restaurant, which is within walking distance of my home. I went there with a date who is a huge fan of Greek food, and neither of us were disappointed. We were greeted by polite staff and the menu has a broad selection of Mediterranean dishes to choose from. We ordered a chicken kabob dish and my falafel sandwich, as well as an order of tiramisu (which I don't think was made there, but I could be wrong). I was excited to see they had a lentil soup and gyros available, as well as dolmades (grape leaves) and a variety of baklava. Its nice to know I can drag more finicky friends/family over with me, next time I wanted to go. I loved the spices they used in my falafel, but to be honest my date's dish was better. A kabob of chicken with a spicy kick that hits you right after you've finished chewing (not too spicy, just enough!) and it comes with a salad and what seems to be buttered rice, only it tastes better. The staff were very attentive! A gentleman I'm pretty sure was the owner/manager came around and asked everyone how their meals were, and another walked around cleaning off all the tables and sweeping under them to keep the place looking immaculate. Also, they had the craziest looking space-aged soda dispenser. It was awesome. Overall, 5 stars and would definitely stop in again!
(5)
Maya F.
well! this is the third time I've been in Lavash. My experience was awesome in all these three times. Eastern atmosphere, really good food, reasonable prices, clean place, tables both inside and outside and the most important thing which is the friendly staff. They serve you ALWAYS with a smile no matter how much tired they are! However, there are two problems; first is the long line to order the food which some times goes quickly and the other problem is they close at 9:30 pm!
(5)
Zeb L.
This place's food is all over the map in terms of quality. The grape leaves were not very flavorful and did not taste very authentic; we ended up tossing them. The Shawarma and the sandwiches are pretty good but nothing to write home about. However, the baklava is very, very good. The prices are too high for me to go here regularly, especially given that the food is inconsistent, but if I'm at Growl I might stop by for the baklava again.
Had food here while visiting Columbus. The portions are nice and they offer a variety of gyros, as well as delicious falafel and tasty desserts.
(5)
Marcus S.
Lavash Cafe is truly food for your soul. I'd recommend dining in to experience the joyful staff and communal atmosphere, but takeout does not disappoint, either. The falafel is to die for, and the pita's warmth and pillowy goodness will make you raise your fists in the air in celebration that you finally found the place you never knew you'd been searching for!
(5)
Yinong L.
Very nice! But the place is a little bit crowded. Maybe it's because the decoration. Food was great!
(5)
Mike P.
Best, freshest Mediterranean in C-bus. People are super nice, restaurant is super clean. Kebabs are cooked to order from raw, so be patient, but that means you never run into dry meat that's been sitting around for hours in a warmer. Wish they had a downtown/Short North location!
(5)
Paul F.
I came down last night for dinner with Karen M. I'd been here once before as part of a Yelp group. Tonight was different and I got to order whetever I wanted. I started off with a bowl of lentil soup and it was great. I then ordered an order of lamb chops, baked rare. These were perfectly cooked and tender as they could be. To go with those I ordered a small hummus. It might have seemed small, but it would have fed several people. And I picked up a couple pieces of baklava to go. Truly a great meal!
(5)
Jamal S.
You go there for the food, and you come out full, and happy. The Lamb chops are my favorite. The salads, fatuous, humus, and falafel are great. The owner Naser is friendly and always comes to check if we are happy with the food and if we need anything else. The place is usually packed when we go there. That means, I am not the only one happy to go there and eat a yummy middle eastern food. Keep up the good work.
(5)
Tobie S.
If you're anywhere near Ohio State University, you must try this place! Lots of seating! Food is remarkable! Large selection of food choices...including desserts! Parking can be troublesome if it's busy, but that's pretty normal for Columbus. Eat here! You won't regret it!
(5)
Cece M.
It's a good thing I don't live and/or work closer. I would be there every single day! The spicy black bean hummus is out of this world!! And that Lavash bread? Get outta here!! It's beyond great. I had a gyro and it was delicious. The owners and the entire team are very friendly and the restaurant is very clean.
(5)
Deb D.
Lived in Columbus a few years back and don't remember seeing this restaurant. I had lunch here and ordered the Beef and Lamb Kefta sandwich on wwheat lavish. The meat was seasoned wonderfully and tasted so fresh. It also had a little humus in it. The bread soft and fresh. Very big portion. There was also lettuce and tomatoes in the sandwich and a sauce that was delicious. They also sell freshly made Kabobs and Kefta to take home and cook. It all looked so fresh. Would definitely be here often if I lived here.
(5)
Farid S.
This is probably my 7-8 times at this restaurant. This time around we had a much larger group 12, and everyone enjoyed their dish. The food quality is consistently good and waiter/waitresses do a fabulous job tending to the customer needs and keeping the place clean. You can't go wrong with the beef Shwarma... Absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. I suggest ordering the big family platter if you have a large group and get to taste all their famous dishes on one huge platter. I am a fan and I'll be back.... Bon a petite.
Everything is good here in my experience. We always get the hummus(some of the best around), some salad and falafel appetizer and then some kebab or one of the specials which are very good and change day to day. The fish is also a standout. Great to have this place in the neighborhood. The side patio is a great spot to sit if your dining in.
(5)
Amanda G.
The hummus here elevates what has become a mediocre staple of American vegetable trays into an art form. It's superb. The little syrup-soaked semolina cake (Namoora) was delightful. I personally didn't care for the kefta sandwich that I had here, but I think I just don't like Middle Eastern meat dishes. It's probably prepared well. I really wouldn't know. When I return (and I will), I will stick to the wonderful, healthy, very affordable vegetarian options.
(4)
Scott P.
Amazing! Fresh food and incredible hospitality! Welcomed us and helped us through our order since it was our first time. We'll come back to have a great meal and to say "Hi!"
(5)
Kim D.
I always get the lamb because it is so hard for me to get that perfect smokey char at home. The tender pieces of meat is complicated by flavorful rice and simple salad. The whole fried snapper is also delicious. The fish is crisp and moist and perfectly salted. Don't forget to order the house cofffee. I van drink mugs after mugs to that wonderful black brew with the slices of the Napoleon Russian cake.
(5)
Phil S.
This is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic sauce that is served with the chicken kabob is amazing! The sandwiches are really good too. The employees are extremely friendly and the man, who I assume is the owner, seemed very genuine when he came to our table to inquire about our experience. I can't recommend this place highly enough.
(5)
Jake P.
In a city with an abundance of gimmickry in the food industry, it's good to see a place with real middle eastern food. I was impressed with their grilled meats and you could get them in a kabob wrap. I ordered a grilled chicken kabob wrap with lettuce and some kind of garlic sauce which was very good. I would love to come back here and try some more stuff on their menu.
(5)
Liza V.
What can I say? I simply adore Lavash. Due in part to the adorably friendly owner who comes around to check on you, clear your plates, and make sure everything is delicious, and also because all of the food is just darn good. The first few times I went, at the beginning of this year, I was challenging myself to eat no meat for a few months, so I went with the falafel sandwich on lavash bread. Whoa. This is so delicious, and very filling. It was hard for me to ever look past this, even after going back to eating meat. A few of my co-workers swear by the chicken kabob sandwich, so they kept telling me I must try it. And they weren't kidding. Now I'm hooked on this sandwich and can't seem to choose anything else! Moral of the story: seems like anything you get here will keep you coming back. And, of course, the endless supply of sugary sweet desserts in the case that greets you as soon as you enter doesn't hurt either.
(5)
Mary Jane M.
This place is amazing! Great and friendly staff who are very helpful in deciding what to order. The food is great, definitely can taste the freshness, although the desserts aren't exactly fresh. The baklava I had was semi stale, the filo dough was very soft and stale so that would be why the 4 star rating because it has happened more than once now. Aside from that the Turkish coffee is great! It's basically like drinking concentrated expresso, which I think when ordering they should verify that prior to letting people order that... I think a lot of people are taken aback by it at first. Thevegitables in the dishes are all rather fresh. Overall a great experience. My favorite is the house made hummus, I consistently order this to go in passing, the black bean spicy hummus is amazing. Definitely delicious.
(4)
Shea H.
We came here per the suggestion of the bartender at Matt the Miller's Tavern in dublin. I ordered the falafel sammy and my honey ordered the shawarma sammy. He wasn't very impressed but I liked our dinner. The portion of fries were huge for $2.50 and I though our sandwiches were pretty good. And I thought the salad looked really fresh! I liked that they used romaine rather than cheapie iceberg. And the FRESH SQUEEZED juice was deeeelicious! I probably won't request the flat bread next time and, instead, stick with the pita bread. And I'll probably ask for more fresh veggies because the sandwiches seem a bit basic...but besides that I liked it. I think this place has a lot of potential. I think you have to know what to order. It smelled delicious in there so I plan to re-visit to try other items on the menu.
(3)
Rachael G.
I genuinely wish I could give this place an extra star as I loved my mujardara. We got take-out one night for the fam on a cold night and while it has some stuff going for it (kebab beef looked like a good cut of meat, fresh Greek salad, great lentils), everyone who ordered a gyro was a little "...ehhhhh......" about it. Plus, we ordered a large hummus and they didn't give us ANY pita. Like, none. The food wasn't too bad, just not great. And really expensive for the amount and quality.
(2)
Margaret S.
Our group of five tried several different dishes and they were all delicious. We ordered the black bean hummus as an appetizer and everyone loved it. The proprietor was very friendly and helpful. Be sure to order one of their excellent Greek pastries for dessert and the Turkish coffee!
(5)
Vanessa M.
I was in Clintonville today picking up a cake from Pattycake, and I decided to stop into Lavash for carryout . Holy Wow! The falafel sandwich with hummus and veggies on lavash? Amazing. When I was in Syria 10 years ago, I had the most amazing falafel in my life at-swear to God-a bus station in Homs. Anyways, the falafel here reminded me of my beloved bus station falafel, basically the falafel I've been trying to find unsuccessfully ever since. I also got the mint tea, also good. Really strong though, FYI. The counter service was really friendly-the counter girl complimented my hat. I'm pretty vain and lazy so delicious fast food that is served with compliments? Win! There are numerous vegetarian options to be had, and vegan if you leave off the tzadziki sauce.
Yumm! Best Vegetarian Stew and Hummus Yummus. My friend ordered the gyro and he loved it. Mango smoothie was a hit too. It was alive with an atmosphere full of college students mixed with old and young, families, & young couples. The place is very clean and the owner take pride in his business greeting each table with a smile. It's great place for lunch or a casual dinner with plenty of room to enjoy.
(5)
Matthew F.
Really good food, tastes authentic and nice variety in the menu. The braised lamb shanks with biryani style rice and tzatziki sauce was out of this world!
(5)
Amber H.
Great food and atmosphere. Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. The garlic sauce is the bomb.com .
(5)
Susie H.
I love lavash! Their customer service is great. We had some grounds in our coffee and after showing the manager, he came back with 3 yummy deserts on the house. The atmospheric is casual and it is a wonderful place to go that is in the neighbourhood .
(5)
Ted R.
I have traveled all over the country, and frequently use Yelp to identify places to eat my meals. As Columbus is my home, I am compelled to offer my favorite hometown place to eat lunch and dinner. Lavash serves healthy mediterranean food, that includes soups, salads, wraps and full meals of lamb, fish, chicken and beef. Lavash is owned by one man, Nasir, who is a perfectionist. You will instantly be able to tell how much detail goes into his food preparation. I often have his chicken dishes and soups. There is no connective tissue or mystery pieces of chicken here. It is cut or shredded by hand. This place is probably the cleanest restaurant that I have ever been in, another testimony to Nasir's attention to detail. Everything is made fresh everyday. No matter where you live in Columbus, you will want to make the trip here. You will not be disappointed! The black bean hummus is my favorite.
(5)
Steph W.
Lentil soup, & stuffed grape leaves....pretty much everything is delicious here. Naser, the owner, likes to say hello, & check on his patrons. I, for one, love that! Love having this place in Clintonville.
(5)
Corina P.
This is the best Mediterranean food I have ever had, and I know a bit or two about Lebanese food, having family from that side of the world. The hummus and the tabule are amazing, my dad ordered a shawarma and it was just as good. Plus, as other reviewers have previously stated, the attention is top notch and the owner himself is always making sure everything is working properly. During our visit he went beyond: my husband lost the car keys and he helped us a lot finding them. We will definitely return.
(5)
Tash L.
Best Mediterranean restaurant in town, hands down. I've only had takeout from here but I have zero complaints. The hummus (regular and spicy black bean) are perfectly delicious, especially with the homemade bread. I love their lentil soup - well seasoned and tons of garlic! Their sandwiches are great too - if you like a little spice, go with the kefta. If not, I highly recommend the schwarma. Make sure to get the lavash wrap bread with the sandwiches. Yum!!
(5)
Sharmeela S.
Casual environment w excellent food. Order at the counter, no waiters. Service was fast even on a Saturday evening. Parking behind the restaurant though i had to wait a bit to get a spot. Staff friendly. The food was good and from the casual environment wouldnt expect this quality. Lamb chops, lamb kebab sandwich, hummus and mujhadara plate were all great. Not the best mediterranean food I've ever had but definitely a great casual find w nutritious and delicious cuisine.
(4)
Adam C.
Great place. you order at the counter from a large menu posted above the counter. The menu is great for vegitarians and meet lovers. The food was excellent and everyone liked their meal. The only problem was the soup while excellent was not hot.
(4)
Zeina E.
Disappointed. Food tasted off. I'm a little more critical with mediterranean restaurants because I grew up eating this food. I wouldn't come here again. The reason I gave it two stars is that the kebab meat was tender and alright. However, everything else below average.
(2)
Joey H.
Friendly service, great cooks, clean tables, different food with lots of options. $16 for a chicken kabob salad. A bit pricey!
(4)
Alex S.
Lavash is AMAZING! My personal favorite is the chicken shawarma, which comes with garlic sauce. I've never tried something that wasn't pretty darn good! French fries are made fresh with every order, black bean hummus is the best hummus I've ever had, lentil soup is delicious! If the food wasn't enough, the people who work there are super friendly and efficient. Overall great restaurant!
(5)
Maureen O.
I ordered the Lebanese moussaka but ended up getting the okra stew in error. it was great! I've never been disappointed with a visit to lavash. great atmosphere and attentive service and even when they 'mess up' their flavorful dishes still kill it!
(4)
Laura W.
Lavash is a great little Mediterranean place in Clintonville. I usually stick to my usual which is either the Vegetarian combo on lavash bread or the lamp chops with rice pilaf. Sometimes the rice is a little greasy feeling but its really yummy. I got a chopped salad once and was underwhelmed but my other choices are better. When we have our large families over to our house, we get the family platter which is a really good deal for a large crowd. Every time we serve it, our family members also give rave reviews. When dining in the restaurant, you order at the counter and they call your name when your food is ready for you to pick it up. Patrons are to clear their own tables but the bus staff is always attentive and are cleaning off tables frequently. If you use your SBB card, you get a 10% discount...we use it all the time.
(4)
Natalia P.
This restaurant has awesome food. The meat selections here are really juicy with flavorful spices and aroma. The hummus and baba ganoush appetizer is homemade delicious-ness. We got the meal served with small salads with balsamic vinaigrette. Everything came with fresh pita bread. I never made it to dessert. Make sure that you don't leave without trying the baklava! This Mediterranean restaurant has the widest dessert selection. I got take out of 3 different types of baklava for breakfast the next morning. Sweetest breakfast ever, baklava with rose water and pistachios! The decor on the outside patio is beautiful. They even light up the roof to give you a more intimate effect. Indoors the seating is more like a cafeteria. The fact that waiters do not serve your meals helps to keep meal costs at $8. You get your food directly from the chefs on trays. I need to try the Turkish coffee. Other than that, there is a parking lot out back.
(4)
Zain K.
There's a lot more I'd like to try from the fairly extensive menu, but the beef kebab wrap I had was delicious (though the wrap itself seemed more like a whole wheat tortilla than a lavash; next time I'll try the pita...). Service is friendly and efficient, and the place itself is comfortable if utilitarian. Prices are good for sandwiches, soups, and salads, but it feels like some of the entrees (I say this without having had one, mind you) may be priced a little dear.
(4)
Nick A.
Lavash is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in all of Columbus. Lavash delivers high quality, great tasting food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is "fast casual" so come as you are. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming. The vine covered outdoor patio is also fun to enjoy in the Summer months. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Many options for both vegetarians and carnivores alike.
(5)
Sirisha S.
Dropped in here unexpectedly on the weekend after being kicked out of Cafe Bella for not having a reservation :). No complaints, though! Lavash Cafe made the 30 mn trip to N High St worthwhile. It's got both indoor and outdoor seating and a great selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. We ordered the Vegetable mousaka. You get a plate of rice with some chickpea and eggplant curry and a salad on the side. It was pleasantly different from the other Mediterranean places we've been to in terms of what it had to offer. Prices are a bit steeper than similar places but hey, I am all in for the variety. There are the usual hummus, falafel dishes along with plenty of lamb dishes. Don't forget to leave some space in your stomach for the dessert. They got both home made baklava and the standard baklava variations. The choc almond baklava made the night a little more sweeter...
(4)
Rebhi H.
Yesterday, I went to columbus and my cousin invited us there. We ordered the family plate.at the end they brought us tea without us asking for it. It was a great experience. Indefinitely coming back.
(5)
Amelia S.
Delicious food! Very authentic.
(4)
Samantha A.
Outstanding service and amazing food. The hummus is out of this world and the falafel sandwich is incredible. The desserts are also amazing.
(5)
Madison M.
This place was great. The owner is wonderful and really cares about the customers. I've never really had this style of food so I was a little apprehensive at first, but it was amazing. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had and my sandwich was amazing. Everyone is really friendly and I was recommend it for sure.
(5)
Joe P.
Very disappointing. Over priced and underwhelming. Our order was incorrect and the pita bread was basically wonder bread. This restaurant is the middle eastern equivalent of McDonalds. The whole experience was a giant let down.
(2)
Nijole T.
I would give my dinner at Lawash 5+ stars for having the best salad of all times, the Fatoush (Thank you Christina!) truely the biggest and most flavorful bowl of goodness I have ever tasted! So complex in flavor, so much going on in my mouth, paired with an order of falafel and a bowl of hummus I was in veggie heaven and could go here and eat this every day! The service is great, the girl working there is awesome, service is slow though, we waited almost an hour for my food and 2 shawarmas for the guys but oh well it was packed there. The shawarma however was not all that, looking at the 3 meats offered the beef/lamb mix definetly looked the best/crunchiest so the guys got that but the taste was off, it wasnt much meat and again practically living off of gyros/doener/shawarma for years I do not want it wrapped in a tortilla, it just doesn't work. I'll be back for sure, I couldn't stop staring at the Kibbe the guy had next to me which looked like my falafel on steriods filled with bulgur and lamb, had I not been so stuffed, I'd have gotten one, same goes for the desserts, I have a feeling I'll be getting a big box of those next time as well.
(4)
Sara E.
Best Middle Eastern food in Columbus! Authentic shawarma- crispy on the sides but tender and juicy. Baba ghannouj is fantastic and clearly made from scratch. Everything is prepared with care and the food is always fresh. I never know what to order because I want it all! Great customer service as well. They've never done me wrong.
(5)
Colleen R.
I have to admit - I'm not a huge fan of Mediterranean food. My sister recommended going to Lavash for lunch, and I am always up for trying new places, so I agreed. The smell and sight when you walk in is wonderful. The meat is cooking right behind the counter and there is a huge display of baked goods when you first walk in. The smell is a wonderful mix of lamb, chicken and baked goods. I got the regular gyro and my sister got falafel. My gyro was delicious. The lamb was tender, the sauce was good and our food came out fast. The only reason I gave a 3 and not 4 star is due to price. The gyro with a drink ended up being $11. I just felt the price was a little bit much for what I received. I would be willing to go back though and try it again. Everything else was really delicious.
(3)
Dan M.
Excellent! We had the lamb moussaka and the shawarma plates and they were fantastic. And to hummus on the fresh homemade bread was incredible. If we lived on this side of the continent we would come back more often.
(5)
Annette M.
Lovely Lavash. So very yummy and fresh. I plan to go back often. I can't say enough about this place. A must for Columbus foodies.
(5)
Gary L.
Recommended by a friend and I went there with expectations. My friend told me that they had excellent pastries and I ordered four of them. I had a rolet later the night and I'm definitely going to get more!! Hope the Napoleon won't let me down.
(5)
Jamilah A.
To be honest I was not impressed with Lavash Cafe. Like i've said before I am Lebanese so I am big on authentic middle eastern food. While the food is authentic I was not impressed with the taste. The seasoning was lacking. I ordered the Lentils and rice which is my favorite, however here I was not impressed. also their Taziki sauce is more of a paste as opposed to a sauce which I really did not care for at all. I might just need to try this place again because from what i'm reading the hummus is worth a try, however my first impressions was not great.
(2)
David W.
I'm not super keen on all of Lavash's food (enjoyed the falafel "sandwich," but thought the Lavash Salad was little more than a pile of tomatoes and cucumber). That said, they make a mean pot of Turkish coffee. Served in an ornate cezve, this double whammy of finely ground coffee and cardamom is heaven in a miniature teacup and provides a week's worth of caffeine. Additionally, the dessert counter always looks scrumptious and I loved their almond baklava on my last visit. Staff is generally courteous, though I don't always enjoy managerial inquiries when I'm seated. But really, that Turkish coffee...
(4)
H K.
Amazing food. Authentic and delicious. Amazing service. Everyone is so friendly and happy. I first met the owner back in 1986 when he was 1 of maybe 3 Middle Eastern restaurants in town. He was good back then and has only gotten better with time. All the food is freshly prepared and is extremely authentic. Just like grandma used to make.... Best of all are the kabobs. There is a huge case of different meat on skewers . Just tell them what you want and they throw it on the grill. The meat is high quality. Chicken is cooked just right. Beef is good quality steak and cooked perfectly. Get the platter to sample a few different kabobs. The kabob is served on rice, and by the time you finish, the meat juice is soaked into the rice. So yummy. They also have a large case of desserts (baklava and cakes). The baklava is really good and i prefer the homemade ones (I had a walnut and a cheese). This is 100% authentic middle eastern. As for the restaurant, you order at the counter and take your food to the table. It's not a fancy sit down place. Don't let that stop you. The people behind the counter are the most helpful and friendly you can find. It's so nice to walk into a place where everyone behind the counter is cheery and friendly. You are not rushed to order - they will explain everything to you and help you choose something delicious for your taste buds. Try it. You'll be back for more.
(5)
Gettin M.
Ayo, this a reliable joint for sure man. They doin' it. I been here dozens of times since it's near my hood. Nasir been in the biz for a minute and dude should be proud, feel me? This is his baby and he treat everybody like they coming in his house. Tell me another joint got better lentil soup. I'll laugh in your face man. Some place got better Baba Ganoush? Do tell. Oh, you forgot the name? Aight you lyin' ass. Tell me you don't have to talk yourself out of eatin even the bones from the lamb chops - I DON'T BELIEVE YOU. Tell me my man don't marinate them chicken kebabs for at least 8 hours in some yogurt, lemon juice and spices. That's why every other chicken kebab you ever had was some dried out bullsh*t that convinced you you didn't like chicken kebabs. Try again, at Lavash. They doin' it and they doin' it right. That whipped garlic condiment is my slam too, but low key, stays on the breath so watch out. This a good place to get that veggie swag on too. Lot of meatless Arab staples like tabbouleh, felafel, etc. They always got at least one veg special too - peep the okra stew if they got that. It's on point. They got fresh juices and coffees, all that. One time, the boy Nasir hooked it up - just straight grabbed a sprig of mint from a planter box, tossed it in a blender with fresh lemonade and ice. Sh*t was hard. Not even on the menu, I don't think, he just do it like that cuz he nice. I actually give Lavash 4.5 stars. Would be 5 but they messed up my orders more than a couple times yo. No biggie though, I ain't mad. They doin it. Go.
(4)
John K.
One of my favorite places in Clintonville! The Lavash bread is my favorite way to have a Gyro. Friendly service, great food, clean and inviting. I will be back again and again!
(4)
Carla D.
I love this place! A good friend introduced me to it a few months ago and I have been back several times since then. The food is always fresh and consistent and the staff is super friendly and helpful. I love their hummus (delicious!), and the pita that accompanies it is fresh, puffy and wonderful. I'm also a huge fan of their chicken shawarma sandwich, rolled in a lavash with that lovely garlic sauce....I always order extra on the side and spread it on everything in sight. :) I've also had the baba ganoush, which was flavorful and tangy. I'd highly recommend it. The stuffed grape leaves weren't the best I've had, I prefer a more lemony tang, but they were good nonetheless. Always a ton of food for a good price in a nice atmosphere with great staff. What more could you ask for? ;)
(4)
Andy F.
Excellent lamb shawarma. Perfectly seasoned meat and the rice served on the side was no flavorless pile. It was really delicious and very flavorful. What was really impressive was the falafel. They absolutely nailed it. The falafel plate was awesome and it came with some vinegar based sauce on the side that was amazing. Wonderfully spiced and flavorful. I am going to ask 1) what it is and 2) for more on the side next time I go.
(4)
John N.
I ate at Lavash Cafe today with my family. I had the "Shawarma dinner". Hummus and lavash "bread" as appetizer and pistachio baklava for dessert. Everything was excellent and I will return to try different desserts next time (they ALL looked very good) and I'll try something more adventurous as my main dish. Several tables order the family platters and they looked and smelled delicious. Price of meals were average but quality was above average.
(4)
Maria S.
I love Mediterranean food, and after hearing a bunch of great things about Lavash, I finally had an opportunity to go this week for my sister's birthday. I went for a Falafel sandwich on lavash flatbread and found it completely to my liking. I haven't had good falafel in a while, and this was such a relief! I wasn't going to get a side for myself (the sandwiches don't include sides), but I was paying for my sister and she wanted a Lamb Shawarma sandwich on pita and a side of fries. Easily shared between two or three people. Glad I didn't order two sides. We got a piece of both the Black Forest cake and Napoleon to share. They weren't overly sweet, which I liked, though I was partial to the Black Forest cake. Unlike the Napoleon pastries I've had before, theirs was a bit more crumbly and messy, not neat little stacks and layers. It was more like cake. I don't know enough about pastry to know if this is a regional difference, or if this was supposed to be more like a cake that is based on the French pastry, or something else. Whatever. It was still pretty good. I'm not complaining when you put puff pastry in front of me. Anyway, this is a really fun lunch place, family friendly (my sister had her one year old son with her, and several other families with small children were there), and I look forward to returning!
(4)
Jason R.
I must admit... I wish it looked more like a Greek restaurant. Other than my pety complaints of themed furnishings and pictures of home I must say that this greek restaurant makes a mean lamb! Desserts are all top notch, appetizers are good, skewers are good, and the lamb is absolutely perfect! Marinade running off into my rice, generous portions of pita and other sides, who could ask for anything more! Well, besides Greek tunes and a few photographs...
(4)
Matt W.
Finally stopped in here - really enjoyed the food and the price - portions are huge and very solid quality. I'm almost a little intimidated by how much bread they give you, though. We ordered a meal for three people and got heapingly loaded bread baskets for each person - even with taking some home it feels like they're wasting the food. Also, it feels a little weird to have massive trays and serving plates for fairly small tables that you have to bus yourself. The lamb & beef shawarma platter had a TON of rice and not as much meat, and I found the meat a bit dry, but the included tahini sauce helped. Both the regular and black bean hummus was very good, and a taste of their kebabs left me thinking I wanted more. I also tried the Lavash salad and thought it was a really refreshing way to start the meal. It's OK, and if I'm in the area they're a good stop, but honestly, if I'm closer to home there are other options that are less of a drive that I like just as much or more.
(3)
Frank S.
Full disclosure: I've only had take-out from Lavash, so this review is based on the food alone. The truth is, I've only ever had the combo plate. It's a great sampling of their food and it is excellent. I think it holds its own against Dearborn, MI, which is saying something. The combo plate is more than enough to feed 4 people (although they say 2 - 3), so it's an excellent value too. Do yourself a favor and go eat there.
(4)
Troy S.
Great food at this location but my warning is that they can be busy and it can be hard to find a a seat. I tried to go here the other night and the place was just too busy on a Wednesday night around 7. The food is well worth the wait if you are willing to wait a little or go at a better time then I did. The waitstaff are also very friendly. I hope to review this again once I eat here again and have a better memory of everything I ate
(3)
TM M.
I am from Cincinnati with family in Columbus. My husband and I make a point to come here every time we are in town. The food and service are flawless. The owner frequently comes out to say hi and check on things. I would recommend this to everyone, old or young. The dining area is very casual but the quality is phenomenal.
(5)
Patrick J.
Great food for any price and consistently prepared well. The owner is affable and attentive, too.
(5)
Fancy K.
Order at the counter and pick it up when they call your name. On perfect nights for eating outdoors, eating out on the patio under the grapevines, there can be a bit of a wait for your food. On a chilly night with only indoor seating, it's a lot faster. Great for our vegetarian/vegan family.
When I lived in Germany there was a large Turkish population and that is where I learned to love the food and coffee, I was an absolute fiend for it! I had the chicken curry with rice n salad. The chicken was kinda dry,and there were only 4 small pieces of potato but the curry sauce redeemed it all nicely. Got lavash instead of pita. Endless green tea always a win! If you're a coffee lover, try the Turkish coffee, strong as all get out and you won't sleep for the next two nights, but omg is it good! I have had most of the menu items here and for what it is, it is very good. And I appreciate the consistancy of the dishes. For the money, this is a much healthier way to eat. For a dollar or so more you can make better choices than fast food. You can call ahead and get it to go if you're crunched for time. The deserts are awesome, try the baklava, just the right amount of not-too-sweet goodness with your coffee. There is a side patio to people and traffic watch while you enjoy your meal. Use your SBB card here :)
(4)
Edy D.
I had the special of the day which was the Lamb Shank, it was wonderful. It was tender, moist, well seasoned. The rice was different from all the other dishes, it had a touch of cinnamon & sweetness. The portion was big enough for 3 meals, I'm not kidding. The Baba Ganoush was scrumptious with the fresh bread. We finished up w/ a Turkish coffee and a couple shared pastries....we were happy & STUFFED. This is one of my all time favorite neighborhood places year round!
(4)
QQ J.
Neat and nice place with different choices. I personally love the rice pudding there. Also they have fried fish, which was a big surprise for me when my husband first took me there.
(4)
Janna B.
I can't say enough good things about lavash. The food is wonderful, I highly recommend the grape leaves and lentil soup! The chicken kabobs are also great and of course my absolute favorite is their hummus. They will always give you pita bread for free if you ask, and the staff has always been friendly. I am a frequent lunch visitor.
(5)
Amber H.
This place is fantastic. The first time i had it was at an event they catered, and fell in love with their bread. Like, some of the best bread I've ever tasted, and I like bread. Then I went to the actually store, and now I like it even more! The decor is almost Mediterranean, if they added a little more to what they have it would be really cool. It was kinda weird that there was no music playing, but then again it would probably be too loud, since it's a smallish dining area, and it was hoppin. My Indian friend mentioned it had the feel of restaurants in India with the clatter of dishes and people everywhere. So, almost same geographic region, right? The food was again, delicious. I'm not a big meat eater, but the lamb kefta I had was phenomenal. And when I can get soda water fo free, I am a happy camper. I didn't try the Turkish coffee, that is for next time. The pricing for the sandwiches aren't bad, considering they're very big. But the pastries were $2 each for these less than 4cm things, waaaay too expensive in my opinion. Wide variety that all looked great though, if you don't mind to pay. $3 large bags of their famed bread though, not bad.
(5)
Peter D.
Con's: Parking Pro's: Just about everything else. The place is beautiful inside, very clean and it has ample seating. The menu is very colorful and i've yet to get anything from them that hasn't been excellent. They even use my personal favorite Luzianne Iced Tea. I think the pita tends to be a little dry, but thats the only real complaint i can come up with. The lamb is some of the best i've ever had, food presentation is spot on and generally it is always worth the money.
(5)
Amy H.
This place is great! The spicy black bean hummus with their homemade pita bread is the BEST. There are two things that I don't love about this place: 1. Sometimes there is no place to sit, yet they always have large empty tables marked as "reserved". I have never gone during a time when their largest tables aren't reserved for someone. 2. Under the "sandwiches" section of their menu, they have chicken shawarmas and it says they also have chicken kabobs (I swear - you can look it up online, I'm not crazy!). The shawarma comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce; the kabob comes with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tahini sauce. I always order a chicken kabob with the tahini on the side, and an extra side of the garlic sauce. I like both sauces, and like to be able to ration out the amount of sauce in each bite (I'm picky). The last three times I've gone in, they've told me that the kabob sandwiches don't come with chicken, only the shawarmas do. The only difference is that one has onions, so its not such a big deal, but says right on the menu that they DO have chicken kabob sandwiches. Just a pet peeve. But anyway, those two items are the only thing preventing me from giving this place a 5-star rating. The food is delicious, and despite my qualms with the seating and menu, I still love this place! The employees are always friendly, and the first time I ever went they sent me home with a free order of their pita bread to use with my leftover hummus. Seriously, the black bean hummus is so good I've stopped in to get a to-go order and eaten it for dinner on its own. Added bonus: you can use your Member Card there if you happen to support WOSU for a one-time bogo sandwich.
(4)
Gail G.
I have been several times and each time the employees have been friendly, respectful and helpful. They have assisted me when needed, as times I have been there with people who have special needs and they have been there to provide assistance. The food is always good and the amount is generous compared to other Mediterranean restaurants in this area. The Turkish coffee was exceptional and repeatedly the wait staff asked if I were familiar with it. I thought that was very funny but again it showed how helpful the staff is to its customers. I loved the fatoush salad, but my husband said mine was better. Theirs was fabulous. I will repeat going there. In fact, I will be there in 2 days. Twice in one week. I think that says it all.
(4)
Tarey H.
I love the food. The lamb and beef shwarma is delightful. The spicey black bean hummus is a must.
(4)
Kelly L.
I tried this restaurant for the first time a few days ago and it is a new favorite. I ordered lamb shawarma and spicy black bean hummus. My meal came with a small salad and a basket of warm pita bread. The large portions are fairly priced and everything tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. This restaurant has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful patio area. The owner and staff are very friendly and welcoming.
(5)
Amber C.
This place is absolutely amazing. The food is fantastic and everyone working is always friendly. It's clean and a great atmosphere. The owner is there most of the time and he gave us free baklava our first time there. Some of the food is a little bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it, and there are less expensive options as well.
(5)
Kyle D.
My girlfriend insisted I try this place and I was not disappointed. the owner was there- making sure everybody was satisfied and I was definitely satisfied. The smoothies are great the lamb is great.The hummus is great. Best Mediterranean food that I've had.
(4)
Laura C.
Great food. Good casual atmosphere. I love their hummus and the desserts are amazing.
(4)
Tony B.
Great food with quick service, quite possibly the best Shawarma I have ever had. I will certainly go back again.
(4)
Seth D.
I am so happy this guy is back in the restaurant business where he belongs! I have been eating at his restaurants since I was a wee lad and his food was definitely the first to expand my horizons. There is so much pride in everything he does and he always makes you feel welcome and relaxed while also keeping a smile on your face with his sarcastic sense of humor. Such a great guy to be around. Everything was perfect as expected, from the hummus to the tabbouleh to the gyros. I wish I could have tried more! But I know I'll be back :-)
(5)
Sandy W.
This restaurant has a decent atmosphere, good food, and great service. I come here on a regular basis for chicken shawarma, lentil soup, hummus, fatoush salad, and baklava. If you are a salad fan, you will not be disappointed with the fatoush salad. The portion size you get when you dine in is HUGE. It's enough for two. (It's not as impressive in a to-go box.) If you're dining with a friend, I would recommend splitting the salad and another item on the menu. I've also tried the entrees a couple of times, and while they are tasty, they are on the expensive side compared to the sandwich options, and they fill you up just as equally. Lavash is also a great place to snack and do some work on the laptop during the dead mid-afternoon hours between lunch and dinner. A baklava (and Lavash always has a few different kinds!) accompanied with turkish coffee is a divine combination.
(5)
Alex C.
BEST Greek food in town! I actually worked there for a while in college, and I can vouch for the commitment to freshness and quality ingredients. My favorites are the hummus, the lentil soup, the Okrah Stew (a special they have a couple of times a week, if you like okrah you will LOVE it), and the Harrira soup. But really, ANYTHING is good. And definitely save room for Turkish coffee and a baklava. :) Also has a nice, open eating area. It can get a little noisy, so if you like a quieter atmosphere I suggest carry-out. Or, they have a great patio for the warmer months.
(5)
Elizabeth N.
Don't know how I haven't reviewed this yet since I'm there all the time. Lavash is like the restaurant version of Cheers--everyone knows your name and is incredibly friendly. Of course, it got to the point where people knew my name because I couldn't keep away from the food. The hummus is the best in the city and the grape leaves are out of this world. I also love the different specials--lemon cauliflower stew and lebanese moussaka are my favorites. It's a fairly large portion, but I somehow manage to make my way through. My meat-eating family loves it too. They to graduation and stayed for four nights. We went to Lavash for two of the four--they needed another taste of of the chicken kabob meal.
(5)
Steve K.
Lavash cafe is my usual choice for quick and delicious Eastern Mediterranean dining in Clintonville. The menu is extensive but very easy to follow. They serve Middle Eastern pita sandwiches, fish, vegetarian and gluten free selections-it's always fresh and well presented. My personal favorites are the hummus, falafel, tabouleh, lentil soup, and even french fries. The dining area is colorful, warm and very comfortable. The outside patio is charming, offering plenty of sun and shade seating now with the added grape arbor. As an added benefit, the entire restaurant is spotless, the staff is friendly, and the owner is almost always present and very hands-on to ensure the best experience possible. Lavash Cafe even has an extensive dessert, coffee, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juice menu to top it all off.
(4)
Heather M.
I really can't help but give this place 5 stars for an incredible showing in all the categories that matter to me. From the flavor and value of food, diverse menu options, decor, comfort, and friendliness, I was blown away at every turn. I'm not a vegetarian, but I ordered the lavash combo full of meatless dishes like dolmas, tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel, all served with a side of hot, freshly baked bread. I was in heaven and savored every bite. These flavors extinguished immediately the ever so slight tinge of regret that washed over my post order calm when I saw the kebabs prepared and lain out under glass like sparkling crown jewels. Next time my sweet kebabs, next time. Did I mention they had hand sanitizer available at the door? They do, and I think that means they really care.
(5)
Adam R.
Oh my, Lavash has become our neighborhood go to. Good for dine-in, good for carry-out, good for when friends and family come into town. We're gradually exploring the menu and I have pretty enjoyed everything. Love their Lavash Combo (Hummus, tabouleh, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves) and the Lentil Soup, we order these two items about every time and many times this can be enough if it's just the two of us, but then no leftovers. Dining in is simply a delight, good atmosphere, wonderful staff, and an attentive owner who is often in the dining area.
(5)
May S.
Best Arabic food i ever had in the states , loved everything , hummus , grape leaves, shish cabab, baklava , i strongly suggest this place , people are very nice and the place is super clean :)
(5)
Frankie C.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and had been looking forward to trying this place for a long time. I am an regular patron of Aladdin's and wanted to try another option. I never like to leave bad reviews, but I was so upset with this restaurant I had to share. First, I am a vegetarian and gluten free. I had hear they had options there, so again, eager to try. I had three vegetarian options, none of which were gluten free. It was much more expensive than Aladdin's, which threw me off. Our food was served in styrofoam, which was a huge turn off. Then I saw my food. For $10 I paid for four bite sized falafel and two small grape leaves, and two small scoops of couscous and hummus. I was very upset. My husband's chicken dish was over cooked and completely unappetizing. The second we left I had to go home and eat something else. As a couple who does not eat out much due to funds, spending $30 on bad food is upsetting. We will never return.
(1)
Kate Q.
I've only been there once for takeout, but so far so good! The hummus is DEE-LISH - definitely recommend. The staff was friendly and helpful and we barely waited for our food. My husband got the schwarma plate and I got the Mojadara which was lovely. I can't wait to come back and actually eat here!
(4)
Sarah H.
I am so tempted to give this place one star solely based on the fact that they are called Lavash and they DO NOT USE LAVASH BREAD. Please do not insult my intelligence and give me a f'ing sticky-texture falling-apart nasty-ass American wrap purchased from Kroger and call it Lavash. Seriously? What is this shit? I used to buy Lavash from an Armenian store near my office in MA, and let me tell you, wraps are DEFINITELY not the same. Okay, I know it's just a wrap, but I have been desperately searching for the perfect falafel and schwarma in this town and have been failing to find The Grail Of Middle Eastern. The thing about wraps is that they're just not substantial enough, and as soon as they get wet from the tahini sauce they basically turn into a gooey sticky mess. Real Lavash is tougher and can hold up to the abuses of drippy, greasy, delicious schwarma. Maybe I wouldn't be so annoyed with the wrap if the innards had been equally disappointing. But the thing is, the beef/lamb schwarma was PERFECT. It was spicy, tender, warm, and delicious. Exactly what I've been looking for. It came with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and tahini sauce, which were all pretty well-proportioned and definitely fresh. Could have used more tomatoes, but whatever. Maybe a little more sauce, but the wrap probably would have dissolved completely if that were the case. And of course, it came with pickles. Hooray!!! They were on the plate, so next time I'll specify that I want them in the sandwich. We had a bit of a mishap with our orders because of our own stupidity, and the cashier gladly helped us correct our order and get an extra side since we'd paid with a credit card (difficult to refund). Their desserts looked awesome, but I didn't actually try anything. There was a large group nearby that ordered the meat family platter. Oh my goodness gracious it looked amazing... I'm happy to say I have plans with a large group to return in a few weeks to get it! Anyway, I'll happily go back, but I'm going to beg the management to get real lavash or change their bread name, because right now it's just downright misleading.
(4)
Vin R.
Excellent food and great service (Nasir really makes dining there an event, even on a Monday afternoon.) The hummus and pita are excellent, and the falafel was outstanding. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Lilly S.
I enjoy this place! Went here with my Arabic class actually and quite a few of the workers are from the Middle East. The hummus here is absolutely delicious and I love the falafel! I will say, though, that I'm just not a big fan of their lavash bread. The thicker pita bread is what I prefer. And the black bean hummus is a bit too spicy for me. But oh man, everything I've had or that my friends have had was great last time!
(4)
Deb F.
Fantastic fresh food, always delicious. We are so fortunate to live close to Lavash and be able to stop in for a bowl of lentil soup or gather with friends for a bigger meal. I highly recommend Lavash for all occasions.
(5)
A P.
Got the lentil soup, falafel, and hummus. All three were great and the prices were awesome!!!
(4)
Erin M.
I don't know what it is about this place, but I love it. After coming here the first time, I sat at home in Boston completely craving Lavash's food. When I came to Columbus again I knew I was going to eat here again without question. The staff here is friendly and willing to answer questions (like what the differences between the different types of baklava are) or wait it out while you peruse the menu for a ridiculous amount of time. They are also happy when handing your meal off to you, making you excited. But really, the most important thing is the food. Each time I have been here I have had the same thing: the Lavash combo, which is a sampler of big portions of standard Mediterranean fare (hummus, grape leaves, tabouli, falafel). It's so hard to stray from the combo, it's just so good. The hummus is smooth and packed with chickpea flavor. It is made in a traditional style and comes drizzled with oil on top. Mix that up and pile it onto the plentiful amount of pita that is included with your order. The two grape leaves included with the combo are big, stuffed with rice and veggies, and are just sour enough to taste fresh and not like they have been sitting around preserving for hours on end. The same goes for the tabouli, which is loaded with parsley, and mixes with the hummus nicely. The combo includes three or four (I can't recall) falafel balls. They are about the size of golf balls and are extremely crispy, indicating freshness. The inside is warm, slightly mushy, and straight up delicious fried chickpeas. My only criticism is that the falafel could be slightly more seasoned, but having something a little underseasoned is better than too much, in my opinion. Accompany your meal with the mint iced tea. It comes with a mint leaf in it. No artificial nonsense here. As someone who did not really know what baklava was until coming here, I appreciated the description from the staff about the 32 different kinds that Lavash carries. The woman at the counter who has been there when I come, perhaps a manager or maybe even an owner based on her friendly, "in charge" demeanor with patrons and staff, is awesome. She'll tell you everything. I have had the traditional, sweet, kind and a rose water kind. Personally, I think baklava is simply too sweet for my taste but judging from how Lavash's held together and the richness of the flavors, as well as a co-worker's reaction to her baklava selection, I'd say Lavash's is toward the top of the baklava quality chain. Seating has been ample on Friday nights when I have stopped in. There is rarely a wait aside from waiting for your food to be prepared and if the weather is nice, there is a small patio that provides additional seating. They take credit cards and have delicious food. Need I say more? Go...and if you're traveling from Columbus to Boston, please bring some Lavash with you!
(5)
Jeff P.
Wow! What a great find. Definitely the best Med. joint I've found in the city. I don't think I've ever had such flavorful and tender lamb meat...anywhere. The lentil soup was awesome. If I wasn't so stuffed, I would have had some of their delicious-looking desserts. The service was fantastic as well.
(5)
Pony B.
Lavash is great. Food is really good and fairly priced. Lots of times I order sides and soup, filling, affordable, and tasty. Workers are friendly but sometimes feel as though they're rushing you out - over bussing the tables before you're finished, kind of imposing. Otherwise, I love this place.
(4)
Heather G.
If you're in the mood for Mediterranean, Lavash is a great spot for lunch. The staff is friendly and helped our group make our selections. After ordering at the counter you grab your drinks and pick a seat. I agree with Lisa S., the color scheme gets extra points and I liked sitting next to the large windows. I highly recommend the black bean hummus. It has a great flavor with a little kick. The chicken shawarma was good, but the tahini sauce was a little too strong for me. The fries are tasty, be prepared to share-you get a lot. As we were finishing the owner came to chat which I loved. I'll definitely be back to try more, especially since the baklava was calling my name.
(4)
Jennie M.
I've eaten in here once with some friends and my husband and I have ordered take out twice. Overall, I'd rather go a few doors down to Aladdin's. Perhaps it is personal preference but I enjoy the combination of ingredients and spices much more at Aladdin's: the first two items that come to mind are the hummus and fattoush salad...I just plain like them better at Aladdin's. I've ordered chicken at Lavash twice and both times it was exceptionally dry...as was the lamb shish kabab. When I dined in with my group of friends (about 8 of us), after we all ordered at the counter, the first and second people that ordered were long since finished with their meals by the time the last few people had theirs. I haven't been back in awhile so maybe they've tweaked the ordering process but it seems a little chaotic: you order at the counter and then go get your drink and find a table. Then they shout out your name for you to come back to the counter. It's very hard to hear when it's busy so a lot of people were hovering at the counter trying to hear if their name was called. Unfortunately, I accidentally grabbed someone else's lunch because I thought I heard my name but it wasn't actually mine. Thankfully, I realized the error before I started eating their food! That said, I have to comment on how impeccably clean and bright Lavash is inside. They also serve huge portion sizes, if I had enjoyed my food, I definitely could have made two meals out of it. The owner was walking around the restaurant and chatting up the customers and seemed very kind and proud of his restaurant. Perhaps I should give this place another try to see if anything has changed but since I already love Aladdin's, I'll probably just keep going there and stick to the "if it's not broken, don't fix it" train of thought.
(2)
Nicole M.
I ordered hummus with pita bread and cucumber and carrot slices. The bread was really good but I didn't really like the hummus. Their cucumber slices tasted weird. Staff need to work on customer service too.
(2)
Amy A.
Bread is good. Food is overpriced and I've had much better from hole in the wall middle eastern restaurants. Seems too trendy anyway, so crowded. I married into Palestine, so not even close - food is subpar.
(2)
Robbie M.
Great vegetarian options accompanied by a modern interior and excellent service. I had the Veggie Combo Wrap with Lentil Soup. The food tasted flavorful and fresh. Lavash Cafe easily gets a 5 star rating from me, and I hope to return if I'm ever in Columbus again.
(5)
Mike E.
I judge how many stars each of my reviews will get based on how eager I am to return to the place I am reviewing. There really wasn't anything bad about Lavash Cafe. In fact, the staff was friendly, the place was clean, and the food was very tasty. It's just I was not so blown away that I am itching to return (this, however, could be personal preference. I enjoy Mediterranean food, but it's not in my favorite cuisines). I had shrimp kabobs, which were HUGE (major plus) but weren't as flavorful as I would have hoped (where's the spice?). The hummus, however, was fantastic. I am picky about my hummus, and this was very good...not too garlicky, and very great texture. The sides, including the rice, were average. There's no reason not to try Lavash, especially if you want something a little different than your run-of-the-mill burger joint or pizza shop. Lavash Cafe offers unique cuisine and a good variety of choices. It also has pretty good prices (it is a walk-to-the-counter-and-order type of place). Give it a shot!
(3)
Justin B.
I've yet to have a bad meal here. The tabolueh and house "Lavash" salad are always very fresh. The hummus and baba ghanoush are terrific. I love their turkish coffee. The portions are huge and the prices reasonable. Here's the big one for me.... the owner has been there every time I have. A very good sign.
(4)
Jessica R.
I love Lavash! It is home to the BEST falafel in Columbus. It also has my favorite hummus. I wake up at night craving their hummus. Every time I go, service is prompt and accommodating, and the staff is excellent about answering questions. The decor is good for the casual vibe of the restaurant, but they do not have nearly enough seating during peak times. I like to carry-out many of my orders just to prevent waiting for a table. If you are trying Lavash for the first time, I would definitely recommend the Falafel platter.
(5)
steve a.
Kibbeh + Lamb Chops = awesome. Was in the mood for something good/fresh, and looked at places surrounding my hotel. Saw Lavash's reviews and thought it was worth a shot. Everything was great, and prepared just like I'd want it... the Kibbeh was steaming hot, but had a nice crisp "shell". The Lamb Chops were also cooked perfectly... very tender & juicy. I got my order to go, but looks like a clean/decent place if you want to eat in. Will definitely stop back in the next time I'm in Columbus!
(5)
Shanna L.
Love the chicken shawarma sandwich and their french fries. I have no idea why french fries are always a staple at Mediterranean places, wouldn't a side of hummus make more sense? My only pet peeve is Pepsi products, yuck! Staff is always very nice and even gave us a freebie last week.
(4)
Carrie M.
All I really wanted was stuffed grape leaves - which came loosely wrapped and falling apart, incredibly oily and greasy, and with a bad sour taste.
(2)
Sidu C.
Love the basmati rice and the fried red snapper!!! The owner is almost always there talking to certain clients and makes sure you are ok (he comes and asks whether your food is ok - although he skips people from time to time). Hate the wait. It's hard to get a seat around dinner time. The location is fine and parking is in rear but can be crowded. It's kind of pricey for what you get. Good dinner entrees are no less than $8. Bad if you are a poor college student.
(3)
Daniel H.
Love this place. Black bean hummus is so good. When I get carry out, I pop the pita slices in my oven for 5-7 minutes at 325 to get them warm and a little crispy. Kabob sandwich (sandwich = rolled), chicken gyro, beef and lamb gyro, etc.....all are delicious. Fries are fresh cut and made to order. The baklava is great as well. I keep getting the pistachio.
(5)
Briden S.
I have only been here one time, and maybe I should give it a second chance. These are just my feelings but I'm not a huge Mediterranean food, so it goes with out saying I am probably not going to like the food. The fries are nice and thick cut, but I really could not find anything else that was interesting to have. Maybe it is my lack of knowledge of what I may like to what they are serving. But I ended up not finishing more than half of my meal and that was after convincing myself to keep eating it.
(3)
J Bradford L.
"Fetchez la vache!" - famous line from Monty Python's Holy Grail spoken by Frenchman from top of castle wall. Now that's out of the way, I got to try Lavash today and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got the lentil soup, which was good and had some different spices in it than other Lentil soups, I've had. I also had the lamb shwarama. Delicious!! I'm always looking for meat alternatives to beef and the middle eastern/Mediterraneans really have something going with the Lamb. I'm not talking necessarily about the "lamb" gyro meat, I'm talking tender delicious lamb. Wifey had the fatayer (hard word for 'Mericans to figure out) which was also good, but the best thing was the baklava!! Really good, really fresh, lots of varieties dripping in honey, pistachios, butter and phyllo. My only complaint is this and other middle eastern places serve basically street food, but charge sit down dinner prices for their grub. I get that its high quality, but the ingredients are cheap and the same in almost every dish. I don't like paying for fancy decor in which to eat my shwarama or kebob. Definitely worth checking out, though and good fuel for my latest obsession with middle eastern and indian food.
(4)
TJ R.
An excellent middle eastern option. The sides and salads we've tried have all been great, and I can particularly recommend the lentil soup and tabouleh salad. I've tried several of their special entrees and been impressed. The Turkish coffee and dessert selection are always tempting. The staff are all friendly and helpful. The interior decor is cozy and warm.
(5)
L. M.
The kibbeh appetizer is wonderful. Other dishes also good. We often carry out, so we stick with regular menu items. We've had the whole fish special when dining in -- it was terrific. The owner is always on site ensuring great hospitality.
(5)
L A.
one of the best arabic Mediterranean food you could have in columbus. i definitely recommend to give it a try .
(5)
Rachel L.
Lavash is pretty good. I've eaten there twice and had carry-out once. It's good food, but I gave it 4 stars because there wasn't something that made this better than other places I've tried. Really, it is good though!
(4)
Evan S.
Pleasantly surprised to have seen the authenticity of the food here! The shata (arab version of salsa/chili paste) was very very tasty, and made to perfection. The Hummus was very tasty as well, not too creamy, not too oily either. Really enjoyed the falafels and how they were formed into smaller more traditional sizes compared to what we normally see in other middle eastern restaurants. The chicken tikka was very juicy and not overdone. This place is great! Would definitely come back again.
(4)
Sandy R.
I went there for dessert and coffee on Easter night due to a friend's suggestion...plus it was about the only place around that was open! I was pleasantly surprised. The service was super-friendly and attentive, the baklava was great, and the other dishes that I saw other patrons get looked really good and fresh. Even though it was really crowded and noisy, that didn't even bother me as much as it might have otherwise. Also very clean and decorated nicely. I'm sure I'll return for a meal the next time. Yea the ONLY complaint is that parking is at a real premium. I was lucky enough to get a space due to someone leaving. I guess besides the SMALL lot behind, you'll have to do off street parking. I like this place though and look forward to returning.
(4)
Rachel P.
Falafel withdrawal: An uncommon problem that results in some of the most ridiculous cravings I've ever encountered. This disease is usually contracted in some Eastern European or Middle Eastern Country. In my case, Israel. This is due to the over-exposure of having falafel or anything with chick-peas nearly every day for more than a weeks time. Some cases are more serious than others and can lead to a life-long addiction. Thankfully for people living in Columbus, there is a cure: Lavash. This place is situated right next to my apartment complex and the smell constantly wafts over to my window. I love their falafel and their bread the best. The sauce in the falafel is a little bitter, but It still satisfies just fine. However, I always feel that their humus is lacking in something. I can't put my finger on what that something is, but that something is like a flavor. I think it might be garlic? However, attention to detail, color and presentation are a strong suit of the restaurant. The owner/manager/ head chef is always walking around asking people how they liked their meal. It's such a nice personal touch. Lastly, if you're still hungry (probably not considering that their food comes with fries, and pita and sometimes rice) they have delicious desserts! Which...you can also buy in their bakery Simple Sweets down the street!
(4)
Dennis L.
Can we all agree that hummus is one of the best things we have here on earth? Even the kind made with soybean oil and sold in plastic tubs at the grocery store is good, but at places like Lavash, where it's got tons of olive oil and paprika and parsley, and served with thick, warm pita bread... it's difficult to think of something better. Lavash has some really good food. In addition to the hummus, I got the kefta, two well-sized hunks of lamb/beef mixture, with a really nice charred flavor. That was served with a lightly dressed salad of iceberg, cucumbers and tomatoes, and delicious basmati rice with toasted almonds. Pretty much the only sour note of the meal was the iced mint tea, which tasted kinda like water with toothpaste squirted into it. But it grew on me the more I drank of it. Not much atmosphere here; this afternoon, some people were having trouble finding tables after they ordered, and one boisterous group was making a lot of noise in the tight space. It looks like maybe they're working on adding an outdoor area, so that'll be nice in the summer. I'll be back here... the menu is large and I definitely want to try more of it.
(4)
Greg L.
Has something changed at Lavash? The beef-lamb shawarma was nearly cold, salty and with no flavor. It was also very chewy. The soup was nice, but waaay too salty. Rice was great, as in the past. Salad (side) - drenched with lots of very sour french dressing. I had better falafels in the past either made at home or in other places - these were too dry and with little flavor. All together, we left disappointed and $40 poorer.
(2)
MJ L.
Chicken and beef sharwarma sandwiches are fantastic here! The flat bread wrapping is just perfect for holding all the goodies together, meat is well marinated and juicy and the sauce... I don't know what they put in there, but it's just a tangy goodness, YUM! Hummus is smooth and flavorful. When we ate at the restaurant, it came with thick, golden bread, but when when we ordered it to go, it came with standard pita bread... I much prefer the thick bread... not sure which one is standard though. I also recommend their pistachio baclava made of perfectly layered crunchy, toasty pastry with wonderfully sweet and nutty mixture in the center... oh man, was it good! Service was very pleasant as well. After ordering at the counter, we had to stand around to wait for an available table (this was Friday dinner rush hour, the place was packed!). Wait staff there will keep track of you and make sure to get you a table in the order you came in, so no need to eyeball other customers stalking the same table. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Alexa A.
Love this place, my favorite local spot for a quick wheat-free meal in Clintonville.
(4)
Erin K.
Let me preface my review by saying that I really, truly hate hummus. Because of this, I am often scared of Mediterranean food. However. I really liked Lavash. I got the lamb kebab entree. It was huge. Hugeeeee. They give you the kebab, rice, pita, and a salad. Long after my boyfriend had finished, I was still eating. The lamb was good: moist and flavorful. And the rice and pita were fresh and yummy. I actually ate some of the salad (which I usually do not do because salads are for bunnies) and enjoyed it. And there was no hummus on my food HOORAY! And p.s. I liked their iced mint tea. It was so refreshing!
(4)
Mindy B.
I have ordered Lavash many times for carry out. Its in my neighborhood, the food is good, etc. Last night I became sick shortly after eating the Lavash Combo. It made me sad because I really enjoy their food. So I call today to let them know. I was polite, asked for a manager and explained that my intention was truly just to be helpful. Sadly, I was immediately discounted. The manager told me right off that she eats there every day. OK, but maybe we eat different things. I say. She tells me that I'm the only one that called and I find that I am defending myself. Look - I know when food has made me sick and this made me sick. I'm not as disappointed about the food as I am with the response to my call. I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end of a good restaurant.
(2)
Kristin A.
Soooo good! First of all, I have to say how nice and incredibly patient the employees were, because when my roommate and I walked in, I swear we stood there for at least 15 minutes, scouring the menu, trying to pick which of the tempting items we were going to try, and they never rushed us or acted annoyed. It was totally obvious that we were first-timers, and the owner actually came out and graciously helped us make our decision. Actually, he kind of ordered for my friend, saying "she'll have the lamb," but it was a great decision. The lamb was so tender and perfectly seasoned. Since everything sounded delicious and I couldn't make up my mind, I ordered a plethora of appetizers. I got the Kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, and spinach and cheese fatayer. It's hard not to like something that's fried, so of course the kibbeh (fried balls of beef, onions, and pine nuts) was good. The grape leaves were my attempt to get something semi-healthy, and they tangy and delectable, but similar to other restaurants that I have tried. The fatayer was especially delicious... I don't know what seasonings they blend in with the spinach and cheese, but it works. Paired with some plain yogurt, I was hooked! If nothing else, go to Lavash for the Baklava. OMG it's to die for. Since we were so obviously first-timers at Lavash, the owner insisted that we try the Baklava (on the house!) because he wanted to make sure we came back. One bite into that flaky, sweet square of heaven and I knew I would be back. I honestly have craved baklava ever since.
(5)
Kevin D.
Best damn pita bread in the city. Reminds me of a hybrid of the greek style I used to get back in Montreal and the traditional Middle-Eastern kind that most sub-optimal local Med places (Alladin's I'm looking at you) serve. The food was amazing - but I'd return just for the bread, oh and the Baba....
(5)
S R.
Ordered the beef shwarma sandwich for lunch. It was soo delicious. The portion was quite large that it should feed two people. There was so much beef stuffed in that wrap, Im not sure how I finished it. Anyway, glad to find this halal place nearby. Several patrons ordered the red snapper platter. It is the entire fish with the head...and I have to get that next time. and and and they make Turkish coffee. AND they leave the pot thing at your table so you can really finish it off and scoop out the powder.. The decor is very pretty.
(5)
Beth S.
If I had to design a restaurant for the Columbus market and palate, this would be it. Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was pleasant. Upon entering, you're greeted with half a dozen frames holding newspaper reviews; always a good sign that the owners know how to work and and know how to show it off. The display case that you choose your food form is brightly lit and makes the food look enticing. You order, pay, sit down, and wait for them to call your name with your hot food. My table and I ordered whole fried grouper and red snapper, as well as some lavash leg of lamb wraps. The lavash bread is flatter and more cracker like, if you will, than its cousin the pita bread. Service was prompt and friendly. The only negative i found was the lack of background music... is it just me or does this just kill the mood? I love ambient music... too bad there was none today. Didn't ruin the flavors of the baklava, though. Sweet enough to give me cavities, but i ate it any way
(4)
Nick S.
Lavash serves solid Mediterranean food in a modern cafe setting. Everything I've ever had here has been top-notch. The baba is the best I've ever had: smoky and delicious. Tonight I had the Kefta Kebab entree. It was everything I could ever want out of a meal: A nice, fresh little salad, rice, and ground meat, wrapped around a stick, and cooked over an open flame. (I can't think of anything else you could possibly do to make meat more delicious.) Is Lavash so good that I would travel across town for it? Probably not. It's good, but there's a lot of good Mediterranean in Columbus. However, if you're in the area you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Amanda A.
Everything at Lavash is delicious, and if you ever go and they have the WHOLE Fried Red Snapper special you have to get it! The staff has always been super friendly! Highly recommended!
(5)
Joe B.
Lavash Cafe is an excellent restaurant. The food is excellent, super tasty, complex and complete. It was described to me as a "mediterranean Northstar" and that sums it up well. Not to mention Lavash is spotlessly clean. I ordered a chicken special, turkish coffee, and sampled some of their incredible pastries. Out of this world. I will be back and recommend Lavash Cafe to all.
(5)
Randy M.
Since moving to Columbus, I've been eager to try some Greek food, since the city's residents tend to tote the vast selection and quality when it comes to this category. Hearing good things about this place, I was skeptical when I drove into the little back parking lot. It didn't seem like anything special, but maybe that was Hungry Howie's fault. Walking in instantly changed my mind. There's a glass case filled with desserts and pastries, as well as one showcasing meat on kabobs. On the back wall, a colorful wall makes this place really pop with color. I ordered the beef shwarma wrap, and it was excellent, albeit a bit messy toward the end with all the juices dripping out of my wrapper. I guess that's a sign of good greek food. My only complaint is that at times this place can get crazy crowded, but the owner makes every effort possible to make sure people can find a seat and enjoy their food.
(4)
Julie P.
I just don't it. The food is bland and boring. Their gyros could be better used as doorstops. Maybe bookends. On the upside, the salads are nice and fresh. Yawn...
(2)
Sarah B.
I love this place, and am so happy it's only a few blocks from my house. The walls are pretty, everything is clean, but sometimes it can get a little crowded around lunchtime... I guess that's a good thing. I've been there 4 times, twice I got the vegetarian lavash platter (dolma, tabouleh, hummus, and falafel) . Delish. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had (yeah, whatever, haven't been to Greece, maybe it's not the best for everyone but I love it). The dolma are fairly average, but still yummy, and the tabouleh is very fresh and fabulous. Last time, I got the roasted chicken entree, which is half of a roast chicken, a serving of rice, and a little green salad. I think it was the best roast chicken I've ever bought from a restaurant. I loved it, ate it down to the bone, and had enough leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day. Yum. The baklava is good, although maybe a bit over-priced.
(5)
John D.
Mediterranean for the Yuppie in You Huge menu, casual format, and freshly prepared, healthful food. Avoid peak hours--the place can get a little crowded. This place destroys Aladdin's in every possible way.
(5)
Sam B.
This place has very good Mediterranean food. We almost always get a kebob of some sort, it comes with a heaping of rice and a side salad. The hummus is fresh and so is the pita bread. Sometimes it comes warm straight out of the oven. Yum.
(4)
Angela S.
Fiance wanted to take me here on my most recent Columbus visit. I was very impressed by the vast selection of desserts on display as I walked in - definitely want to try those the next time I stop by. The staff themselves are one of the highlights of Lavash - incredibly friendly and helpful. This is not a full service restaurant, yet they offered to box my leftovers for me and gave me extra sauce to go. Also, one of the cooks asked me how I was doing when I went up to get my food, which is a little touch that for me makes a big difference. The food itself is great - I got some extremely flavorful lamb/beef kabobs with great tasting rice and a nice side salad (great touch). Well done!
(5)
Ian K.
Lavash is a wonderful cafe hidden in plain sight. Bright colors and amazing smells greet you upon entering and that's only the beginning. My girlfriend had the Lebanese Mousaka, which is sort of a deconstructed take on the Greek version (more like lasagna), with the typical eggplant but added chickpeas and a side of rice. I went for the falafel appetizer and the Mojadara entree, a flavorful heap of rice, lentils, and other vegetables. Aside from our choices, they have a variety of meat dishes, many of which can be seen in the display case up front. Mouth-watering to say the least.
(4)
Jenny B.
I love fast casual and Lavash is a great example of how it can be done well. Everything that I have had here has always tasted great, from there apps like hummus, sandwiches like their chicken shwarma, to their entrees like their roasted chicken. I guess I would say that my only complaint would be the oil that drips to the bottom of my chicken shwarma. I don't know how it could have so much oil since the chicken is spinning around on the spit and the oil should be dripping out. I do love the garlic sauce that they put on it. I think I could eat that with everything!! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. And if you are ever need a chocolate hit, their chocolate cupcakes will really hit the spot!
(4)
Brandon M.
This place had been on my list of places to check out for quite a while now and finally bit the bullet the other evening. After eating there I had to wonder what took me so long? Lavash has rocketed toward the top of my low price high quality restuarants. For $20 the significant other and I had soup, falafel appetizer, hummus, gyro plate and drinks. I can understand why they are always busy.
(4)
Fozz M.
This place was amazing. Definitely some of the best middle-eastern food I have had in ages. The atmosphere was nice, the staff was helpful and the food was amazingly tasty. I had a shrimp special and the portion was quite sizable with a nice side salad. I also ordered the hummus which was one of the better ones that i've had. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Marit S.
I have been to Lavash twice in the last week, so that should tell you something. On my first visit, I had the Lamb Kabob with a side of hummus--I got a coupon for a free one in the mail, which lured me in. I would have ventured in regardless, but I am a sucker for anything "free!" The kabob came with saffron rice with slivered almonds. YUM. I could have eaten a plate of the rice alone. It was perfect. The lamb was cooked just right and came nice and hot. My second time, I ordered the spinach and cheese fatayer and hummus for my meal. The fatayer was awesome. Most of them I've had are really flaky, but this one was nice and soft--I highly recommend it. They are made to order. I know there isn't anything too fancy about pita bread--but theirs is so warm and FLUFFY. And if you go through your basket, they'll gladly give you more! The dessert case was VERY tempting. I was able to pass it up on my first visit--but had to give in on the second time around. Rather than go with a standard baklava, I went with homemade carrot cake--which was AMAZING. I will definitely be hitting up Lavash again!
(4)
Meg O.
I feel like I've experienced quite a few mediterranean/Middle Eastern-style food joints throughout Columbus and Ohio, and Lavash just doesn't measure up. I liked the open feeling of the place, and the color scheme and set up of the counter where one orders is quite nice, but that's pretty much it. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma entree, and we also got hummus for an appetizer. You get a lot of food, but it's not really worth what they charge for it. The hummus was SUPER bland, and seemed to consist of 75% olive oil drizzled over the top. I mean, WTF? I didn't order olive oil with a side of hummus. The "pita" bread that came with it was like eating cardboard. Very, very bland. My chicken shawarma was...well, let's just say it could have given the Mojave Desert a run for its money. Suuuper dry, and again, not flavorful. Same with the rice concoction that came with it. HOWEVER, the one redeeming factor was the "garlic crack" (my terminology, not Lavash's) that was in a little cup off to the side, I think to make the shawarma a little tastier. Word to the wise: if you don't like garlic, this concoction is not for you. It's like pure garlic ambrosia. I like to laugh at people who bitch and moan and complain about the tiniest problems when it comes to food, but I don't make a complaint to this degree unless I'm really dissatisfied. And as far as Lavash goes, I think I'm going to go elsewhere to appease my mediterranean food fetish.
(2)
Lisa S.
A friend that lives near Lavash Cafe has been telling me for weeks that I need to try it. He spoke of display cases filled with lushes goods. So it was on this recommendation that I stopped in to Lavash the other day. I so terribly wish that I would have brought my camera with me. My friend that described to me the beautiful displays completely understated how gorgeous and delicious everything actually looked. Lavash Cafe's strongest point would be their design, color scheme, and atmosphere. These things go a long way in enjoying a delicious meal. The color scheme consists mostly of warm cream yellows and sea foam greens and blues. One wall is covered in fabric panels in complimentary colors. There's a decent amount of seating, and a raised platform with two long dinner tables that could seat 8 people each. Everything felt clean and fresh. The food, which is ordered at the counter, was a reflection of the atmosphere. I had the Shawarma on Pita Bread with a side of French Fries. The meat was good, not greasy like my campus favorite. The tahini sauce was a little off putting because I'm not used to tahini, but towards the end of my meal I had gotten used to the creamy sauce. The pita was grilled and crispy. The fries were seasoned and generously portioned. My mom ordered the Mojadara which consists of Rice and Lentils and served with a Lavash Salad. A Lavash Salad is comprised of diced Tomatoes, Garlic, Cucumbers, Parsley, Mint and Tahini Sauce. I found the Rice and Lentils to be a little dry, but the Lavash Salad was incredibly refreshing. Sandwiches are reasonably priced at under $6, and not a single entree surpasses $10. And of course what would a proper review be without a little dessert. Or in this case, baklava. I made sure to take some home with me for Matthew B. I need to make another trip to Lavash, to try more menu items and to bring along my camera and capture some of the beauty of the inside of this tiny Cafe.
(5)
Steve B.
First time here and a rookie with this type of food but it was terrific.
(5)
Big Baby Jesus C.
OK, so here's the deal, you may find the food bland, but no one has said it wasn't fresh. The food is always fresh at Lavash, and everyone is friendly. I am no expert on Palestinian food, or Mediterranean food as it's called now to not alarm the bovine masses and make them think they are supporting terrorism by buying some dinner here, but I like everything I have tried here EXCEPT the baba ghanoush. The owner (guess one person thinks he's "self important") is the nicest guy ever, although I don't know his name. He is always asking if you like your food, and if everything is tasty. In fact, the one time I had the baba ghanoush, he overheard me tell my companion I didn't like it, and asked if everything was ok. I just didn't have the guts to say I didn't like it, because he looked borderline hurt by hearing I didn't like it. Seldom do owners/managers/employees/servers give a sh!t whether I am happy about things, much less earnestly care. As far as what to order, it's easy, whatever is on special. The plates are sitting saran wrapped on the counter to the left of the cash register. Pick whatever sounds good, and wait for them to call your name. When I say pick what you want to eat, I mean lamb, okra, don't be annoying and fuss over what's in chicken biryani. You'll get salad (dressing's always on the side, not sure what someone was complaining about) and bread (pita or lavash or a mix) and a heaping plate of whatever you ordered and some seasoned rice. I have lost count of the dinner specials I have ate here, all $8.95 or so. If you order to-go near closing time (9 m-th, 10 f&s) they hook you up with extra because it all gets tossed out anyhow (because they make it all fresh everyday :) ) I have also had the hummus here (great), dolmas (Like Aladdin's better, although Aladdin's [Dublin location] has really burnt me with old food before. 3 day old salad and it was carry out after work. I didn't realize it till I got home), kibbeh (alien yet tasty), gyro's (not my favorite), and a bunch of other stuff I forget the name of, all tasty. Oh, I forgot, the dessert case. I try and dodge this thing, but it's right by the door. Most confections are varied combinations of phyllo dough, honey, and some type of nut. There are also decadent looking cheesecake slices, and I had a pink lemonade cupcake one day when I was weak, and it was great. One more thing, the Turkish coffee. Amazing. If you haven't had Turkish coffee before, it takes awhile to make, so don't expect to walk away from the cash register with it after paying, and it has the finely ground coffee grounds still in it, so be aware of the sludge at the bottom of the pot.
(5)
Mark F.
We have only had Lavash carryout, but every experience has been great. Friendly, knowledgeable service over the phone, friendly service at the restaurant, and the food is tremendous. Desserts are to die for and the mains are reasonably priced and incredibly big. The shwarmas are huge and awesome. Can't give this place high enough marks. In Clintonville, we are hurting for neighborhood joints with good grub. In Lavash, we finally have a place we can hang our hats.
(5)
James F.
My family and I took our first trip to Lavash Cafe last night and we were very impressed. First, the food itself was excellent. I had the leg of lamb plate and the meat was tender, flavorful, and plentiful, but not so much that you felt like a glutton. The pilaf was tender but not mushy. My wife had the gyro plate - a similar experience awaited her. The gyro sauce on top complemented but didn't overpower the meat. They had both traditional middle eastern desserts and some American desserts, both of which were excellent. The baklava was flaky and tasty but not overpoweringly sweet. Beverages were excellent as well. My son had a Mango smoothie and enjoyed it all. I had the Turkish coffee and it was very tasty, strong, and sweet. My wife enjoyed the mint tea. My kids shared with us, and also split some hummus and falafel. My son loved the falafel... my daughter almost didn't get any. :) I didn't get a chance to try it myself, due to his speed eating. The service was friendly and accommodating. I had my hands full getting three trays to the table and one of the employees helped me with the third immediately. They brought our drinks to our table as soon as they were ready as well. The decor was colorful but not overwhelming. The restaurant was clean and well-laid out. Restrooms were kept very clean. Only criticism is that the restaurant is a little light on amenities for kids. A kids' menu would be nice, and though they had high chairs, they could also stand to have a couple of booster chairs for kids who are too big for high chairs but not quite big enough for regular chairs. Edit - the last time we went in they had some high chairs available. So that problem is gone.
(4)
Mindy W.
I love the food and service at Lavash. I wish they offered full-service and booze, but it cuts down on cost. I have never had a bad meal here! The gyro meat is always delicious (I try to avoid eating lamb as a rule of thumb, but I sneak a few bites of my boyfriend's when he gets it), and all of the kebabs are tasty. I get really excited when they have Indian-inspired dishes. Their chicken curry is one of the best I have ever tasted. I love that entrees come with salad, bread and rice. The rice is awesome with the nuts and fresh herbs. It's my favorite side dish. I would never consider their food bland. It's some of the most flavorful food I have had in Columbus. On top of that, it IS always so fresh! The salads are always green and crisp. Last year, during Ramadan, they had samosas that were to die for. They were huge, moist, and made with the perfect amount of dough. I was really sad to hear that they really only make these treats during holidays. Their Baklavah is also really good. I try to avoid getting cupcakes or anything, but they always look tasty.
(5)
Nbdy U.
My favorite middle eastern place in the city. I basically stick to two things, the vege lavash (I always recommend the tortilla like lavash over the pita when you have the choice) - it has baba ghanouj, humus, and tabouli and some other stuff wrapped up, super delish; and when I was doing no carbs, they have an EXCELLENT salad with a kebab spread out over it, yummy pieces of filet/tenderloin. Also, their french fries are my favorite in the city. Reasonably priced too, the wrap is $4.50 or $4.96 and the salad is $10. I am so happy that when I moved I am now closer to Lavash.
(5)
Erin R.
Since this is really their first week being open, I definitely had to cut Lavash Cafe some slack in working out the kinks. Last night I got home from a business trip and was starving, so my boyfriend and I decided to walk around the corner to try this place out since we saw a lot of people dining throughout the past few days. The cafe is very bright and laid back, you order at the counter and then pick your food up once its ready. The menu has a variety of entrees, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and soup. There is also a large bakery case with 15 kinds of baklava and other mediterranean desserts. I had the lamb kabob sandwich on lavash bread, but there was also a choice of pita, and baba ghannouj. My boyfriend had the lamb kefta sandwich on lavash and french fries. The food was prepared fairly quickly and tasted fresh, and besides a few mixups with people's takeout orders, everything seemed to be running smoothly. The kabob sandwich was great and had just been grilled. Both sandwiches also came with a small side salad of tomato, lettuce and cucumber. The french fries were seasoned and very hot, which is something i appreciate even if i almost burn my mouth trying to eat them. My boyfriend wasn't as big of a fan of his sandwich as i was of mine, but he tried mine and agreed it was very good. He works at another notorious greek restaurant in town, so he is a little biased. The baba was excellent, and came with plenty of fresh pita. I devoured it. The staff was very friendly and came around to every table it seemed to ask how everything was. They were also helpful in explaining anything on the menu. My one complaint would be that the menu is posted high up and is kind of difficult to read, but overall it was a good experience at a place that is just starting out. Over time I'm sure the kinks will be worked out. I think Lavash Cafe is a great casual mediterranean restaurant for takeout or to dine in as an alternative to Alladin's or other sit down table service mediterranean restaurants in town. Both of us were able to eat for less than $20, and by the time I got up to leave I no longer felt starved. Everything was fresh and well-prepared, and the laid-back atmosphere was just what I needed at the end of a hectic day.
(4)
Diana U.
I love love LOVE Lavash. Very clean looking place with extremely friendly staff. The owner's always out and about on the floor to greet customers and see that everybody is happy. Food tastes fresh and there's a very good variety. I'd suggest getting the sandwich rather than an entree if you are not a big eater like me because the entree servings are huge. I enjoyed the shwarma very much and I've had a lot of other great things that I can't remember. Pastry selection is so fun - huge cupcakes, different kinds of baklava, and more. Great place. Go now.
(4)
Rich S.
New school Middle Eastern joint with awesome garlic sauce. All the food is delicious and they make my favorite chicken shawarma in Columbus.
(4)
Monaco C.
Food and service is great. Chicken can be a little tough once in awhile but I love this place!
(4)
Kris K.
The last time I was there, I placed an order, sat down and the owner told me I could not sit down because I was by myself and he needed the tables for customers. I'll never go there again. (In regards to the food, it's just okay, way overpriced.)
(1)
J D.
Went there tonight for dinner and was mighty impressed. I know Nasir from his days at Firdous on campus and then in the North Market, so expected good stuff, and not disappointed. I ordered the babganoush app and the 'special' of lamb chops w/potates/veggies/rice. The babaganoush was awesome: it had a good smokey char thing going on, with plenty of good garlic, tahini and cumin, too. With a drizzle of olive oil-damn fine. The chops were good, too, though a little over done for my taste (I prefer lamb medium-rare) but still tender and well seasoned, with no too much fat, either. The rice was gently perfumed, tender and delicious, while the potates were moist and delicious with a garlic dipping sauce. For dessert, Nasir brought out two small baklava that were spot on. They are made in middle eastern bakery in Detroit for him with real honey (rather than molasses or corn syrup-eck, like some). With a capuccino, what a great end to a great meal. All in all, very please for a fairly inexpensive meal. Glad to have Nasir back after a few years away, and even more glad to have him here in Clintonville-lord knows we need more restaurants with his fervor and attention to the food. Bon appetito!
(4)
Perry L.
Friendly staff, delicious food, convenient location. What more could you want ^_^
(5)
anne h.
Love this place. The lentil soup is outstanding, simple, hearty, and healthy! The lamb is always cooked to order and rare is rare, mid rare is mid-rare unlike other places with similar menus that serve lamb well no matter how you order it. Can't comment on the desserts as I'm not a sweet tooth. Spicy black bean hummus is awesome and the baba ganoush is delightful, smoky and complex. The food is never over salted so I add a little salt or lemon to bring out the complexity of some dishes - that's how I prefer it - you can't correct over salted. If you happen in on an evening when they are serving muncef, order it... The owner is charming and genuinely interested in making your experience as wonderful as possible. Thank you, Narsir!! Oh, and try the hot sauce - he excels at wonderful hot sauce.
(5)
Sanmit B.
decent med fare, fairly standard prices, good service = ok to good (more 3.5 stars than 3)
(3)
Ka T.
This food was great and reasonably priced. The cashier was able to definitely spend the time explaining each dish to me so that i can make the best decision. The food came out great and even though it says no waiter service its not completely true. They come out behind the counter and take care of each and ever customer. Even the chef came out. Very impressed.
(5)
Shannon W.
I went here with a friend for a "farewell" lunch. The food is great and good portions for the price. I recommend the Gyro plate and hot mint tea! The staff is friendly and fast. Quaint and simplistic decor complete the experience. I highly recommend you give it a try!
(5)
Jason S.
Lavash tent at arts festival. F-ing terrible. What makes people think an $8 gyro can taste that bad? Yes. I was hungry and didn't expect much but holy crap did Lavash underdeliver. Worst. Gyro. Ever. Ate two bites and threw it away.
(1)
Drew C.
BOTTOM LINE: Lavash is just fine. On food alone I might have given it 3 stars, but I have a soft spot for hard-working entrepreneurial types. And the chef/owner went out his way to make sure his customers were comfortable and happy - for me, that's worth an extra star. Some things were great, some were average. Nothing was bad. THE FOOD: As with with any ethnic restaurant, seeing natives eating in the place gave me comfort. There were middle-eastern people throughout the restaurant so I felt like I was gonna get a traditional meal. I was right. In the tradition of ACTUAL middle eastern food, the fare is uncomplicated. Meat, veggies, wrap, a lil hummus - done. It's cooked with care and not overly seasoned. The chicken shwarma was especially good. Beef/lamb shwarma was refreshingly meaty - not swimming in oil or seasoning. I felt like I was tasting the flavor of the flesh, which many chefs are afraid to do. The hummus was a let down. Just average. I can get that anywhere. The bread, however, is wonderful. I mean, really effin' good. The fallafel is above average, and pretty good for Columbus, but I have had better in other large, metropolitan cities. The Baklava was good though clearly pre-made offsite. THE ATMOSPHERE: Quaint and clean. The chef checked in on tables personally. I liked it. Has a small, NY counter deli kind of feel. DISCLAIMER: The menu is HUGE. We got chicken shwarma, beef/lamb shwarma, hummus,falaffel and baklava. I do plan on going back and trying more things and I'd be happy to amend this review should I get my socks knocked off WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: It's good food. You'll be pleased but you probably won't be raving for days. You'll get a good, traditional-esque middle-eastern meal and you won't have many complaints. Oh, and the price is nice.
(4)
Meredith H.
Recently moved to Columbus and this place has already become a regular in my restaurant rotation. The food is always good, whether it's lamb, chicken or shrimp. Have eaten in the restaurant and to-go and the orders are always correct. Solid choice for middle-eastern food and (pretty sure?) locally owned/not a chain. Would definitely recommend to others and take friends there!
(4)
Melanie M.
Pretty decent! I was assured that everything listed on the vegetarian menu was also vegan. Honestly, it wasn't the most flavorful food of this genre that I've ever had, but it wasn't the blandest either. Pretty good though. Definitely friendly staff as well.
(3)
John Q.
I first found out about this place through their groupon promotion last year. The parking lot is pretty small in the back and the inside is also kind of small but the food is delicious and service is pretty fast (5-10 minute wait). I enjoy this place and can not wait to return. I tried the Fatoush salad (mentioned in Christina C.'s review) and was not too impressed but to each their own. I like their gyros.
I ordered the lentil soup, the Lavash salad, and the baba ghanoush. I would say that, overall, this meal was mediocre at best. The Lavash salad was the worst part: as much dressing as vegetables, it was entirely inedible. The baba ghanoush was bland and left much to be desired. The soup was good, but not enough so to validate my dining experience. To add insult to injury, my companion and I tried to clear our table but could not find the spot in which to put our trays. Leaving them on our table, the self-important owner chastised us. Overall, I'd have rather spent my money elsewhere and I do not think that I will be going back. There are a number of (much) better Mediterranean restaurants in town.
(2)
Megan H.
Delicious. Great Mediterranean food!
(5)
Melanie B.
Just wanted to say, I still love Lavash. The turkish coffee is Amazing, and my favourite dish is the lamb shawarma on lavash - I've even taken it to some friends so they could try it. Today I also tried to hummus, which is excellent and unlike the super authentic hole in the wall places in my old 'hood in Chicago, Lavash doesn't drown their hummus in olive oil - just a drizzle, which is perfect. Also, I split the coconut cupcake with a friend the other day - to die for! And now that Lavash has opened that little side outside patio, WATCH OUT! I sense a truly amazing summer in the cville.
(5)
Bryan H.
Wow, this food is incredible. Nasir cooked up some incredible food at Firdous, but he's taken it to the next level. The interior is very cool, and you can pick your meal out of the glass cases when you walk-in. I tried the Lamb Schawarma with fries and hummus, all three were incredible. My friend Jon had the beef kabob with rice - looked tasty - he was eating it so quickly, I didn't have a chance to ask him for a taste. Portions were good and the food was very fresh. Quick, great price in a relaxed atmosphere. I have a new favorite restaurant!
(5)
Chad B.
Fantastic and unique Mediterranean food in Clintonville. One of our favorite places for a quick bite.
(5)
Allen W.
Lavash is super-clean always, the people are friendly and clean your table shortly after you're finished and the prices are very reasonable for the level of freshness offered! My wife and I spent $25 for two large meals and took left overs home. I would recommend this cafe to anyone who loves fresh and tasty mediterranean food!
(4)
Matthew G.
good not great; good prices for nice serving portions. amazing kefta, decent hummus; great grape leaves, good fries, meh baba ghanouj. thats as far as the dine in. the baklava is amazing through and through and not overly expensive.
(3)
Nathan S.
Solid but not quite "authentic" mediterranean food. The salad, lamb kabob, and rice were reasonably good and the fries were killer, way better than expected, but you have to order them a la carte. The "Pita", on the other hand, was like doughy Ponderosa dinner rolls that were cut up into triangles. C'mon guys, you're better than that. Would also be nice if they had some sort of mixed grill options, and hummus with the entrees, instead of having to order it separately. I liked it, but I think I'd put it a notch below Aladdin's or Happy Greek. One last suggestion, I ordered pick up over the phone, and still had to wait in the cashier's line for 10 minutes when I got there, so it would be nice to have a separate pickup order line.
(3)
Michelle M.
This place is great. Delicious food - check. Good prices - check. Friendly service - check. The owner is there every day and really cares about the food. The atmosphere could use a little face lift though.
(4)
Carl S.
This place is one of my favorites. On the occassions that I am in the area during the lunch or dinner hour, I get excited and head on over. My favorite is a gyro on lavash bread. Try the coffee. It is excelelnt and they will give you free refills.
(5)
Kurtis B.
My food here has always been incredible. Ive only ever had kabobs but their sooo good i never try anything else. Love it!
(5)
Steven H.
This place is fantastic! Everything I tried was absolutely delicious. The saffron-flavored rice was phenomenal, the lentil soup couldn't have been better, the lamb was perfectly seasoned and tasty and the customer service was attentive and friendly. Will definitely be back! Two thumbs way up. Highly recommended!
(5)
Lance N.
Had their Beef/Lamb Kabob, Lamb Chops, Snapper - all very good!
(5)
Julia C.
If you haven't tried Lavash Cafe, you should make a point to get there. The food is made from scratch every day. We have eaten at Lavash Cafe several times a week since they opened, and have yet to have a disappointing dish. They excel at lamb dishes, especially the roasted lamb special. The grape leaves are delicious (and are served with an equally delicious tahini sauce). There are always vegetarian options, including on the daily specials list. The owner is often on the dining room floor checking on your meal or giving you a friendly ribbing (he's got a great sense of humor). And don't forget to try out the house made baklava for dessert when they have it!
(5)
Sea K.
For the price, you won't find anything better in Columbus. Fresh ingredients, simple dishes, full flavors - all reasonably priced and healthy! Staff was super friendly, space was clean, no loud music/TVs and friendly setting for kids (had my 1 year old with me), hipsters, and seniors alike. Loved hearing at least 3 different languages being spoken by my fellow patrons. Sad I didn't get to try any of the scrumptious looking desserts (sampler platter was way too filling) but will surely be back! A neighborhood gem.
(5)
Ricardo B.
A friend recommended Lavash to me. I have eaten Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in many cities - some excellent. Lavash Cafe is now top on my list! This place on High street is clean and spacious. The food is of very good quality and so tasty. Prepared skewered meats of different kinds are beautifully displayed in an immaculate refrigerated case for your viewing enjoyment making it hard to decide which ones you have to miss once you make your decision... oh well, there's next time. The Shawarma is outstanding - you have choices of beef, chicken or lamb and they even let you have a combination. The tabouli is the freshest in Columbus... (I would add a touch of olive oil). Best humus in town (hands down!).Good baklava and other pastries and dessetrs of the kind with even espresso to go along. Everything is fairly priced and portions are quite generous. The owner, Nassir, is very well known in Columbus as a friendly, hard working man who knows his business well and really cares about quality and customer service -- he will come to your table to ensure your satisfaction. It's good to see he is back in business after a short hiatus. Oh, did I mention he caters? ... he's a sure hire for my next event. Try Lavash.. you will be glad you did.
(5)
John O.
i used to live across the street from this place. really really delicious food. always a good idea to check the specials before you order but, from my experience, you really can't go wrong here. the shrimp skewers, like most other items, are served with delicious mediterranean rice and a simple, tasty salad. along with pita hut on morse rd (and it's sister, ali baba near osu's campus) lavash makes quality mediterranean food seem so simple. fresh ingredients, diligent preperation - so easy to do if you just put a little CARE into it.
(4)
Irene M.
Cute neighborhood place. Very friendly service. The owner even came out to greet and ask after all the customers. I got the beef and lamb shawarma sandwich in a lavash. It was like a thin tortilla. The meat was good but not like shaved meat off the big chunk. My husband liked the falafel and hummus.
(4)
Tolga T.
We ate here for the first time tonight and it was excellent. After moving to Columbus from Chicago, we're always looking for good ethnic food. This place is a hit. I had the beef schwarma, which is made in house. Most of the ones around town are made from processed meat. My wife had the chicken schwarma sandwich, which she loved too. When we went up to order dessert and mint tea, the cashier said the desserts were on the house because he felt bad we had to wait a while for our dinner order. We didn't notice that the wait was long. Great customer service!! We'll definitely be back again!
(5)
Sydnee F.
Lavash is great! A friend repeatedly insisted I give it a shot, and we finally went with a few other lovely ladies. It's not a huge place and if the weather's nice, go for the patio. It's not super fancy, but large bushes and overhanging grape vines make it feel secluded. The food's definitely tasty. I've never liked falafel, not at all, but I love Lavash's. It's flavorful and fresh with a perfect crispy exterior; I usually order a vegetarian platter that includes it, but the name escapes me (it's probably called the Falafel Platter and I am a moron). The hummus is delicious as well, but the Spicy Black Bean version is by far the best, and either comes with pita that's to-die-for. The portions are pretty generous too; I always go home with leftovers. The prices are reasonable and drinks are self-serve, which I happen to like. There's generally parking available in the back, too; always a plus on High Street.
(5)
Lea P.
I somehow overlooked Lavash until my mother, who was visiting from out of town, picked it out from a list of Clintonville restaurants and said, "That sounds good." And it did, too. It fit the bill for us as a place for a pre-movie bite. You know how table service restaurants are always wild cards when you need to be someplace afterward? Well, this solved that dilemma without sacrificing the food quality. Order at the counter, eat at your leisure, leave when it's time... and have a fulfilling meal in the process. That said, it is a strange blend of casual and less so. The interior looks plasticky and fast foody, but we got our dishes on, well, dishes. With silverwear. A sign thanked us for bussing our own table, but we didn't see anyone actually doing that, and the employees were quick to clean up. An important-looking gentleman in a chef's coat (The chef? Owner? Manager? We weren't sure which he was, but probably one of those.) came out to ask us how our meal was. Though he had an air of "I'm just rushing through," it's rare to get that attention from a higher-up at such a casual establishment. The menu has enough variety for a range of dietary needs. I had the Lavash Plate (all veggie) and my mom had a Kefta Sandwich (totally the opposite), and we both enjoyed it. I don't know that I'll be hit by a Lavash craving at some random moment or anything, but it was a good dinner. Oh actually I might get hit by a craving for that pita bread. That was good stuff.
(4)
Joseph A.
My wife and I have been going here for several years now. The food is excellent. It is well prepared and spiced just right. They're very consistent with quality. We've never had a bad experience or even a mediocre one...just very good food.
(5)
Tom E.
Since my first visit I have been back half a dozen times at least. The owner treats me like we have been friends of the family for years. Every lunch is top notch. You can't beat this place for a great Mediterranean/Greek lunch. Period.
(5)
Angie K.
Hands down my favorite for tabouli and everything else. Owner is sweet and sincere staff is kind place is clean and they have outdoor seating. I have a chickpea intolerance so I don't get to enjoy hummus :( BUT I discovered last week they have a black bean hummus that beats up all other hummuses _ even theirs. Love the lamb wraps and mango smoothy too. A Must go!
(5)
Patrick P.
I was in town for business and decided to follow Yelp Nation on a restaurant recommendation. To no surprise the place had great food! I arrived right after they opened and got my schwarma on... I ordered the lamb shwarma meal with rice. It was very yummy. The deserts (baklava) looked good but i just did not have room. I will definitely go back there again when in town.
(4)
Christina C.
AH! I've found my new favorite salad - and a new found deep love and appreciation for Lavash. Thanks to the lovely employee (err, best saleswoman ever!) who directed me to try her - now my - favorite: The Fatoush salad. Crisp greens, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, parsley and more, all tossed in a spiced vinaigrette with fried pita strips. It was so full of flavor and not to mention huge! Best part is it was only $6.95. I didn't give Lavash enough credit the first time around. It's a Clintonville staple, with more than amazing food, and a destination I should probably frequent more based on my experience today. Plus the wifi is free! :) Did you say great place to work? The Turkish coffee is the bomb as well.
(4)
Hilary M.
The only craving I had while I was pregnant was for food from Lavash... especially their stuffed grape leaves. This place is one of my favorites in Columbus because they have a lot of vegan options. I've been there dozens of times and every time the manager has come by the table to personally check on us. I have never had a bad meal here and I love going back!
(5)
Stephen K.
Had the lamb shish kabob. It was great, definitely full afterwards. Restaurant has a friendly environment and great service. This middle eastern place was better than a very popular chain restaurant in Chicago.
(5)
ケリー
I lived in Columbus for three years, and ate at Lavash at LEAST twice a week. It's in my top 5 things I miss about Columbus and, I'd say 90% of the time it's the number one thing. Los Angeles has some of the best food in the world, but I've yet to find anything that compares when it comes to Mediterranean. All of the employees are incredibly friendly, the food is consistently good, there are always good specials, and the prices are great. I can't say enough about how good it is-- Definitely the best in Columbus for Mediterranean. What puts them over the top in my book is I was in Ohio for business and stopped into Lavash before flying back to the west coast armed with a Tupperware container and soft-cooler, and they were awesome enough to fill it extra full of rice and shawarma so I could surprise my boyfriend with one of his favorite meals.
(5)
Sharon B.
We discovered Lavash a few years ago, after reading a listing of some of the top sandwich restaurants in Columbus. This place has never disappointed us. The meats in the cold case - kabobs, raw lamb chops, etc. - look good enough and fresh enough to almost want to eat them raw. The tabbouleh is fresh, fresh, fresh, with plenty of parsley to give it crunch. If I thought it would hold up on the 3 hour drive home, I would buy it by the quart. Their pita is equally delicious; I am not sure if they make it in their own bakery, but the bread chef should be applauded. Portion sizes are quite generous; their sandwiches with one side should be enough for most appetites. This time, I had the beef/lamb shwarma; the meet was a little they this time, but the flavors are still perfect. BTW, one order of fries is enough to serve two people. I can't really speak about the dessert selection; it looks beautiful, but I am not a fan of baklava and the like, so I can't really address that area. When I have to go to Columbus, I often try to figure out how to include a trip to Lavash, no matter how short the visit will be. I wish them a long and profitable future, which gives me ample opportunity to enjoy their offerings.
(5)
Teresa N.
This is my first time visiting Lavash. Walking in, the environment was fine, modern, airy, and clean. One couldn't help but notice all the achievements this restaurant had on the wall. We were really excited to try out since they have pretty many stars and reviews on Yelp. I ordered a Kefta sandwich and tiramisu. Husband ordered Lavash combo (vegetarian dish). Prices were $7.95, $3.95, and $12.95. I gave 3 stars. One star for cleanliness. One star for the Kefta sandwich. The other star for the tiramisu. It was great and not too sweet. Husband didn't like his food. And I thought the food was pricy for the amount of food we received. We were still hungry after eating all of that. Not sure if we will return for the main dishes. Maybe just for the tiramisu. I'm a sucker for desserts.
(3)
Kevin D.
I enjoyed Lavash Cafe but wouldn't return. The pros: friendly service, nice casual atmosphere, big portions, fancy soda machine with dozens of flavors, food made fresh, big dessert selection. Cons: I just didn't love most of the food. Compared to other middle eastern restaurants that I frequent in other cities, I didn't care for a few of their dishes, specifically the falafel, grape leaves, baba ganoush and pita (very thick and bready). This is just my personal opinion however - I don't think anything was made poorly, they just weren't my taste. I think Lavash Cafe is definitely worth a visit.
(3)
Michael G.
Very typical menu offerings for a Mediterranean restaurant. You can read the other reviews on the food and the homey environment. I'm here to tell you about the quality. Top Notch! We've eaten here many times in this location and past locations known as Firdou's, and the food is consistently very good. I think they may have the best humus in town. Ditto for the lentil soup. Chicken is very tasty and seasoned well. Ask about the spice level on some of the foods, it may be a surprise for people who are not expecting it. Counter ordering is efficient. They have their ordering system down, although since this takes place at the front of the store, sometimes the line is out the door. Open kitchen and they coordinate orders well enough, announcing your order. Nice outdoor seating, but the tables usually need attention. Bathrooms are well maintained in a very busy environment. We are major Fans. Keep up the good work.
(5)
Anna S.
NOTE: Upgrading to three stars and updating for the sake of providing new information; will likely not return. I posted my previous one star review on my local Clintonville Discussion Forum Facebook page (post has now been removed by moderators). I was met with a lot of indignation, bullying, and it was also insinuated that I'm, perhaps, ignorant of immigrants' cultural norms/mores (which is interesting, since I'm Indian-American, my parents are 100% straight from India, I've lived in India/traveled abroad, and speak two other languages fluently other than English). In either case the pros: - The owner's son, who is also a co-owner, bought new trays so that all trays will be washed after one use. No more germs! Hummus for all! - He made a donation in my name to the Clintonville Resource Center for as "a gesture of goodwill". However, the cons: - The only explanation that was given for the the owner's rude behavior was my apparent misunderstanding of cultural norms. No apology, just that he couldn't have behaved the way I described. So, dear Yelpers, take my experience at face value. If you want good food, then this is definitely the restaurant to try. Nothing in my review suggest that the food is anything but delicious. If you have started to love Lavash over the years, and feel brave enough to offer some kind suggestions, then, perhaps, don't do it. You may be met with an irate business owner who is having a bad day.
(3)
Teri S.
Wonderful Mediterranean restaurant. We have been enjoying Nasir Latif's cuisine since the 80's when he owned Firdous and then Firdous Express. Just make sure you save room for dessert!
(5)
Sabrina R.
One of my favorite shawarma spots in Columbus. Everything is really fresh, amazing hummus and baklava.
(5)
Mary Margaret M.
Lavash is a great little spot to grab a bite in the Clintonville area. It's location on High Street is super convenient because they have their own lot as well as street parking. It's is my go-to spot for falafel and hummus. ~~The best I've had here~~ Their falafel sandwich (wrapped in lavash) with a side of hummus is super delicious and a dynamite lunch or dinner if there ever was one--some of the best in the city. I don't know what they do to their hummus, but it's my favorite I've ever had. So if you're in the mood for a little Mediterranean I'd recommend giving it a-go. Their pistachio baklava rocks my socks. If you dig pistachios it's a mighty fine after lunch/dinner dessert. You won't be sorry. ~~Worthy mention~~ Their grape leaves are good, but not greatest ever, but that doesn't mean I've stopped ordering them. I have also tried their Shawarma (Beef & Lamb) sandwich and it was good, but not my everything. Their best seating is outside on the patio so if it's nice, I'd recommend grabbing a spot out there. Their inside seating (particularly the lighting) has room for improvement. TIP: if you call ahead your order can skip the line--a good idea during peak lunch or dinner times.
(4)
julie j.
Please overlook the negative review below. I live in the area and have eaten at lavash over 50 times. Its clean its amazing and the owner is hands down the most sincere and involved guy you'll ever meet. Hes more like a owner of a five star joint than a little cafe. Its true, the restaurant is not a tip restaurant (you can tip a jar but many dont) and patrons should buss their own damn tables but the owner likes to keep on top of things and whenever possible he is having his bussers clear dishes and run and fetch whatever else you want and for minimum wage and no tip. The trays are not with food sitting on them any length of time and of course would be washed if any food accidentally dripped on them. They are literally carried from the counter to the table and any table there is max 15 feet away its that compact a place. Lets add that our lovely restaurant owner who is on the floor all night every night speaks with a heavy middle eastern accent and may miss the nuances of an American conversation. And lets say because he is so proud of his restaurant and so tired from his devotion that he misunderstands and thinks that reused trays is reused food. So he gets upset because he works so hard to accomodate all his guests and the place is buzzing most nights. Then she, not understanding any of these important factors, is only able to expect total ass kissing as an American who's never traveled to a foreign country and learned how to be diplomatic in or toward another culture, storms off to write a bad review on yelp. Go to lavash people. Enjoy great food and a sweet owner who will check on you and bend over backwards to make your visit worth it.
(5)
Matt W.
This place is AMAZING! Love the small neighborhood feel and the inviting atmosphere. The owner is always kind and welcoming. The staff always tries their best to help any way they can. I love having this gem in my neighborhood! If you are looking for excellent Mediterranean food in Columbus for a VERY reasonable price, this is the place!
(5)
Jordan K.
This place is amazing. The food is delicious, the employees are welcoming and enjoyable, and every experience I have had there - which have been several - leaves me craving a soon to be fulfilled return trip. I love the falafel plate, and I always get the homemade walnut baklava. My husband loves the low carb salad with gyro meat (he loves all their baklava choices). Sometimes I'll walk by and regret not stopping in for some hummus for lunch, so we go there for dinner instead. Love this place.
(5)
Jeff B.
Their food is fresh, made from quality ingredients, and is authentic mediterranean food... the best in Columbus I have found so far! For some reason, Aladdin's is popular among many people but in my opinion, Lavash is one hundred times better in every way. The prices are very reasonable and the food is always high quality. I highly recommend it!
(5)
David D.
Go Here Now. It's that's good. Perfect blending of healthfulness, taste, spices, and exoticness all in a perfectly clean and inviting environment. There are lots of options on the menu, and they're happy to adjust to your palate. They display their wares for all to see, which is a good sign and tres Mediterranean. I'm a low-carb nut, and this place fits the bill. Here's what I did: - Low-carb salad + Chicken Kabobs - light and refreshing fattoush salad with deliciously tender and well spiced chicken kabobs. They come with some special sauces and I added hot sauce since I'm a glutton for heat. The salad is very large and the chicken filling - Lamb chops (side) - I had this done rare, and they were so juicy and tasty. This is a delectable treat that I'd eat too often were I in the area! - They comped me a side of house-made hummus one spicy and one regular - regular is a misnomer, since I could tell they're serious about their hummus (probably take away the skins before preparing, etc.) and the spicy version is the right fit for me. Good sign in that they served it with cut cucumber, since they heard I was going low-carb for lunch The servers are extremely pleasant as are the cooks. They take the time to describe what you're choosing and the components of all the spices and sauces. Finally, the owner takes the time to greet each "guest" and will make you feel invited. Prices are very reasonable and portions are filling.
(5)
Lauren G.
Friendly staff, great food. Nice variety. The of us ordered the combo platter which "feeds 2-3 people." absolutely delicious, but should read "feeds 2-3 people who have not eaten for 24-48 hours at least." oh well; leftovers were great! Baklava pretty good too. Lovely little patio under a grape arbor (with actual growing grapes), but relatively close to High Street, so not sure it gets used much. Definitely come here!
(5)
Allyson L.
Best. Hummus. Ever. Beyond that, all the dishes I have tried here were fantastic. You can tell that everything is fresh and homemade. So far it is my favorite Mediterranean place in Columbus.
(5)
Lou H.
Tasty food the meals are shrinking. They are friendly, the seating outside is nice.
(3)
I S.
I live about 2 minutes away so I have frequented this restaurant too many times to remember. I would say Lavash has some of the tastiest Middle Eastern food in Columbus. The food is always consistently delicious whenever I come here, whether having order online or in the restaurant. I usually get their babaganoush, hummus, falafel, or shawarma sandwiches/platters. Their salad is also very good, seems like they use fresh vegetables. It's a very casual restaurant if you want to sit down and eat, therefore I don't understand why their prices have been soaring. It costs about $8 for a shawarma sandwich and that does not come with any sides at all, and a shawarma platter is $15. A couple of years ago, you could get a sandwich for almost $6 and a platter for maybe $10 or so. I have not been going as much because despite the quality of food, I cannot justify paying that much money for a light sandwich. It's quite disappointing, and I hope they make their prices more reasonable in the future.
I haven't strayed too far from a few menu items (kefta kabob, shawarma, falafel, fatayer, gyro, fries and baklava). I prefer a gyro with tzatziki sauce so I no longer get the gyro. The meat entrees are delicious. With a side salad and rice it's very filling. There are plenty of vegetarian offerings so don't let my carnivorous ways scare you off.
(5)
Leo Y.
The place is slightly misleading, as what they call "lavash" is just a wrap, likely whole wheat judging by the taste. I almost dinged them a star for that, but I guess it's probably healthier for me that way anyways, so I'll keep it. I had the lamb kabob lavash, and the lamb melted in my mouth, with the taste and texture of the inside of the sandwich being perfect. I will get the pita next time, as I'm not a big fan of wraps. They had a great selection for both lunch and dinners, an impressive choice of desserts, including baklava, dates, and tiramisu, and a neat little soda dispensing machine with a touchscreen. There was both indoor and outdoor seating, the staff was great, and the pricing was very reasonable.
(5)
Alexa L.
Went here for lunch today with a friend and started with the hummus and falafel appetizers. The hummus was very flavorful and the pita bread it came with was super fluffy and delicious! The falafel was also good. I got the lamb shawarma entree, which was good, although the lamb was a little bit tough. For half the price my friend got the shawarma sandwich which came with just as much meat as the entree, but just didn't include rice. I would definitely go back but would order a sandwich next time. The food came out very fast and service was excellent. Employees were quick to clean up finished plates, and the owner even came around to each table to ask how the food was. I can imagine the place gets pretty crowded on busier days.
(4)
Kate H.
Solid. I would be in 5 star territory if not for the confusing way this place is laid out, the difficulty in ordering and the chaos which ensues when you eventually get your food. The people are really friendly (especially the owner), the food fresh and fantastic. It is well worth the confusion.
(4)
Andy P.
I recently got into Mediterranean food, and this place was really good. I got the lamb skewers. I really hate dry meet, so thank you it wasn't dry. The rice was a little dry for me though, but they have nice condiments like olive oil and other sauces. The service wasn't really that friendly, but they did their job. The decor is interesting with multi-color, and it was definitely different. Very homey feeling to it and great for groups of family where you can share portions. Where you order food also reminds me of a deli style and the wait for the food isn't long. They had a lot of meat on display, which made me want to order everything - especially the kabobs! I want to come back here with a group of people and have a family style sharing dinner.
(4)
Bethel T.
I really love this place! The people here at friendly, all the way from the owner to the staff. The meat they have is just so tender and moist and seasoned to perfection. I tend to get lamb chops when I go and love it with the garlic sauce. I'll say this is really one of my favorite Mediterranean eateries I've been to and that I've actually voted for on the 614 mag for the Best in Columbus edition.
(5)
Natalie E.
My visiting Lebanese and Greek relatives and I went to Lavash this evening. We all thought the array of Mediterranean food was outstanding! We found it to be truly authentic and some of the BEST Mediterranean food we've had! The owner and the restaurant manager were so attentive to all of the customers! If you don't try this restaurant, you are really missing out on some fantastic Mediterranean cuisine!!! We'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(5)
Anthony D.
Amazing food. The outside looks a little mysterious, but the inside is nice, they have a patio, and it just keeps getting better from there. The owner greeted us at our table and sent out some special desserts since it was our first time here. All of the food we sampled was great, but like others have said, the black bean hummus was over the top good! Will be back!
(5)
Eric S.
Great food, friendly service, this is a staple for our household takeout meals. Affordable and tasty Mediterranean cuisine thats close to where we live and never disappoints.
(4)
Owais N.
I have been in Columbus for 3 months and have been eating out. This place is the best, amazing great food, awesome service. Highly recommended
(5)
Ammar A.
Place is good but the food portions are really small. I am not sure how people have 5 stars. The location and setting is nice and cozy. Quality of food is good but for 16 dollars kefta kabob is way too small.
(3)
Tiffany W.
One of my favorites in Columbus! The food here is amazing and the portion sizes are generous -- I usually end up taking some back with me and it makes for a great lunch the next day. The hummus and pita are absolutely delicious, especially when the pita comes out fresh and warm. =) Their main entree dishes are also excellent. The rice is flavorful and delicious, and the meats are really well prepared. I don't even usually like lamb, but I have really enjoyed their lamb dishes! I've tried their biryani, shawrma, shish kabob, kefta kabob, and fish. I've loved everything I've tried so far! Also, their freshly squeezed juices are amazing! A little pricey ($4 for a glass) but makes for a nice addition to the meal or to take back with you. Their dessert selection that is on display is always super tempting -- I have had their baklava (because I love baklava) and it's pretty good, though I will admit I usually don't have much room for dessert after a meal here. Overall, service is great. Seating and parking are easy to find even during peak times, and food is delivered to you pretty quickly.
(5)
Genevieve F.
I don't get what the hype is about... The food is decent, but certainly not great, and its not cheap either. I've gotten a few of their plates and a lamb shawarma. The shawarma especially was underwhelming. Basically just meat and pretty bland tasting wrap that didn't taste fresh. There was hardly more than a pinch of lettuce or tomato. For $8 they could definitely up the quality with a fresher wrap and better quality and greater amount of veggies.
(2)
Bradley A.
Food was excellent. Analee and the other lady was so very nice, and explained the menu to me. I will tell everyone how good this place was
(5)
James S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Columbus. They have a lot of good options, and excellent homemade pastries.
(5)
John M.
As someone who lived in the north campus/south Clintonville area for many years, it is difficult to talk about Lavash Cafe, about their menu, their service, their prices, etc, without talking about the elephant in the room. And that elephant is called Aladdin's Eatery, which had been a solid Clintonville fixture in Greek/Mediterranean cuisine since I was an undergrad. Lavash made its Columbus debut by moving in two doors down from that much-loved elephant, which is a ballsy move by anyone's standard's, and so it got me thinking: these people must be pretty confident in their product. And make no mistake, their menu offers up much of what Aladdin's offers, but where it seems to stand out a bit is the boldness of their flavor palette. From their spicy black bean hummus to their falafel (and their fantastic red snapper entree -mon dieu!), your taste buds are sent on a nice little coaster ride. What's more, the portions are surprisingly generous. On the downside, however, I was disappointed to see the price increases, some dramatically higher, since my first visit. Also, their desserts leave something to be desired. The baklava and basma seemed to be a bit stale and somewhat bland, but these are bite-sized and cheap so I let it pass. All in all, these guys have given every Greek/Mediterranean restaurateur a good run for their money, and good for them for doing so. Factoring in everything, I can't say that it has unseated Aladdin's in my mind, but if I told you I'd never go back to Lavash Cafe, you could safely call me a liar, liar, pants on fire.
(3)
Robb M.
I LOVE this restaurant. Perhaps my top 3 favorite places in Columbus. Try the Kabobs or bring family and get a platter meal. Amazing!!!!
The food, and SERVICE was amazing... If you go here, you must try the fries! There was confusion around our order, but EVERYONE there made it MORE than right! Thank you for a great experience!!
(5)
Ramen S.
Baklava. Baklava. Baklava. That is hard to say three times fast. But I found myself tasting three different types of Baklava VERY fast when I came to dessert time at Lavash. These baklava were perfect: crispy meets sticky in a delicious pastry sensation. Behind a large glass case, the desserts catch your attention and welcome your appetite as soon as you enter this delightful, busy Mediterranean cafe. There's more to this cafe than the desserts. To start, I enjoyed two different types of hummus: regular and black bean. I preferred the black bean as it offers a spicy surprise to your traditional hummus. Just as my mouth was heating up, then came the Beef shish-kabob. YUM. The beef was served alongside cooked (perhaps over-cooked) peppers and saffron rice. The beef was perfectly tender and well seasoned. These cooks know what they're doing! My largest drawback with Lavash is the semi-fast food serving style. If I am going to pay $15 for an entree, I do not appreciate having to bus my own table. Overall: 4 stars. I'll be back for the baklava!
(4)
Danielle A.
This is going to be short and sweet. Lavash is great! The service is extremely fast and very friendly. The food is delicious. My husband and I were looking to try something/someplace new while on vacation for the holiday season. We found Lavash by searching highly rated restaurants on Yelp within a few miles of our location. We arrived around lunch time and were lucky enough to secure street parking right in front of the restaurant. The restaurant was crowded but still had tables available. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma with a side of rice. My husband attempted to order the same. The woman taking our order recommended he get a side of hummus instead of rice and we share. Thank you!!!! The hummus was maybe the best I have ever eaten. I have no idea why we are just now discovering Lavash Cafe, but we will most definitely be back. This is good stuff!!
(5)
Kasem W.
Great atmosphere, cool soda dispenser, friendly to kids, lots of space, very fast,great service, clean bathrooms. Their veggie sandwich was the best I've ever had anywhere in 40 states I've visited, it's a must try even if you're not vegetarian. Their sweets are phenomenal.
I can't get enough of Lavash. I don't eat out that often, but when I do, Lavash is usually where I go, hands down. I love their Tabbouleh salad, it's fresh and delicious. Apart from the salad the Falafels are an excellent choice, and I like to order good old lamb gyro meat. They have a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and lots of parking.
(5)
Maddie O.
The lavash and pita are always delicious. The falafel and hummus is my favorite. The service is excellent and I always feel very welcomed.
(4)
Tractassan ..
The food was absolutely delicious! Fantastic Turkish coffee! As I was leaving, I spoke with the owner, an incredibly sweet man who made me feel right at home. I couldn't love the place more! Everyone at Lavash was so friendly and helpful! I can't wait until I can go back!
(5)
Theresa H.
neighborhood casual counter restaurant. we love the snapper, lamb shanks and Kebobs it is nice to sit outside when the weather is nice
(5)
Rebecca A.
500 miles later, my partner and I had our first sit down meal here at Lavash and we're happy to say it was a very pleasant experience: good service, great food, good price, and yummy desserts. We recommend you to try this place, you won't be disappointed. #vegetarianfriendly
(5)
Michelle H.
I have mixed feelings about this place. I really want to like it, I really do. It's a super adorable place, with lots of seating, very nice selection of food, friendly servers and incredible desserts. The spicy black bean hummus was incredible! I can probably eat the entire large tray by myself. The pita served with that was soft and tasty. So why 3-stars? I think based on others' reviews, we just had a bad experience today with the food. We had a group of 20 some people. Our entrees came out fairly quickly even though it's a large group. All the food looked amazing, but they definitely looked much tastier than they actually are. Everyone around me had fairly dry meat in their sandwiches. My chicken shawarma tasted like the chicken was overcooked, my friends' gyro and beef/lamb shawarma had dry meat too. I don't know if the large group made the difference. The dining room was completely packed when we left. And this is a stormy Tuesday night. So i want to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt and say we just had a bad experience. Maybe our food was rushed because they were trying to fill the order promptly.
(3)
Jennifer H.
Wanted to try shawarma. Their chicken shawarma sandwich is delicious! The hummus was nice and creamy. The rice!!! Omg the rice was sooooo good!!!!! I will be back again for sure to try the beef lamb shawarma and falafel next time.
(5)
Gg Z.
Great taste Good humus And ribs Shawarma is good but too much garlic Fresh squeezed orange juice is very good
(4)
Lindsay G.
There are lots of fantastic reviews of Lavash, and they are right in track. They knock it out of the park with delicious specials, depth of flavor, outstanding vegetarian options, and speedy service. But that's not even the best part; the welcome and generous staff bring you a smile and make you feel like a regular on your first visit. My 3-year-old son selected some falafel and hummus was making his way over to the table when the owner approached him and said "if you eat a good lunch, you can pick out a dessert from the case!" What a delight!
(5)
Tan N.
What is the big deal about this place? A not-fancy, run of the mill gourmet food truck in NY does better than this spot. Why the high ratings? First time we went here we got all vegetarian stuff like the falafel sandwich, a zataar fatayer and a lentil soup. The lentil soup was the only memorable thing or tasty thing we had. The dough of the fatayer was super doughy and stale. Tasteless. When we went to complain, it was if they knew it was no good because they pointed to get a free bag of it from the counter and didn't even say a word. Why would we want a whole bag of stale bread?? The falafel was dry and tasteless. I figured maybe it's because we had only veggie. I came back on my own the other day and got a lamb gyro and it was super dry and I ended up throwing half of it away. The guy who runs the gyro food truck on Weber does a better job and he's still only 3.5 stars in my book. Super disappointed and not coming back.
(2)
Avinash K.
This is good place to grab lunch - we got a ton of food amongst three of us. We were visiting a friend in Columbus - ordered spicy black bean hummus - which was good. But I thought it would come with Pita - it didn't, a Kibbeh - lamb cutlet which was pretty good and it was pretty big. I ordered a chicken shawarma sandwich and my friend got some beef entree with salad and pita. We finished it off with Baklava across the table - was delicious. The place is self-service FYI and it gets crowded during lunch times.
(4)
Annie D.
Came here after a late night flight 20 min before closing and everyone at the Lavash Cafe welcomed us. We were not rushed to make any decision. The guy who took our order gave us a thorough rundown of the most popular dishes and we decided on the Lamb Moussaka (kinda like lasagna but 100times better), small hummus, beef kefta and chicken kabobs. The moussaka was tender, cheesy, extremely flavorful. The small hummus plate was huge. The beef kefta was grilled to perfection and comes with a tzatziki dipping sauce. The chicken kabob was super delicious, may even be better than the beef kefta as it comes with this amazing garlic dipping sauce. I will definitely come back here for dinner again next time I am in town!!!! Oh if you are into spicy food, definitely ask about having the homemade hot sauce on the side! It was smoky and absolutely delicious.
(5)
Elaina W.
The ingredients are fresh and tasty. You do have to walk back to the counter to get tea refills.
(4)
Aklilu A.
If you enjoy good lamb chops and wonderful Mediterranean meats cooked well, then this is the place for you. The meat is slow cooked over a grill right in front of you and comes out juicy. Besides the entrees, they also have a huge assortment of desserts for you to choose from.
(4)
Sarah M.
Yummy sandwiches, divine mushroom soup (seriously!), the tabbouleh tastes almost like my mamas. The bread is fresh and plentiful. Out door seating a plus, parking is a pain. Owner cruises the dining room and chats, and he has a unique sense of humor (my hubs likes it, me not so much). Also a little pricey.
(4)
Carrie F.
We love Lavash for many reasons. Some of our favorites are the lamb chops, lentil soup, chicken kabob sandwich and the hummus. There's something for everyone. I think this restaurant is a great value- fresh, delicious food with a fantastic staff who treat you like family.
(5)
Natalya V.
Great fresh food made before your eyes, super fast ! Great energy , everyone is working hard to serve tasty food , the place is packed but kept very clean. Delicious , authentic food. Will come back again .
(5)
Mary S.
Oh my goodness, Lavash is a feast for the taste buds! I am in love with their falafel sandwich (and am considering proposing marriage). I had it first from their booth at a festival (it was either the art festival or comfest), and decided I needed to check out the actual restaurant, which is within walking distance of my home. I went there with a date who is a huge fan of Greek food, and neither of us were disappointed. We were greeted by polite staff and the menu has a broad selection of Mediterranean dishes to choose from. We ordered a chicken kabob dish and my falafel sandwich, as well as an order of tiramisu (which I don't think was made there, but I could be wrong). I was excited to see they had a lentil soup and gyros available, as well as dolmades (grape leaves) and a variety of baklava. Its nice to know I can drag more finicky friends/family over with me, next time I wanted to go. I loved the spices they used in my falafel, but to be honest my date's dish was better. A kabob of chicken with a spicy kick that hits you right after you've finished chewing (not too spicy, just enough!) and it comes with a salad and what seems to be buttered rice, only it tastes better. The staff were very attentive! A gentleman I'm pretty sure was the owner/manager came around and asked everyone how their meals were, and another walked around cleaning off all the tables and sweeping under them to keep the place looking immaculate. Also, they had the craziest looking space-aged soda dispenser. It was awesome. Overall, 5 stars and would definitely stop in again!
(5)
Maya F.
well! this is the third time I've been in Lavash. My experience was awesome in all these three times. Eastern atmosphere, really good food, reasonable prices, clean place, tables both inside and outside and the most important thing which is the friendly staff. They serve you ALWAYS with a smile no matter how much tired they are! However, there are two problems; first is the long line to order the food which some times goes quickly and the other problem is they close at 9:30 pm!
(5)
Zeb L.
This place's food is all over the map in terms of quality. The grape leaves were not very flavorful and did not taste very authentic; we ended up tossing them. The Shawarma and the sandwiches are pretty good but nothing to write home about. However, the baklava is very, very good. The prices are too high for me to go here regularly, especially given that the food is inconsistent, but if I'm at Growl I might stop by for the baklava again.
Food is great! Quality is there but quantity is not. Ordered two sandwiches, (chicken and lamb/beef combo) portions were off. Chicken was way heavier then the lamb and bed combo sandwich. (Lost a star for inconsistency) The sweet lady who was the cashier was excellent at describing all the menu items and even showed us pictures....,kinda brought me back to the 1st grade with the picture to word association. She recommends a black bean hummus that was awesome The guy that called your name and delivered the food was equally friendly with great humor and pizazz. He even recommended items to accommodate what we ordered and made the first experience much better.
(4)
Adam R.
The staff is so nice!. I have only gotten to-go a few times since I can walk there from home. Maybe the food isn't for me but it is always somewhat bland and soggy. Tried some wraps and salads so far. I know, I know...I havent tried the kabobs yet!. Maybe that will totally change my vote!
(3)
Amy J.
Had food here while visiting Columbus. The portions are nice and they offer a variety of gyros, as well as delicious falafel and tasty desserts.
(5)
Marcus S.
Lavash Cafe is truly food for your soul. I'd recommend dining in to experience the joyful staff and communal atmosphere, but takeout does not disappoint, either. The falafel is to die for, and the pita's warmth and pillowy goodness will make you raise your fists in the air in celebration that you finally found the place you never knew you'd been searching for!
(5)
Yinong L.
Very nice! But the place is a little bit crowded. Maybe it's because the decoration. Food was great!
(5)
Mike P.
Best, freshest Mediterranean in C-bus. People are super nice, restaurant is super clean. Kebabs are cooked to order from raw, so be patient, but that means you never run into dry meat that's been sitting around for hours in a warmer. Wish they had a downtown/Short North location!
(5)
Paul F.
I came down last night for dinner with Karen M. I'd been here once before as part of a Yelp group. Tonight was different and I got to order whetever I wanted. I started off with a bowl of lentil soup and it was great. I then ordered an order of lamb chops, baked rare. These were perfectly cooked and tender as they could be. To go with those I ordered a small hummus. It might have seemed small, but it would have fed several people. And I picked up a couple pieces of baklava to go. Truly a great meal!
(5)
Jamal S.
You go there for the food, and you come out full, and happy. The Lamb chops are my favorite. The salads, fatuous, humus, and falafel are great. The owner Naser is friendly and always comes to check if we are happy with the food and if we need anything else. The place is usually packed when we go there. That means, I am not the only one happy to go there and eat a yummy middle eastern food. Keep up the good work.
(5)
Tobie S.
If you're anywhere near Ohio State University, you must try this place! Lots of seating! Food is remarkable! Large selection of food choices...including desserts! Parking can be troublesome if it's busy, but that's pretty normal for Columbus. Eat here! You won't regret it!
(5)
Cece M.
It's a good thing I don't live and/or work closer. I would be there every single day! The spicy black bean hummus is out of this world!! And that Lavash bread? Get outta here!! It's beyond great. I had a gyro and it was delicious. The owners and the entire team are very friendly and the restaurant is very clean.
(5)
Deb D.
Lived in Columbus a few years back and don't remember seeing this restaurant. I had lunch here and ordered the Beef and Lamb Kefta sandwich on wwheat lavish. The meat was seasoned wonderfully and tasted so fresh. It also had a little humus in it. The bread soft and fresh. Very big portion. There was also lettuce and tomatoes in the sandwich and a sauce that was delicious. They also sell freshly made Kabobs and Kefta to take home and cook. It all looked so fresh. Would definitely be here often if I lived here.
(5)
Farid S.
This is probably my 7-8 times at this restaurant. This time around we had a much larger group 12, and everyone enjoyed their dish. The food quality is consistently good and waiter/waitresses do a fabulous job tending to the customer needs and keeping the place clean. You can't go wrong with the beef Shwarma... Absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. I suggest ordering the big family platter if you have a large group and get to taste all their famous dishes on one huge platter. I am a fan and I'll be back.... Bon a petite.
Everything is good here in my experience. We always get the hummus(some of the best around), some salad and falafel appetizer and then some kebab or one of the specials which are very good and change day to day. The fish is also a standout. Great to have this place in the neighborhood. The side patio is a great spot to sit if your dining in.
(5)
Amanda G.
The hummus here elevates what has become a mediocre staple of American vegetable trays into an art form. It's superb. The little syrup-soaked semolina cake (Namoora) was delightful. I personally didn't care for the kefta sandwich that I had here, but I think I just don't like Middle Eastern meat dishes. It's probably prepared well. I really wouldn't know. When I return (and I will), I will stick to the wonderful, healthy, very affordable vegetarian options.
(4)
Scott P.
Amazing! Fresh food and incredible hospitality! Welcomed us and helped us through our order since it was our first time. We'll come back to have a great meal and to say "Hi!"
(5)
Kim D.
I always get the lamb because it is so hard for me to get that perfect smokey char at home. The tender pieces of meat is complicated by flavorful rice and simple salad. The whole fried snapper is also delicious. The fish is crisp and moist and perfectly salted. Don't forget to order the house cofffee. I van drink mugs after mugs to that wonderful black brew with the slices of the Napoleon Russian cake.
(5)
Phil S.
This is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic sauce that is served with the chicken kabob is amazing! The sandwiches are really good too. The employees are extremely friendly and the man, who I assume is the owner, seemed very genuine when he came to our table to inquire about our experience. I can't recommend this place highly enough.
(5)
Jake P.
In a city with an abundance of gimmickry in the food industry, it's good to see a place with real middle eastern food. I was impressed with their grilled meats and you could get them in a kabob wrap. I ordered a grilled chicken kabob wrap with lettuce and some kind of garlic sauce which was very good. I would love to come back here and try some more stuff on their menu.
(5)
Liza V.
What can I say? I simply adore Lavash. Due in part to the adorably friendly owner who comes around to check on you, clear your plates, and make sure everything is delicious, and also because all of the food is just darn good. The first few times I went, at the beginning of this year, I was challenging myself to eat no meat for a few months, so I went with the falafel sandwich on lavash bread. Whoa. This is so delicious, and very filling. It was hard for me to ever look past this, even after going back to eating meat. A few of my co-workers swear by the chicken kabob sandwich, so they kept telling me I must try it. And they weren't kidding. Now I'm hooked on this sandwich and can't seem to choose anything else! Moral of the story: seems like anything you get here will keep you coming back. And, of course, the endless supply of sugary sweet desserts in the case that greets you as soon as you enter doesn't hurt either.
(5)
Mary Jane M.
This place is amazing! Great and friendly staff who are very helpful in deciding what to order. The food is great, definitely can taste the freshness, although the desserts aren't exactly fresh. The baklava I had was semi stale, the filo dough was very soft and stale so that would be why the 4 star rating because it has happened more than once now. Aside from that the Turkish coffee is great! It's basically like drinking concentrated expresso, which I think when ordering they should verify that prior to letting people order that... I think a lot of people are taken aback by it at first. Thevegitables in the dishes are all rather fresh. Overall a great experience. My favorite is the house made hummus, I consistently order this to go in passing, the black bean spicy hummus is amazing. Definitely delicious.
(4)
Shea H.
We came here per the suggestion of the bartender at Matt the Miller's Tavern in dublin. I ordered the falafel sammy and my honey ordered the shawarma sammy. He wasn't very impressed but I liked our dinner. The portion of fries were huge for $2.50 and I though our sandwiches were pretty good. And I thought the salad looked really fresh! I liked that they used romaine rather than cheapie iceberg. And the FRESH SQUEEZED juice was deeeelicious! I probably won't request the flat bread next time and, instead, stick with the pita bread. And I'll probably ask for more fresh veggies because the sandwiches seem a bit basic...but besides that I liked it. I think this place has a lot of potential. I think you have to know what to order. It smelled delicious in there so I plan to re-visit to try other items on the menu.
(3)
Rachael G.
I genuinely wish I could give this place an extra star as I loved my mujardara. We got take-out one night for the fam on a cold night and while it has some stuff going for it (kebab beef looked like a good cut of meat, fresh Greek salad, great lentils), everyone who ordered a gyro was a little "...ehhhhh......" about it. Plus, we ordered a large hummus and they didn't give us ANY pita. Like, none. The food wasn't too bad, just not great. And really expensive for the amount and quality.
(2)
Margaret S.
Our group of five tried several different dishes and they were all delicious. We ordered the black bean hummus as an appetizer and everyone loved it. The proprietor was very friendly and helpful. Be sure to order one of their excellent Greek pastries for dessert and the Turkish coffee!
(5)
Vanessa M.
I was in Clintonville today picking up a cake from Pattycake, and I decided to stop into Lavash for carryout . Holy Wow! The falafel sandwich with hummus and veggies on lavash? Amazing. When I was in Syria 10 years ago, I had the most amazing falafel in my life at-swear to God-a bus station in Homs. Anyways, the falafel here reminded me of my beloved bus station falafel, basically the falafel I've been trying to find unsuccessfully ever since. I also got the mint tea, also good. Really strong though, FYI. The counter service was really friendly-the counter girl complimented my hat. I'm pretty vain and lazy so delicious fast food that is served with compliments? Win! There are numerous vegetarian options to be had, and vegan if you leave off the tzadziki sauce.
Yumm! Best Vegetarian Stew and Hummus Yummus. My friend ordered the gyro and he loved it. Mango smoothie was a hit too. It was alive with an atmosphere full of college students mixed with old and young, families, & young couples. The place is very clean and the owner take pride in his business greeting each table with a smile. It's great place for lunch or a casual dinner with plenty of room to enjoy.
(5)
Matthew F.
Really good food, tastes authentic and nice variety in the menu. The braised lamb shanks with biryani style rice and tzatziki sauce was out of this world!
(5)
Amber H.
Great food and atmosphere. Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. The garlic sauce is the bomb.com .
(5)
Susie H.
I love lavash! Their customer service is great. We had some grounds in our coffee and after showing the manager, he came back with 3 yummy deserts on the house. The atmospheric is casual and it is a wonderful place to go that is in the neighbourhood .
(5)
Ted R.
I have traveled all over the country, and frequently use Yelp to identify places to eat my meals. As Columbus is my home, I am compelled to offer my favorite hometown place to eat lunch and dinner. Lavash serves healthy mediterranean food, that includes soups, salads, wraps and full meals of lamb, fish, chicken and beef. Lavash is owned by one man, Nasir, who is a perfectionist. You will instantly be able to tell how much detail goes into his food preparation. I often have his chicken dishes and soups. There is no connective tissue or mystery pieces of chicken here. It is cut or shredded by hand. This place is probably the cleanest restaurant that I have ever been in, another testimony to Nasir's attention to detail. Everything is made fresh everyday. No matter where you live in Columbus, you will want to make the trip here. You will not be disappointed! The black bean hummus is my favorite.
(5)
Steph W.
Lentil soup, & stuffed grape leaves....pretty much everything is delicious here. Naser, the owner, likes to say hello, & check on his patrons. I, for one, love that! Love having this place in Clintonville.
(5)
Corina P.
This is the best Mediterranean food I have ever had, and I know a bit or two about Lebanese food, having family from that side of the world. The hummus and the tabule are amazing, my dad ordered a shawarma and it was just as good. Plus, as other reviewers have previously stated, the attention is top notch and the owner himself is always making sure everything is working properly. During our visit he went beyond: my husband lost the car keys and he helped us a lot finding them. We will definitely return.
(5)
Tash L.
Best Mediterranean restaurant in town, hands down. I've only had takeout from here but I have zero complaints. The hummus (regular and spicy black bean) are perfectly delicious, especially with the homemade bread. I love their lentil soup - well seasoned and tons of garlic! Their sandwiches are great too - if you like a little spice, go with the kefta. If not, I highly recommend the schwarma. Make sure to get the lavash wrap bread with the sandwiches. Yum!!
(5)
Sharmeela S.
Casual environment w excellent food. Order at the counter, no waiters. Service was fast even on a Saturday evening. Parking behind the restaurant though i had to wait a bit to get a spot. Staff friendly. The food was good and from the casual environment wouldnt expect this quality. Lamb chops, lamb kebab sandwich, hummus and mujhadara plate were all great. Not the best mediterranean food I've ever had but definitely a great casual find w nutritious and delicious cuisine.
(4)
Adam C.
Great place. you order at the counter from a large menu posted above the counter. The menu is great for vegitarians and meet lovers. The food was excellent and everyone liked their meal. The only problem was the soup while excellent was not hot.
(4)
Zeina E.
Disappointed. Food tasted off. I'm a little more critical with mediterranean restaurants because I grew up eating this food. I wouldn't come here again. The reason I gave it two stars is that the kebab meat was tender and alright. However, everything else below average.
(2)
Joey H.
Friendly service, great cooks, clean tables, different food with lots of options. $16 for a chicken kabob salad. A bit pricey!
(4)
Alex S.
Lavash is AMAZING! My personal favorite is the chicken shawarma, which comes with garlic sauce. I've never tried something that wasn't pretty darn good! French fries are made fresh with every order, black bean hummus is the best hummus I've ever had, lentil soup is delicious! If the food wasn't enough, the people who work there are super friendly and efficient. Overall great restaurant!
(5)
Maureen O.
I ordered the Lebanese moussaka but ended up getting the okra stew in error. it was great! I've never been disappointed with a visit to lavash. great atmosphere and attentive service and even when they 'mess up' their flavorful dishes still kill it!
(4)
Laura W.
Lavash is a great little Mediterranean place in Clintonville. I usually stick to my usual which is either the Vegetarian combo on lavash bread or the lamp chops with rice pilaf. Sometimes the rice is a little greasy feeling but its really yummy. I got a chopped salad once and was underwhelmed but my other choices are better. When we have our large families over to our house, we get the family platter which is a really good deal for a large crowd. Every time we serve it, our family members also give rave reviews. When dining in the restaurant, you order at the counter and they call your name when your food is ready for you to pick it up. Patrons are to clear their own tables but the bus staff is always attentive and are cleaning off tables frequently. If you use your SBB card, you get a 10% discount...we use it all the time.
(4)
Natalia P.
This restaurant has awesome food. The meat selections here are really juicy with flavorful spices and aroma. The hummus and baba ganoush appetizer is homemade delicious-ness. We got the meal served with small salads with balsamic vinaigrette. Everything came with fresh pita bread. I never made it to dessert. Make sure that you don't leave without trying the baklava! This Mediterranean restaurant has the widest dessert selection. I got take out of 3 different types of baklava for breakfast the next morning. Sweetest breakfast ever, baklava with rose water and pistachios! The decor on the outside patio is beautiful. They even light up the roof to give you a more intimate effect. Indoors the seating is more like a cafeteria. The fact that waiters do not serve your meals helps to keep meal costs at $8. You get your food directly from the chefs on trays. I need to try the Turkish coffee. Other than that, there is a parking lot out back.
(4)
Zain K.
There's a lot more I'd like to try from the fairly extensive menu, but the beef kebab wrap I had was delicious (though the wrap itself seemed more like a whole wheat tortilla than a lavash; next time I'll try the pita...). Service is friendly and efficient, and the place itself is comfortable if utilitarian. Prices are good for sandwiches, soups, and salads, but it feels like some of the entrees (I say this without having had one, mind you) may be priced a little dear.
(4)
Nick A.
Lavash is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in all of Columbus. Lavash delivers high quality, great tasting food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is "fast casual" so come as you are. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming. The vine covered outdoor patio is also fun to enjoy in the Summer months. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Many options for both vegetarians and carnivores alike.
(5)
Sirisha S.
Dropped in here unexpectedly on the weekend after being kicked out of Cafe Bella for not having a reservation :). No complaints, though! Lavash Cafe made the 30 mn trip to N High St worthwhile. It's got both indoor and outdoor seating and a great selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. We ordered the Vegetable mousaka. You get a plate of rice with some chickpea and eggplant curry and a salad on the side. It was pleasantly different from the other Mediterranean places we've been to in terms of what it had to offer. Prices are a bit steeper than similar places but hey, I am all in for the variety. There are the usual hummus, falafel dishes along with plenty of lamb dishes. Don't forget to leave some space in your stomach for the dessert. They got both home made baklava and the standard baklava variations. The choc almond baklava made the night a little more sweeter...
(4)
Rebhi H.
Yesterday, I went to columbus and my cousin invited us there. We ordered the family plate.at the end they brought us tea without us asking for it. It was a great experience. Indefinitely coming back.
(5)
Amelia S.
Delicious food! Very authentic.
(4)
Samantha A.
Outstanding service and amazing food. The hummus is out of this world and the falafel sandwich is incredible. The desserts are also amazing.
(5)
Madison M.
This place was great. The owner is wonderful and really cares about the customers. I've never really had this style of food so I was a little apprehensive at first, but it was amazing. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had and my sandwich was amazing. Everyone is really friendly and I was recommend it for sure.
(5)
Joe P.
Very disappointing. Over priced and underwhelming. Our order was incorrect and the pita bread was basically wonder bread. This restaurant is the middle eastern equivalent of McDonalds. The whole experience was a giant let down.
(2)
Nijole T.
I would give my dinner at Lawash 5+ stars for having the best salad of all times, the Fatoush (Thank you Christina!) truely the biggest and most flavorful bowl of goodness I have ever tasted! So complex in flavor, so much going on in my mouth, paired with an order of falafel and a bowl of hummus I was in veggie heaven and could go here and eat this every day! The service is great, the girl working there is awesome, service is slow though, we waited almost an hour for my food and 2 shawarmas for the guys but oh well it was packed there. The shawarma however was not all that, looking at the 3 meats offered the beef/lamb mix definetly looked the best/crunchiest so the guys got that but the taste was off, it wasnt much meat and again practically living off of gyros/doener/shawarma for years I do not want it wrapped in a tortilla, it just doesn't work. I'll be back for sure, I couldn't stop staring at the Kibbe the guy had next to me which looked like my falafel on steriods filled with bulgur and lamb, had I not been so stuffed, I'd have gotten one, same goes for the desserts, I have a feeling I'll be getting a big box of those next time as well.
(4)
Sara E.
Best Middle Eastern food in Columbus! Authentic shawarma- crispy on the sides but tender and juicy. Baba ghannouj is fantastic and clearly made from scratch. Everything is prepared with care and the food is always fresh. I never know what to order because I want it all! Great customer service as well. They've never done me wrong.
(5)
Colleen R.
I have to admit - I'm not a huge fan of Mediterranean food. My sister recommended going to Lavash for lunch, and I am always up for trying new places, so I agreed. The smell and sight when you walk in is wonderful. The meat is cooking right behind the counter and there is a huge display of baked goods when you first walk in. The smell is a wonderful mix of lamb, chicken and baked goods. I got the regular gyro and my sister got falafel. My gyro was delicious. The lamb was tender, the sauce was good and our food came out fast. The only reason I gave a 3 and not 4 star is due to price. The gyro with a drink ended up being $11. I just felt the price was a little bit much for what I received. I would be willing to go back though and try it again. Everything else was really delicious.
(3)
Dan M.
Excellent! We had the lamb moussaka and the shawarma plates and they were fantastic. And to hummus on the fresh homemade bread was incredible. If we lived on this side of the continent we would come back more often.
(5)
Annette M.
Lovely Lavash. So very yummy and fresh. I plan to go back often. I can't say enough about this place. A must for Columbus foodies.
(5)
Gary L.
Recommended by a friend and I went there with expectations. My friend told me that they had excellent pastries and I ordered four of them. I had a rolet later the night and I'm definitely going to get more!! Hope the Napoleon won't let me down.
(5)
Jamilah A.
To be honest I was not impressed with Lavash Cafe. Like i've said before I am Lebanese so I am big on authentic middle eastern food. While the food is authentic I was not impressed with the taste. The seasoning was lacking. I ordered the Lentils and rice which is my favorite, however here I was not impressed. also their Taziki sauce is more of a paste as opposed to a sauce which I really did not care for at all. I might just need to try this place again because from what i'm reading the hummus is worth a try, however my first impressions was not great.
(2)
David W.
I'm not super keen on all of Lavash's food (enjoyed the falafel "sandwich," but thought the Lavash Salad was little more than a pile of tomatoes and cucumber). That said, they make a mean pot of Turkish coffee. Served in an ornate cezve, this double whammy of finely ground coffee and cardamom is heaven in a miniature teacup and provides a week's worth of caffeine. Additionally, the dessert counter always looks scrumptious and I loved their almond baklava on my last visit. Staff is generally courteous, though I don't always enjoy managerial inquiries when I'm seated. But really, that Turkish coffee...
(4)
H K.
Amazing food. Authentic and delicious. Amazing service. Everyone is so friendly and happy. I first met the owner back in 1986 when he was 1 of maybe 3 Middle Eastern restaurants in town. He was good back then and has only gotten better with time. All the food is freshly prepared and is extremely authentic. Just like grandma used to make.... Best of all are the kabobs. There is a huge case of different meat on skewers . Just tell them what you want and they throw it on the grill. The meat is high quality. Chicken is cooked just right. Beef is good quality steak and cooked perfectly. Get the platter to sample a few different kabobs. The kabob is served on rice, and by the time you finish, the meat juice is soaked into the rice. So yummy. They also have a large case of desserts (baklava and cakes). The baklava is really good and i prefer the homemade ones (I had a walnut and a cheese). This is 100% authentic middle eastern. As for the restaurant, you order at the counter and take your food to the table. It's not a fancy sit down place. Don't let that stop you. The people behind the counter are the most helpful and friendly you can find. It's so nice to walk into a place where everyone behind the counter is cheery and friendly. You are not rushed to order - they will explain everything to you and help you choose something delicious for your taste buds. Try it. You'll be back for more.
(5)
Gettin M.
Ayo, this a reliable joint for sure man. They doin' it. I been here dozens of times since it's near my hood. Nasir been in the biz for a minute and dude should be proud, feel me? This is his baby and he treat everybody like they coming in his house. Tell me another joint got better lentil soup. I'll laugh in your face man. Some place got better Baba Ganoush? Do tell. Oh, you forgot the name? Aight you lyin' ass. Tell me you don't have to talk yourself out of eatin even the bones from the lamb chops - I DON'T BELIEVE YOU. Tell me my man don't marinate them chicken kebabs for at least 8 hours in some yogurt, lemon juice and spices. That's why every other chicken kebab you ever had was some dried out bullsh*t that convinced you you didn't like chicken kebabs. Try again, at Lavash. They doin' it and they doin' it right. That whipped garlic condiment is my slam too, but low key, stays on the breath so watch out. This a good place to get that veggie swag on too. Lot of meatless Arab staples like tabbouleh, felafel, etc. They always got at least one veg special too - peep the okra stew if they got that. It's on point. They got fresh juices and coffees, all that. One time, the boy Nasir hooked it up - just straight grabbed a sprig of mint from a planter box, tossed it in a blender with fresh lemonade and ice. Sh*t was hard. Not even on the menu, I don't think, he just do it like that cuz he nice. I actually give Lavash 4.5 stars. Would be 5 but they messed up my orders more than a couple times yo. No biggie though, I ain't mad. They doin it. Go.
(4)
John K.
One of my favorite places in Clintonville! The Lavash bread is my favorite way to have a Gyro. Friendly service, great food, clean and inviting. I will be back again and again!
(4)
Carla D.
I love this place! A good friend introduced me to it a few months ago and I have been back several times since then. The food is always fresh and consistent and the staff is super friendly and helpful. I love their hummus (delicious!), and the pita that accompanies it is fresh, puffy and wonderful. I'm also a huge fan of their chicken shawarma sandwich, rolled in a lavash with that lovely garlic sauce....I always order extra on the side and spread it on everything in sight. :) I've also had the baba ganoush, which was flavorful and tangy. I'd highly recommend it. The stuffed grape leaves weren't the best I've had, I prefer a more lemony tang, but they were good nonetheless. Always a ton of food for a good price in a nice atmosphere with great staff. What more could you ask for? ;)
(4)
Andy F.
Excellent lamb shawarma. Perfectly seasoned meat and the rice served on the side was no flavorless pile. It was really delicious and very flavorful. What was really impressive was the falafel. They absolutely nailed it. The falafel plate was awesome and it came with some vinegar based sauce on the side that was amazing. Wonderfully spiced and flavorful. I am going to ask 1) what it is and 2) for more on the side next time I go.
(4)
John N.
I ate at Lavash Cafe today with my family. I had the "Shawarma dinner". Hummus and lavash "bread" as appetizer and pistachio baklava for dessert. Everything was excellent and I will return to try different desserts next time (they ALL looked very good) and I'll try something more adventurous as my main dish. Several tables order the family platters and they looked and smelled delicious. Price of meals were average but quality was above average.
(4)
Maria S.
I love Mediterranean food, and after hearing a bunch of great things about Lavash, I finally had an opportunity to go this week for my sister's birthday. I went for a Falafel sandwich on lavash flatbread and found it completely to my liking. I haven't had good falafel in a while, and this was such a relief! I wasn't going to get a side for myself (the sandwiches don't include sides), but I was paying for my sister and she wanted a Lamb Shawarma sandwich on pita and a side of fries. Easily shared between two or three people. Glad I didn't order two sides. We got a piece of both the Black Forest cake and Napoleon to share. They weren't overly sweet, which I liked, though I was partial to the Black Forest cake. Unlike the Napoleon pastries I've had before, theirs was a bit more crumbly and messy, not neat little stacks and layers. It was more like cake. I don't know enough about pastry to know if this is a regional difference, or if this was supposed to be more like a cake that is based on the French pastry, or something else. Whatever. It was still pretty good. I'm not complaining when you put puff pastry in front of me. Anyway, this is a really fun lunch place, family friendly (my sister had her one year old son with her, and several other families with small children were there), and I look forward to returning!
(4)
Jason R.
I must admit... I wish it looked more like a Greek restaurant. Other than my pety complaints of themed furnishings and pictures of home I must say that this greek restaurant makes a mean lamb! Desserts are all top notch, appetizers are good, skewers are good, and the lamb is absolutely perfect! Marinade running off into my rice, generous portions of pita and other sides, who could ask for anything more! Well, besides Greek tunes and a few photographs...
(4)
Matt W.
Finally stopped in here - really enjoyed the food and the price - portions are huge and very solid quality. I'm almost a little intimidated by how much bread they give you, though. We ordered a meal for three people and got heapingly loaded bread baskets for each person - even with taking some home it feels like they're wasting the food. Also, it feels a little weird to have massive trays and serving plates for fairly small tables that you have to bus yourself. The lamb & beef shawarma platter had a TON of rice and not as much meat, and I found the meat a bit dry, but the included tahini sauce helped. Both the regular and black bean hummus was very good, and a taste of their kebabs left me thinking I wanted more. I also tried the Lavash salad and thought it was a really refreshing way to start the meal. It's OK, and if I'm in the area they're a good stop, but honestly, if I'm closer to home there are other options that are less of a drive that I like just as much or more.
(3)
Irene M.
Cute neighborhood place. Very friendly service. The owner even came out to greet and ask after all the customers. I got the beef and lamb shawarma sandwich in a lavash. It was like a thin tortilla. The meat was good but not like shaved meat off the big chunk. My husband liked the falafel and hummus.
(4)
Sydnee F.
Lavash is great! A friend repeatedly insisted I give it a shot, and we finally went with a few other lovely ladies. It's not a huge place and if the weather's nice, go for the patio. It's not super fancy, but large bushes and overhanging grape vines make it feel secluded. The food's definitely tasty. I've never liked falafel, not at all, but I love Lavash's. It's flavorful and fresh with a perfect crispy exterior; I usually order a vegetarian platter that includes it, but the name escapes me (it's probably called the Falafel Platter and I am a moron). The hummus is delicious as well, but the Spicy Black Bean version is by far the best, and either comes with pita that's to-die-for. The portions are pretty generous too; I always go home with leftovers. The prices are reasonable and drinks are self-serve, which I happen to like. There's generally parking available in the back, too; always a plus on High Street.
I somehow overlooked Lavash until my mother, who was visiting from out of town, picked it out from a list of Clintonville restaurants and said, "That sounds good." And it did, too. It fit the bill for us as a place for a pre-movie bite. You know how table service restaurants are always wild cards when you need to be someplace afterward? Well, this solved that dilemma without sacrificing the food quality. Order at the counter, eat at your leisure, leave when it's time... and have a fulfilling meal in the process. That said, it is a strange blend of casual and less so. The interior looks plasticky and fast foody, but we got our dishes on, well, dishes. With silverwear. A sign thanked us for bussing our own table, but we didn't see anyone actually doing that, and the employees were quick to clean up. An important-looking gentleman in a chef's coat (The chef? Owner? Manager? We weren't sure which he was, but probably one of those.) came out to ask us how our meal was. Though he had an air of "I'm just rushing through," it's rare to get that attention from a higher-up at such a casual establishment. The menu has enough variety for a range of dietary needs. I had the Lavash Plate (all veggie) and my mom had a Kefta Sandwich (totally the opposite), and we both enjoyed it. I don't know that I'll be hit by a Lavash craving at some random moment or anything, but it was a good dinner. Oh actually I might get hit by a craving for that pita bread. That was good stuff.
(4)
Joseph A.
My wife and I have been going here for several years now. The food is excellent. It is well prepared and spiced just right. They're very consistent with quality. We've never had a bad experience or even a mediocre one...just very good food.
(5)
Tom E.
Since my first visit I have been back half a dozen times at least. The owner treats me like we have been friends of the family for years. Every lunch is top notch. You can't beat this place for a great Mediterranean/Greek lunch. Period.
(5)
Angie K.
Hands down my favorite for tabouli and everything else. Owner is sweet and sincere staff is kind place is clean and they have outdoor seating. I have a chickpea intolerance so I don't get to enjoy hummus :( BUT I discovered last week they have a black bean hummus that beats up all other hummuses _ even theirs. Love the lamb wraps and mango smoothy too. A Must go!
(5)
Tolga T.
We ate here for the first time tonight and it was excellent. After moving to Columbus from Chicago, we're always looking for good ethnic food. This place is a hit. I had the beef schwarma, which is made in house. Most of the ones around town are made from processed meat. My wife had the chicken schwarma sandwich, which she loved too. When we went up to order dessert and mint tea, the cashier said the desserts were on the house because he felt bad we had to wait a while for our dinner order. We didn't notice that the wait was long. Great customer service!! We'll definitely be back again!
(5)
Patrick P.
I was in town for business and decided to follow Yelp Nation on a restaurant recommendation. To no surprise the place had great food! I arrived right after they opened and got my schwarma on... I ordered the lamb shwarma meal with rice. It was very yummy. The deserts (baklava) looked good but i just did not have room. I will definitely go back there again when in town.
(4)
Christina C.
AH! I've found my new favorite salad - and a new found deep love and appreciation for Lavash. Thanks to the lovely employee (err, best saleswoman ever!) who directed me to try her - now my - favorite: The Fatoush salad. Crisp greens, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, parsley and more, all tossed in a spiced vinaigrette with fried pita strips. It was so full of flavor and not to mention huge! Best part is it was only $6.95. I didn't give Lavash enough credit the first time around. It's a Clintonville staple, with more than amazing food, and a destination I should probably frequent more based on my experience today. Plus the wifi is free! :) Did you say great place to work? The Turkish coffee is the bomb as well.
(4)
Hilary M.
The only craving I had while I was pregnant was for food from Lavash... especially their stuffed grape leaves. This place is one of my favorites in Columbus because they have a lot of vegan options. I've been there dozens of times and every time the manager has come by the table to personally check on us. I have never had a bad meal here and I love going back!
(5)
Stephen K.
Had the lamb shish kabob. It was great, definitely full afterwards. Restaurant has a friendly environment and great service. This middle eastern place was better than a very popular chain restaurant in Chicago.
(5)
ケリー
I lived in Columbus for three years, and ate at Lavash at LEAST twice a week. It's in my top 5 things I miss about Columbus and, I'd say 90% of the time it's the number one thing. Los Angeles has some of the best food in the world, but I've yet to find anything that compares when it comes to Mediterranean. All of the employees are incredibly friendly, the food is consistently good, there are always good specials, and the prices are great. I can't say enough about how good it is-- Definitely the best in Columbus for Mediterranean. What puts them over the top in my book is I was in Ohio for business and stopped into Lavash before flying back to the west coast armed with a Tupperware container and soft-cooler, and they were awesome enough to fill it extra full of rice and shawarma so I could surprise my boyfriend with one of his favorite meals.
(5)
Brian S.
Simply amazing! Food is fresh and full of flavor. The owners were very courteous and attended to our needs. I highly recommend eating at Lavash.
(5)
Anna H.
I dined here for the first time last night, with my husband and another couple. I read other reviews about how good the falafel is and they were right...it was the best I've ever had. I had the Falafel Plate, which included falafel, hummus/bread, tabouleh, and a salad. My husband had the Gyro entree with rice, and we split an order of fries. We all enjoyed our food very much, although my husband thought it was overpriced. I would definitely go back to try other veg-friendly dishes. The guy who took our order and cashed us out was very friendly. Two things: they do not serve alcohol, and it is a casual, order at the counter, and pick up your food when your name is called kind of place.
(4)
Steve C.
Best moussaka in town! Love everything, usually get lamb kabob, kefta kabob sandwich, moussaka, and their excellent baba ganoush.
(4)
Lauren H.
This place is great, and for anybody. It is comfortable with indoor and outdoor seating, great food and friendly staff. I went here with my son and he refused to eat the hummus that I ordered him, so one of the cooks came out and gave him different small plates of food until he finally settled on a cupcake. They were so kind, and also brought me Arabic coffee after our meal even though I didn't order or pay for it. As we left the owner asked my name and welcomed me to his restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon to get my Mediterranean food fix.
(5)
Mischa B.
Love this place. Fast and friendly. Never had bad meal here- but my go to is the falafel sandwich, yum!
(4)
Gavin D.
We originally came here because we were told that they have good gyros. But we've been told plenty of times that this is a great place by people in the neighborhood as we've begged people to tell us about good food in Clintonville. We've only gone once, and gyros are definitely not their specialty, so I'm going to start with 3 stars and hope that I'm happily surprised in the future. You order up front and then they bring your food out to the table - I'd like to go and try sitting outside in the pergola-ed area some time, but we ate inside on a hot summer day. My guess is that the kabobs are the way to go, given their prominence on the menu and in the display case. But, we had some hummus (fine), dolma (awfully mushy), gyro (bland), and something else that I can't remember now (I was really going for the gyro) but I recall was the best thing we had. All of it added up to just OK - fresh ingredients it seemed, but missing the boat on the flavors. As far as Clintonville goes, this seems to be a great restaurant, but I'm hopeful a) I'll be more taken in the future and b) I find other better restaurants. I should also note that it struck me as on the pricey side. Not crazy expensive, but if I'm going to pay $15/person, I'd probably rather sit down and be served (but then I guess there'd be tip, so it'd be more). I had a sampling of stuff from here at a party that was catered as well, but I won't count that (kibbeh, spanikopita, etc.), except to say it didn't leave me with a significantly different opinion.
(3)
Frank S.
Full disclosure: I've only had take-out from Lavash, so this review is based on the food alone. The truth is, I've only ever had the combo plate. It's a great sampling of their food and it is excellent. I think it holds its own against Dearborn, MI, which is saying something. The combo plate is more than enough to feed 4 people (although they say 2 - 3), so it's an excellent value too. Do yourself a favor and go eat there.
(4)
Troy S.
Great food at this location but my warning is that they can be busy and it can be hard to find a a seat. I tried to go here the other night and the place was just too busy on a Wednesday night around 7. The food is well worth the wait if you are willing to wait a little or go at a better time then I did. The waitstaff are also very friendly. I hope to review this again once I eat here again and have a better memory of everything I ate
(3)
TM M.
I am from Cincinnati with family in Columbus. My husband and I make a point to come here every time we are in town. The food and service are flawless. The owner frequently comes out to say hi and check on things. I would recommend this to everyone, old or young. The dining area is very casual but the quality is phenomenal.
(5)
Patrick J.
Great food for any price and consistently prepared well. The owner is affable and attentive, too.
(5)
Fancy K.
Order at the counter and pick it up when they call your name. On perfect nights for eating outdoors, eating out on the patio under the grapevines, there can be a bit of a wait for your food. On a chilly night with only indoor seating, it's a lot faster. Great for our vegetarian/vegan family.
When I lived in Germany there was a large Turkish population and that is where I learned to love the food and coffee, I was an absolute fiend for it! I had the chicken curry with rice n salad. The chicken was kinda dry,and there were only 4 small pieces of potato but the curry sauce redeemed it all nicely. Got lavash instead of pita. Endless green tea always a win! If you're a coffee lover, try the Turkish coffee, strong as all get out and you won't sleep for the next two nights, but omg is it good! I have had most of the menu items here and for what it is, it is very good. And I appreciate the consistancy of the dishes. For the money, this is a much healthier way to eat. For a dollar or so more you can make better choices than fast food. You can call ahead and get it to go if you're crunched for time. The deserts are awesome, try the baklava, just the right amount of not-too-sweet goodness with your coffee. There is a side patio to people and traffic watch while you enjoy your meal. Use your SBB card here :)
(4)
Edy D.
I had the special of the day which was the Lamb Shank, it was wonderful. It was tender, moist, well seasoned. The rice was different from all the other dishes, it had a touch of cinnamon & sweetness. The portion was big enough for 3 meals, I'm not kidding. The Baba Ganoush was scrumptious with the fresh bread. We finished up w/ a Turkish coffee and a couple shared pastries....we were happy & STUFFED. This is one of my all time favorite neighborhood places year round!
(4)
QQ J.
Neat and nice place with different choices. I personally love the rice pudding there. Also they have fried fish, which was a big surprise for me when my husband first took me there.
(4)
Amber H.
This place is fantastic. The first time i had it was at an event they catered, and fell in love with their bread. Like, some of the best bread I've ever tasted, and I like bread. Then I went to the actually store, and now I like it even more! The decor is almost Mediterranean, if they added a little more to what they have it would be really cool. It was kinda weird that there was no music playing, but then again it would probably be too loud, since it's a smallish dining area, and it was hoppin. My Indian friend mentioned it had the feel of restaurants in India with the clatter of dishes and people everywhere. So, almost same geographic region, right? The food was again, delicious. I'm not a big meat eater, but the lamb kefta I had was phenomenal. And when I can get soda water fo free, I am a happy camper. I didn't try the Turkish coffee, that is for next time. The pricing for the sandwiches aren't bad, considering they're very big. But the pastries were $2 each for these less than 4cm things, waaaay too expensive in my opinion. Wide variety that all looked great though, if you don't mind to pay. $3 large bags of their famed bread though, not bad.
(5)
Peter D.
Con's: Parking Pro's: Just about everything else. The place is beautiful inside, very clean and it has ample seating. The menu is very colorful and i've yet to get anything from them that hasn't been excellent. They even use my personal favorite Luzianne Iced Tea. I think the pita tends to be a little dry, but thats the only real complaint i can come up with. The lamb is some of the best i've ever had, food presentation is spot on and generally it is always worth the money.
(5)
Amy H.
This place is great! The spicy black bean hummus with their homemade pita bread is the BEST. There are two things that I don't love about this place: 1. Sometimes there is no place to sit, yet they always have large empty tables marked as "reserved". I have never gone during a time when their largest tables aren't reserved for someone. 2. Under the "sandwiches" section of their menu, they have chicken shawarmas and it says they also have chicken kabobs (I swear - you can look it up online, I'm not crazy!). The shawarma comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce; the kabob comes with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tahini sauce. I always order a chicken kabob with the tahini on the side, and an extra side of the garlic sauce. I like both sauces, and like to be able to ration out the amount of sauce in each bite (I'm picky). The last three times I've gone in, they've told me that the kabob sandwiches don't come with chicken, only the shawarmas do. The only difference is that one has onions, so its not such a big deal, but says right on the menu that they DO have chicken kabob sandwiches. Just a pet peeve. But anyway, those two items are the only thing preventing me from giving this place a 5-star rating. The food is delicious, and despite my qualms with the seating and menu, I still love this place! The employees are always friendly, and the first time I ever went they sent me home with a free order of their pita bread to use with my leftover hummus. Seriously, the black bean hummus is so good I've stopped in to get a to-go order and eaten it for dinner on its own. Added bonus: you can use your Member Card there if you happen to support WOSU for a one-time bogo sandwich.
(4)
Janna B.
I can't say enough good things about lavash. The food is wonderful, I highly recommend the grape leaves and lentil soup! The chicken kabobs are also great and of course my absolute favorite is their hummus. They will always give you pita bread for free if you ask, and the staff has always been friendly. I am a frequent lunch visitor.
(5)
Gail G.
I have been several times and each time the employees have been friendly, respectful and helpful. They have assisted me when needed, as times I have been there with people who have special needs and they have been there to provide assistance. The food is always good and the amount is generous compared to other Mediterranean restaurants in this area. The Turkish coffee was exceptional and repeatedly the wait staff asked if I were familiar with it. I thought that was very funny but again it showed how helpful the staff is to its customers. I loved the fatoush salad, but my husband said mine was better. Theirs was fabulous. I will repeat going there. In fact, I will be there in 2 days. Twice in one week. I think that says it all.
(4)
Tarey H.
I love the food. The lamb and beef shwarma is delightful. The spicey black bean hummus is a must.
(4)
Kelly L.
I tried this restaurant for the first time a few days ago and it is a new favorite. I ordered lamb shawarma and spicy black bean hummus. My meal came with a small salad and a basket of warm pita bread. The large portions are fairly priced and everything tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. This restaurant has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful patio area. The owner and staff are very friendly and welcoming.
(5)
Amber C.
This place is absolutely amazing. The food is fantastic and everyone working is always friendly. It's clean and a great atmosphere. The owner is there most of the time and he gave us free baklava our first time there. Some of the food is a little bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it, and there are less expensive options as well.
(5)
Kyle D.
My girlfriend insisted I try this place and I was not disappointed. the owner was there- making sure everybody was satisfied and I was definitely satisfied. The smoothies are great the lamb is great.The hummus is great. Best Mediterranean food that I've had.
(4)
Laura C.
Great food. Good casual atmosphere. I love their hummus and the desserts are amazing.
(4)
Tony B.
Great food with quick service, quite possibly the best Shawarma I have ever had. I will certainly go back again.
(4)
Seth D.
I am so happy this guy is back in the restaurant business where he belongs! I have been eating at his restaurants since I was a wee lad and his food was definitely the first to expand my horizons. There is so much pride in everything he does and he always makes you feel welcome and relaxed while also keeping a smile on your face with his sarcastic sense of humor. Such a great guy to be around. Everything was perfect as expected, from the hummus to the tabbouleh to the gyros. I wish I could have tried more! But I know I'll be back :-)
(5)
Sandy W.
This restaurant has a decent atmosphere, good food, and great service. I come here on a regular basis for chicken shawarma, lentil soup, hummus, fatoush salad, and baklava. If you are a salad fan, you will not be disappointed with the fatoush salad. The portion size you get when you dine in is HUGE. It's enough for two. (It's not as impressive in a to-go box.) If you're dining with a friend, I would recommend splitting the salad and another item on the menu. I've also tried the entrees a couple of times, and while they are tasty, they are on the expensive side compared to the sandwich options, and they fill you up just as equally. Lavash is also a great place to snack and do some work on the laptop during the dead mid-afternoon hours between lunch and dinner. A baklava (and Lavash always has a few different kinds!) accompanied with turkish coffee is a divine combination.
(5)
Alex C.
BEST Greek food in town! I actually worked there for a while in college, and I can vouch for the commitment to freshness and quality ingredients. My favorites are the hummus, the lentil soup, the Okrah Stew (a special they have a couple of times a week, if you like okrah you will LOVE it), and the Harrira soup. But really, ANYTHING is good. And definitely save room for Turkish coffee and a baklava. :) Also has a nice, open eating area. It can get a little noisy, so if you like a quieter atmosphere I suggest carry-out. Or, they have a great patio for the warmer months.
(5)
Elizabeth N.
Don't know how I haven't reviewed this yet since I'm there all the time. Lavash is like the restaurant version of Cheers--everyone knows your name and is incredibly friendly. Of course, it got to the point where people knew my name because I couldn't keep away from the food. The hummus is the best in the city and the grape leaves are out of this world. I also love the different specials--lemon cauliflower stew and lebanese moussaka are my favorites. It's a fairly large portion, but I somehow manage to make my way through. My meat-eating family loves it too. They to graduation and stayed for four nights. We went to Lavash for two of the four--they needed another taste of of the chicken kabob meal.
(5)
Justin B.
I've yet to have a bad meal here. The tabolueh and house "Lavash" salad are always very fresh. The hummus and baba ghanoush are terrific. I love their turkish coffee. The portions are huge and the prices reasonable. Here's the big one for me.... the owner has been there every time I have. A very good sign.
(4)
Steve K.
Lavash cafe is my usual choice for quick and delicious Eastern Mediterranean dining in Clintonville. The menu is extensive but very easy to follow. They serve Middle Eastern pita sandwiches, fish, vegetarian and gluten free selections-it's always fresh and well presented. My personal favorites are the hummus, falafel, tabouleh, lentil soup, and even french fries. The dining area is colorful, warm and very comfortable. The outside patio is charming, offering plenty of sun and shade seating now with the added grape arbor. As an added benefit, the entire restaurant is spotless, the staff is friendly, and the owner is almost always present and very hands-on to ensure the best experience possible. Lavash Cafe even has an extensive dessert, coffee, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juice menu to top it all off.
(4)
Heather M.
I really can't help but give this place 5 stars for an incredible showing in all the categories that matter to me. From the flavor and value of food, diverse menu options, decor, comfort, and friendliness, I was blown away at every turn. I'm not a vegetarian, but I ordered the lavash combo full of meatless dishes like dolmas, tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel, all served with a side of hot, freshly baked bread. I was in heaven and savored every bite. These flavors extinguished immediately the ever so slight tinge of regret that washed over my post order calm when I saw the kebabs prepared and lain out under glass like sparkling crown jewels. Next time my sweet kebabs, next time. Did I mention they had hand sanitizer available at the door? They do, and I think that means they really care.
(5)
Kent K.
The main thing I have to say here is that the food is The Taste!! I got the Lamb Mousaka, some kind of lasagna type dish with ground lamb, cheese and fried eggplant instead of pasta, and rice on the side. Plus meals come with a salad and a plate of hummus and pita bread. Unfortunately there is some bad I must add. The food is overpriced, in my opinion. If this is a high class sit down and order type of restaurant it would be ok. But it not. So you see the price and expect more out of the place. Or maybe you see the place first and expect lower prices, but whatever. Plus they had some food pre-made, which is great for take-out, but it makes me question the quality. And I must mention the Turkish coffee! C'mon, coffee is meant to be consumed alone, not with 30 added spices! I realize though, Turkey is a foreign country and that's fine if they want to make it like that. It's good for 1 or 2 demitasse full. Anyways, it is good food which is hard to argue with. Overall I was impressed.
(4)
Gus W.
I finally got a chance to head to Lavash, and it only took four years! It's been on my radar ever since I lived behind it at Olentangy Village, but I think I took its location for granted and then never ended up going. So much has been written about this place already that I won't be contributing anything too new to the conversation, so I'll try to keep it short. First off, this place has plenty of parking with a large private lot in the back plus plenty of street parking along High St. The inside is not very big, so I'd be wary of bringing large groups in. You order at the counter, and they call your name once your order's up to grab it. I went with the beef and lamb shawarma on the Lavash bread which is like a wheat wrap, and my girlfriend tried the chicken shawarma on the regular Greek (Mediterranean?) style bread. I also went with hummus and fries and a chocolate and almond baklava. The food was out quickly, and my shawarma was pretty tasty, but I think I like Pita House's shawarma a little better. The Lavash bread was just okay for me. The meat was tasty and had lots of flavor, but I'm not sure if the rest of the ingredients added much to the dish. My girlfriend's chicken shawarma was very good, however. It was definitely the garlic sauce that came with it, and the bread was much better in my opinion. The hummus was tasty, but the pita bread was a bit burnt. I really loved the fries and the seasoning that was on them. It's a pretty big order and could definitely be split between two people. The baklava was great as well, and I probably could have stuffed down more of those, but I managed some self control. Overall, probably not my favorite Mediterranean spot in Columbus, but I do want to try some of their other non-sandwich dishes, because they look delicious. I definitely won't write them off based on the other reviews, but if I'm looking for a lamb shawarma sandwich, I'll definitely be sticking to Pita House.
(4)
Beth S.
If I had to design a restaurant for the Columbus market and palate, this would be it. Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was pleasant. Upon entering, you're greeted with half a dozen frames holding newspaper reviews; always a good sign that the owners know how to work and and know how to show it off. The display case that you choose your food form is brightly lit and makes the food look enticing. You order, pay, sit down, and wait for them to call your name with your hot food. My table and I ordered whole fried grouper and red snapper, as well as some lavash leg of lamb wraps. The lavash bread is flatter and more cracker like, if you will, than its cousin the pita bread. Service was prompt and friendly. The only negative i found was the lack of background music... is it just me or does this just kill the mood? I love ambient music... too bad there was none today. Didn't ruin the flavors of the baklava, though. Sweet enough to give me cavities, but i ate it any way
(4)
Nick S.
Lavash serves solid Mediterranean food in a modern cafe setting. Everything I've ever had here has been top-notch. The baba is the best I've ever had: smoky and delicious. Tonight I had the Kefta Kebab entree. It was everything I could ever want out of a meal: A nice, fresh little salad, rice, and ground meat, wrapped around a stick, and cooked over an open flame. (I can't think of anything else you could possibly do to make meat more delicious.) Is Lavash so good that I would travel across town for it? Probably not. It's good, but there's a lot of good Mediterranean in Columbus. However, if you're in the area you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Amanda A.
Everything at Lavash is delicious, and if you ever go and they have the WHOLE Fried Red Snapper special you have to get it! The staff has always been super friendly! Highly recommended!
(5)
Joe B.
Lavash Cafe is an excellent restaurant. The food is excellent, super tasty, complex and complete. It was described to me as a "mediterranean Northstar" and that sums it up well. Not to mention Lavash is spotlessly clean. I ordered a chicken special, turkish coffee, and sampled some of their incredible pastries. Out of this world. I will be back and recommend Lavash Cafe to all.
(5)
Randy M.
Since moving to Columbus, I've been eager to try some Greek food, since the city's residents tend to tote the vast selection and quality when it comes to this category. Hearing good things about this place, I was skeptical when I drove into the little back parking lot. It didn't seem like anything special, but maybe that was Hungry Howie's fault. Walking in instantly changed my mind. There's a glass case filled with desserts and pastries, as well as one showcasing meat on kabobs. On the back wall, a colorful wall makes this place really pop with color. I ordered the beef shwarma wrap, and it was excellent, albeit a bit messy toward the end with all the juices dripping out of my wrapper. I guess that's a sign of good greek food. My only complaint is that at times this place can get crazy crowded, but the owner makes every effort possible to make sure people can find a seat and enjoy their food.
(4)
Julie P.
I just don't it. The food is bland and boring. Their gyros could be better used as doorstops. Maybe bookends. On the upside, the salads are nice and fresh. Yawn...
(2)
Sarah B.
I love this place, and am so happy it's only a few blocks from my house. The walls are pretty, everything is clean, but sometimes it can get a little crowded around lunchtime... I guess that's a good thing. I've been there 4 times, twice I got the vegetarian lavash platter (dolma, tabouleh, hummus, and falafel) . Delish. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had (yeah, whatever, haven't been to Greece, maybe it's not the best for everyone but I love it). The dolma are fairly average, but still yummy, and the tabouleh is very fresh and fabulous. Last time, I got the roasted chicken entree, which is half of a roast chicken, a serving of rice, and a little green salad. I think it was the best roast chicken I've ever bought from a restaurant. I loved it, ate it down to the bone, and had enough leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day. Yum. The baklava is good, although maybe a bit over-priced.
(5)
John D.
Mediterranean for the Yuppie in You Huge menu, casual format, and freshly prepared, healthful food. Avoid peak hours--the place can get a little crowded. This place destroys Aladdin's in every possible way.
(5)
Sam B.
This place has very good Mediterranean food. We almost always get a kebob of some sort, it comes with a heaping of rice and a side salad. The hummus is fresh and so is the pita bread. Sometimes it comes warm straight out of the oven. Yum.
(4)
Angela S.
Fiance wanted to take me here on my most recent Columbus visit. I was very impressed by the vast selection of desserts on display as I walked in - definitely want to try those the next time I stop by. The staff themselves are one of the highlights of Lavash - incredibly friendly and helpful. This is not a full service restaurant, yet they offered to box my leftovers for me and gave me extra sauce to go. Also, one of the cooks asked me how I was doing when I went up to get my food, which is a little touch that for me makes a big difference. The food itself is great - I got some extremely flavorful lamb/beef kabobs with great tasting rice and a nice side salad (great touch). Well done!
(5)
Ian K.
Lavash is a wonderful cafe hidden in plain sight. Bright colors and amazing smells greet you upon entering and that's only the beginning. My girlfriend had the Lebanese Mousaka, which is sort of a deconstructed take on the Greek version (more like lasagna), with the typical eggplant but added chickpeas and a side of rice. I went for the falafel appetizer and the Mojadara entree, a flavorful heap of rice, lentils, and other vegetables. Aside from our choices, they have a variety of meat dishes, many of which can be seen in the display case up front. Mouth-watering to say the least.
(4)
Jenny B.
I love fast casual and Lavash is a great example of how it can be done well. Everything that I have had here has always tasted great, from there apps like hummus, sandwiches like their chicken shwarma, to their entrees like their roasted chicken. I guess I would say that my only complaint would be the oil that drips to the bottom of my chicken shwarma. I don't know how it could have so much oil since the chicken is spinning around on the spit and the oil should be dripping out. I do love the garlic sauce that they put on it. I think I could eat that with everything!! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. And if you are ever need a chocolate hit, their chocolate cupcakes will really hit the spot!
(4)
Brandon M.
This place had been on my list of places to check out for quite a while now and finally bit the bullet the other evening. After eating there I had to wonder what took me so long? Lavash has rocketed toward the top of my low price high quality restuarants. For $20 the significant other and I had soup, falafel appetizer, hummus, gyro plate and drinks. I can understand why they are always busy.
(4)
Fozz M.
This place was amazing. Definitely some of the best middle-eastern food I have had in ages. The atmosphere was nice, the staff was helpful and the food was amazingly tasty. I had a shrimp special and the portion was quite sizable with a nice side salad. I also ordered the hummus which was one of the better ones that i've had. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Marit S.
I have been to Lavash twice in the last week, so that should tell you something. On my first visit, I had the Lamb Kabob with a side of hummus--I got a coupon for a free one in the mail, which lured me in. I would have ventured in regardless, but I am a sucker for anything "free!" The kabob came with saffron rice with slivered almonds. YUM. I could have eaten a plate of the rice alone. It was perfect. The lamb was cooked just right and came nice and hot. My second time, I ordered the spinach and cheese fatayer and hummus for my meal. The fatayer was awesome. Most of them I've had are really flaky, but this one was nice and soft--I highly recommend it. They are made to order. I know there isn't anything too fancy about pita bread--but theirs is so warm and FLUFFY. And if you go through your basket, they'll gladly give you more! The dessert case was VERY tempting. I was able to pass it up on my first visit--but had to give in on the second time around. Rather than go with a standard baklava, I went with homemade carrot cake--which was AMAZING. I will definitely be hitting up Lavash again!
(4)
Nbdy U.
My favorite middle eastern place in the city. I basically stick to two things, the vege lavash (I always recommend the tortilla like lavash over the pita when you have the choice) - it has baba ghanouj, humus, and tabouli and some other stuff wrapped up, super delish; and when I was doing no carbs, they have an EXCELLENT salad with a kebab spread out over it, yummy pieces of filet/tenderloin. Also, their french fries are my favorite in the city. Reasonably priced too, the wrap is $4.50 or $4.96 and the salad is $10. I am so happy that when I moved I am now closer to Lavash.
(5)
Meg O.
I feel like I've experienced quite a few mediterranean/Middle Eastern-style food joints throughout Columbus and Ohio, and Lavash just doesn't measure up. I liked the open feeling of the place, and the color scheme and set up of the counter where one orders is quite nice, but that's pretty much it. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma entree, and we also got hummus for an appetizer. You get a lot of food, but it's not really worth what they charge for it. The hummus was SUPER bland, and seemed to consist of 75% olive oil drizzled over the top. I mean, WTF? I didn't order olive oil with a side of hummus. The "pita" bread that came with it was like eating cardboard. Very, very bland. My chicken shawarma was...well, let's just say it could have given the Mojave Desert a run for its money. Suuuper dry, and again, not flavorful. Same with the rice concoction that came with it. HOWEVER, the one redeeming factor was the "garlic crack" (my terminology, not Lavash's) that was in a little cup off to the side, I think to make the shawarma a little tastier. Word to the wise: if you don't like garlic, this concoction is not for you. It's like pure garlic ambrosia. I like to laugh at people who bitch and moan and complain about the tiniest problems when it comes to food, but I don't make a complaint to this degree unless I'm really dissatisfied. And as far as Lavash goes, I think I'm going to go elsewhere to appease my mediterranean food fetish.
(2)
Lisa S.
A friend that lives near Lavash Cafe has been telling me for weeks that I need to try it. He spoke of display cases filled with lushes goods. So it was on this recommendation that I stopped in to Lavash the other day. I so terribly wish that I would have brought my camera with me. My friend that described to me the beautiful displays completely understated how gorgeous and delicious everything actually looked. Lavash Cafe's strongest point would be their design, color scheme, and atmosphere. These things go a long way in enjoying a delicious meal. The color scheme consists mostly of warm cream yellows and sea foam greens and blues. One wall is covered in fabric panels in complimentary colors. There's a decent amount of seating, and a raised platform with two long dinner tables that could seat 8 people each. Everything felt clean and fresh. The food, which is ordered at the counter, was a reflection of the atmosphere. I had the Shawarma on Pita Bread with a side of French Fries. The meat was good, not greasy like my campus favorite. The tahini sauce was a little off putting because I'm not used to tahini, but towards the end of my meal I had gotten used to the creamy sauce. The pita was grilled and crispy. The fries were seasoned and generously portioned. My mom ordered the Mojadara which consists of Rice and Lentils and served with a Lavash Salad. A Lavash Salad is comprised of diced Tomatoes, Garlic, Cucumbers, Parsley, Mint and Tahini Sauce. I found the Rice and Lentils to be a little dry, but the Lavash Salad was incredibly refreshing. Sandwiches are reasonably priced at under $6, and not a single entree surpasses $10. And of course what would a proper review be without a little dessert. Or in this case, baklava. I made sure to take some home with me for Matthew B. I need to make another trip to Lavash, to try more menu items and to bring along my camera and capture some of the beauty of the inside of this tiny Cafe.
(5)
Steve B.
First time here and a rookie with this type of food but it was terrific.
(5)
Big Baby Jesus C.
OK, so here's the deal, you may find the food bland, but no one has said it wasn't fresh. The food is always fresh at Lavash, and everyone is friendly. I am no expert on Palestinian food, or Mediterranean food as it's called now to not alarm the bovine masses and make them think they are supporting terrorism by buying some dinner here, but I like everything I have tried here EXCEPT the baba ghanoush. The owner (guess one person thinks he's "self important") is the nicest guy ever, although I don't know his name. He is always asking if you like your food, and if everything is tasty. In fact, the one time I had the baba ghanoush, he overheard me tell my companion I didn't like it, and asked if everything was ok. I just didn't have the guts to say I didn't like it, because he looked borderline hurt by hearing I didn't like it. Seldom do owners/managers/employees/servers give a sh!t whether I am happy about things, much less earnestly care. As far as what to order, it's easy, whatever is on special. The plates are sitting saran wrapped on the counter to the left of the cash register. Pick whatever sounds good, and wait for them to call your name. When I say pick what you want to eat, I mean lamb, okra, don't be annoying and fuss over what's in chicken biryani. You'll get salad (dressing's always on the side, not sure what someone was complaining about) and bread (pita or lavash or a mix) and a heaping plate of whatever you ordered and some seasoned rice. I have lost count of the dinner specials I have ate here, all $8.95 or so. If you order to-go near closing time (9 m-th, 10 f&s) they hook you up with extra because it all gets tossed out anyhow (because they make it all fresh everyday :) ) I have also had the hummus here (great), dolmas (Like Aladdin's better, although Aladdin's [Dublin location] has really burnt me with old food before. 3 day old salad and it was carry out after work. I didn't realize it till I got home), kibbeh (alien yet tasty), gyro's (not my favorite), and a bunch of other stuff I forget the name of, all tasty. Oh, I forgot, the dessert case. I try and dodge this thing, but it's right by the door. Most confections are varied combinations of phyllo dough, honey, and some type of nut. There are also decadent looking cheesecake slices, and I had a pink lemonade cupcake one day when I was weak, and it was great. One more thing, the Turkish coffee. Amazing. If you haven't had Turkish coffee before, it takes awhile to make, so don't expect to walk away from the cash register with it after paying, and it has the finely ground coffee grounds still in it, so be aware of the sludge at the bottom of the pot.
(5)
James F.
My family and I took our first trip to Lavash Cafe last night and we were very impressed. First, the food itself was excellent. I had the leg of lamb plate and the meat was tender, flavorful, and plentiful, but not so much that you felt like a glutton. The pilaf was tender but not mushy. My wife had the gyro plate - a similar experience awaited her. The gyro sauce on top complemented but didn't overpower the meat. They had both traditional middle eastern desserts and some American desserts, both of which were excellent. The baklava was flaky and tasty but not overpoweringly sweet. Beverages were excellent as well. My son had a Mango smoothie and enjoyed it all. I had the Turkish coffee and it was very tasty, strong, and sweet. My wife enjoyed the mint tea. My kids shared with us, and also split some hummus and falafel. My son loved the falafel... my daughter almost didn't get any. :) I didn't get a chance to try it myself, due to his speed eating. The service was friendly and accommodating. I had my hands full getting three trays to the table and one of the employees helped me with the third immediately. They brought our drinks to our table as soon as they were ready as well. The decor was colorful but not overwhelming. The restaurant was clean and well-laid out. Restrooms were kept very clean. Only criticism is that the restaurant is a little light on amenities for kids. A kids' menu would be nice, and though they had high chairs, they could also stand to have a couple of booster chairs for kids who are too big for high chairs but not quite big enough for regular chairs. Edit - the last time we went in they had some high chairs available. So that problem is gone.
(4)
Mindy W.
I love the food and service at Lavash. I wish they offered full-service and booze, but it cuts down on cost. I have never had a bad meal here! The gyro meat is always delicious (I try to avoid eating lamb as a rule of thumb, but I sneak a few bites of my boyfriend's when he gets it), and all of the kebabs are tasty. I get really excited when they have Indian-inspired dishes. Their chicken curry is one of the best I have ever tasted. I love that entrees come with salad, bread and rice. The rice is awesome with the nuts and fresh herbs. It's my favorite side dish. I would never consider their food bland. It's some of the most flavorful food I have had in Columbus. On top of that, it IS always so fresh! The salads are always green and crisp. Last year, during Ramadan, they had samosas that were to die for. They were huge, moist, and made with the perfect amount of dough. I was really sad to hear that they really only make these treats during holidays. Their Baklavah is also really good. I try to avoid getting cupcakes or anything, but they always look tasty.
(5)
Mark F.
We have only had Lavash carryout, but every experience has been great. Friendly, knowledgeable service over the phone, friendly service at the restaurant, and the food is tremendous. Desserts are to die for and the mains are reasonably priced and incredibly big. The shwarmas are huge and awesome. Can't give this place high enough marks. In Clintonville, we are hurting for neighborhood joints with good grub. In Lavash, we finally have a place we can hang our hats.
(5)
Erin R.
Since this is really their first week being open, I definitely had to cut Lavash Cafe some slack in working out the kinks. Last night I got home from a business trip and was starving, so my boyfriend and I decided to walk around the corner to try this place out since we saw a lot of people dining throughout the past few days. The cafe is very bright and laid back, you order at the counter and then pick your food up once its ready. The menu has a variety of entrees, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and soup. There is also a large bakery case with 15 kinds of baklava and other mediterranean desserts. I had the lamb kabob sandwich on lavash bread, but there was also a choice of pita, and baba ghannouj. My boyfriend had the lamb kefta sandwich on lavash and french fries. The food was prepared fairly quickly and tasted fresh, and besides a few mixups with people's takeout orders, everything seemed to be running smoothly. The kabob sandwich was great and had just been grilled. Both sandwiches also came with a small side salad of tomato, lettuce and cucumber. The french fries were seasoned and very hot, which is something i appreciate even if i almost burn my mouth trying to eat them. My boyfriend wasn't as big of a fan of his sandwich as i was of mine, but he tried mine and agreed it was very good. He works at another notorious greek restaurant in town, so he is a little biased. The baba was excellent, and came with plenty of fresh pita. I devoured it. The staff was very friendly and came around to every table it seemed to ask how everything was. They were also helpful in explaining anything on the menu. My one complaint would be that the menu is posted high up and is kind of difficult to read, but overall it was a good experience at a place that is just starting out. Over time I'm sure the kinks will be worked out. I think Lavash Cafe is a great casual mediterranean restaurant for takeout or to dine in as an alternative to Alladin's or other sit down table service mediterranean restaurants in town. Both of us were able to eat for less than $20, and by the time I got up to leave I no longer felt starved. Everything was fresh and well-prepared, and the laid-back atmosphere was just what I needed at the end of a hectic day.
(4)
Diana U.
I love love LOVE Lavash. Very clean looking place with extremely friendly staff. The owner's always out and about on the floor to greet customers and see that everybody is happy. Food tastes fresh and there's a very good variety. I'd suggest getting the sandwich rather than an entree if you are not a big eater like me because the entree servings are huge. I enjoyed the shwarma very much and I've had a lot of other great things that I can't remember. Pastry selection is so fun - huge cupcakes, different kinds of baklava, and more. Great place. Go now.
(4)
Rich S.
New school Middle Eastern joint with awesome garlic sauce. All the food is delicious and they make my favorite chicken shawarma in Columbus.
(4)
Monaco C.
Food and service is great. Chicken can be a little tough once in awhile but I love this place!
(4)
Kris K.
The last time I was there, I placed an order, sat down and the owner told me I could not sit down because I was by myself and he needed the tables for customers. I'll never go there again. (In regards to the food, it's just okay, way overpriced.)
(1)
J D.
Went there tonight for dinner and was mighty impressed. I know Nasir from his days at Firdous on campus and then in the North Market, so expected good stuff, and not disappointed. I ordered the babganoush app and the 'special' of lamb chops w/potates/veggies/rice. The babaganoush was awesome: it had a good smokey char thing going on, with plenty of good garlic, tahini and cumin, too. With a drizzle of olive oil-damn fine. The chops were good, too, though a little over done for my taste (I prefer lamb medium-rare) but still tender and well seasoned, with no too much fat, either. The rice was gently perfumed, tender and delicious, while the potates were moist and delicious with a garlic dipping sauce. For dessert, Nasir brought out two small baklava that were spot on. They are made in middle eastern bakery in Detroit for him with real honey (rather than molasses or corn syrup-eck, like some). With a capuccino, what a great end to a great meal. All in all, very please for a fairly inexpensive meal. Glad to have Nasir back after a few years away, and even more glad to have him here in Clintonville-lord knows we need more restaurants with his fervor and attention to the food. Bon appetito!
(4)
Perry L.
Friendly staff, delicious food, convenient location. What more could you want ^_^
(5)
anne h.
Love this place. The lentil soup is outstanding, simple, hearty, and healthy! The lamb is always cooked to order and rare is rare, mid rare is mid-rare unlike other places with similar menus that serve lamb well no matter how you order it. Can't comment on the desserts as I'm not a sweet tooth. Spicy black bean hummus is awesome and the baba ganoush is delightful, smoky and complex. The food is never over salted so I add a little salt or lemon to bring out the complexity of some dishes - that's how I prefer it - you can't correct over salted. If you happen in on an evening when they are serving muncef, order it... The owner is charming and genuinely interested in making your experience as wonderful as possible. Thank you, Narsir!! Oh, and try the hot sauce - he excels at wonderful hot sauce.
(5)
Sanmit B.
decent med fare, fairly standard prices, good service = ok to good (more 3.5 stars than 3)
(3)
Ka T.
This food was great and reasonably priced. The cashier was able to definitely spend the time explaining each dish to me so that i can make the best decision. The food came out great and even though it says no waiter service its not completely true. They come out behind the counter and take care of each and ever customer. Even the chef came out. Very impressed.
(5)
Shannon W.
I went here with a friend for a "farewell" lunch. The food is great and good portions for the price. I recommend the Gyro plate and hot mint tea! The staff is friendly and fast. Quaint and simplistic decor complete the experience. I highly recommend you give it a try!
(5)
Jason S.
Lavash tent at arts festival. F-ing terrible. What makes people think an $8 gyro can taste that bad? Yes. I was hungry and didn't expect much but holy crap did Lavash underdeliver. Worst. Gyro. Ever. Ate two bites and threw it away.
(1)
Drew C.
BOTTOM LINE: Lavash is just fine. On food alone I might have given it 3 stars, but I have a soft spot for hard-working entrepreneurial types. And the chef/owner went out his way to make sure his customers were comfortable and happy - for me, that's worth an extra star. Some things were great, some were average. Nothing was bad. THE FOOD: As with with any ethnic restaurant, seeing natives eating in the place gave me comfort. There were middle-eastern people throughout the restaurant so I felt like I was gonna get a traditional meal. I was right. In the tradition of ACTUAL middle eastern food, the fare is uncomplicated. Meat, veggies, wrap, a lil hummus - done. It's cooked with care and not overly seasoned. The chicken shwarma was especially good. Beef/lamb shwarma was refreshingly meaty - not swimming in oil or seasoning. I felt like I was tasting the flavor of the flesh, which many chefs are afraid to do. The hummus was a let down. Just average. I can get that anywhere. The bread, however, is wonderful. I mean, really effin' good. The fallafel is above average, and pretty good for Columbus, but I have had better in other large, metropolitan cities. The Baklava was good though clearly pre-made offsite. THE ATMOSPHERE: Quaint and clean. The chef checked in on tables personally. I liked it. Has a small, NY counter deli kind of feel. DISCLAIMER: The menu is HUGE. We got chicken shwarma, beef/lamb shwarma, hummus,falaffel and baklava. I do plan on going back and trying more things and I'd be happy to amend this review should I get my socks knocked off WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: It's good food. You'll be pleased but you probably won't be raving for days. You'll get a good, traditional-esque middle-eastern meal and you won't have many complaints. Oh, and the price is nice.
(4)
Meredith H.
Recently moved to Columbus and this place has already become a regular in my restaurant rotation. The food is always good, whether it's lamb, chicken or shrimp. Have eaten in the restaurant and to-go and the orders are always correct. Solid choice for middle-eastern food and (pretty sure?) locally owned/not a chain. Would definitely recommend to others and take friends there!
(4)
Melanie M.
Pretty decent! I was assured that everything listed on the vegetarian menu was also vegan. Honestly, it wasn't the most flavorful food of this genre that I've ever had, but it wasn't the blandest either. Pretty good though. Definitely friendly staff as well.
(3)
John Q.
I first found out about this place through their groupon promotion last year. The parking lot is pretty small in the back and the inside is also kind of small but the food is delicious and service is pretty fast (5-10 minute wait). I enjoy this place and can not wait to return. I tried the Fatoush salad (mentioned in Christina C.'s review) and was not too impressed but to each their own. I like their gyros.
I ordered the lentil soup, the Lavash salad, and the baba ghanoush. I would say that, overall, this meal was mediocre at best. The Lavash salad was the worst part: as much dressing as vegetables, it was entirely inedible. The baba ghanoush was bland and left much to be desired. The soup was good, but not enough so to validate my dining experience. To add insult to injury, my companion and I tried to clear our table but could not find the spot in which to put our trays. Leaving them on our table, the self-important owner chastised us. Overall, I'd have rather spent my money elsewhere and I do not think that I will be going back. There are a number of (much) better Mediterranean restaurants in town.
(2)
Megan H.
Delicious. Great Mediterranean food!
(5)
Melanie B.
Just wanted to say, I still love Lavash. The turkish coffee is Amazing, and my favourite dish is the lamb shawarma on lavash - I've even taken it to some friends so they could try it. Today I also tried to hummus, which is excellent and unlike the super authentic hole in the wall places in my old 'hood in Chicago, Lavash doesn't drown their hummus in olive oil - just a drizzle, which is perfect. Also, I split the coconut cupcake with a friend the other day - to die for! And now that Lavash has opened that little side outside patio, WATCH OUT! I sense a truly amazing summer in the cville.
(5)
Bryan H.
Wow, this food is incredible. Nasir cooked up some incredible food at Firdous, but he's taken it to the next level. The interior is very cool, and you can pick your meal out of the glass cases when you walk-in. I tried the Lamb Schawarma with fries and hummus, all three were incredible. My friend Jon had the beef kabob with rice - looked tasty - he was eating it so quickly, I didn't have a chance to ask him for a taste. Portions were good and the food was very fresh. Quick, great price in a relaxed atmosphere. I have a new favorite restaurant!
(5)
Chad B.
Fantastic and unique Mediterranean food in Clintonville. One of our favorite places for a quick bite.
(5)
Allen W.
Lavash is super-clean always, the people are friendly and clean your table shortly after you're finished and the prices are very reasonable for the level of freshness offered! My wife and I spent $25 for two large meals and took left overs home. I would recommend this cafe to anyone who loves fresh and tasty mediterranean food!
(4)
Matthew G.
good not great; good prices for nice serving portions. amazing kefta, decent hummus; great grape leaves, good fries, meh baba ghanouj. thats as far as the dine in. the baklava is amazing through and through and not overly expensive.
(3)
Nathan S.
Solid but not quite "authentic" mediterranean food. The salad, lamb kabob, and rice were reasonably good and the fries were killer, way better than expected, but you have to order them a la carte. The "Pita", on the other hand, was like doughy Ponderosa dinner rolls that were cut up into triangles. C'mon guys, you're better than that. Would also be nice if they had some sort of mixed grill options, and hummus with the entrees, instead of having to order it separately. I liked it, but I think I'd put it a notch below Aladdin's or Happy Greek. One last suggestion, I ordered pick up over the phone, and still had to wait in the cashier's line for 10 minutes when I got there, so it would be nice to have a separate pickup order line.
(3)
Michelle M.
This place is great. Delicious food - check. Good prices - check. Friendly service - check. The owner is there every day and really cares about the food. The atmosphere could use a little face lift though.
(4)
Carl S.
This place is one of my favorites. On the occassions that I am in the area during the lunch or dinner hour, I get excited and head on over. My favorite is a gyro on lavash bread. Try the coffee. It is excelelnt and they will give you free refills.
(5)
Kurtis B.
My food here has always been incredible. Ive only ever had kabobs but their sooo good i never try anything else. Love it!
(5)
Steven H.
This place is fantastic! Everything I tried was absolutely delicious. The saffron-flavored rice was phenomenal, the lentil soup couldn't have been better, the lamb was perfectly seasoned and tasty and the customer service was attentive and friendly. Will definitely be back! Two thumbs way up. Highly recommended!
(5)
Lance N.
Had their Beef/Lamb Kabob, Lamb Chops, Snapper - all very good!
(5)
Julia C.
If you haven't tried Lavash Cafe, you should make a point to get there. The food is made from scratch every day. We have eaten at Lavash Cafe several times a week since they opened, and have yet to have a disappointing dish. They excel at lamb dishes, especially the roasted lamb special. The grape leaves are delicious (and are served with an equally delicious tahini sauce). There are always vegetarian options, including on the daily specials list. The owner is often on the dining room floor checking on your meal or giving you a friendly ribbing (he's got a great sense of humor). And don't forget to try out the house made baklava for dessert when they have it!
(5)
Sea K.
For the price, you won't find anything better in Columbus. Fresh ingredients, simple dishes, full flavors - all reasonably priced and healthy! Staff was super friendly, space was clean, no loud music/TVs and friendly setting for kids (had my 1 year old with me), hipsters, and seniors alike. Loved hearing at least 3 different languages being spoken by my fellow patrons. Sad I didn't get to try any of the scrumptious looking desserts (sampler platter was way too filling) but will surely be back! A neighborhood gem.
(5)
Ricardo B.
A friend recommended Lavash to me. I have eaten Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in many cities - some excellent. Lavash Cafe is now top on my list! This place on High street is clean and spacious. The food is of very good quality and so tasty. Prepared skewered meats of different kinds are beautifully displayed in an immaculate refrigerated case for your viewing enjoyment making it hard to decide which ones you have to miss once you make your decision... oh well, there's next time. The Shawarma is outstanding - you have choices of beef, chicken or lamb and they even let you have a combination. The tabouli is the freshest in Columbus... (I would add a touch of olive oil). Best humus in town (hands down!).Good baklava and other pastries and dessetrs of the kind with even espresso to go along. Everything is fairly priced and portions are quite generous. The owner, Nassir, is very well known in Columbus as a friendly, hard working man who knows his business well and really cares about quality and customer service -- he will come to your table to ensure your satisfaction. It's good to see he is back in business after a short hiatus. Oh, did I mention he caters? ... he's a sure hire for my next event. Try Lavash.. you will be glad you did.
(5)
John O.
i used to live across the street from this place. really really delicious food. always a good idea to check the specials before you order but, from my experience, you really can't go wrong here. the shrimp skewers, like most other items, are served with delicious mediterranean rice and a simple, tasty salad. along with pita hut on morse rd (and it's sister, ali baba near osu's campus) lavash makes quality mediterranean food seem so simple. fresh ingredients, diligent preperation - so easy to do if you just put a little CARE into it.
(4)
Adam R.
Oh my, Lavash has become our neighborhood go to. Good for dine-in, good for carry-out, good for when friends and family come into town. We're gradually exploring the menu and I have pretty enjoyed everything. Love their Lavash Combo (Hummus, tabouleh, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves) and the Lentil Soup, we order these two items about every time and many times this can be enough if it's just the two of us, but then no leftovers. Dining in is simply a delight, good atmosphere, wonderful staff, and an attentive owner who is often in the dining area.
(5)
May S.
Best Arabic food i ever had in the states , loved everything , hummus , grape leaves, shish cabab, baklava , i strongly suggest this place , people are very nice and the place is super clean :)
(5)
Jessica R.
I love Lavash! It is home to the BEST falafel in Columbus. It also has my favorite hummus. I wake up at night craving their hummus. Every time I go, service is prompt and accommodating, and the staff is excellent about answering questions. The decor is good for the casual vibe of the restaurant, but they do not have nearly enough seating during peak times. I like to carry-out many of my orders just to prevent waiting for a table. If you are trying Lavash for the first time, I would definitely recommend the Falafel platter.
(5)
Sarah H.
I am so tempted to give this place one star solely based on the fact that they are called Lavash and they DO NOT USE LAVASH BREAD. Please do not insult my intelligence and give me a f'ing sticky-texture falling-apart nasty-ass American wrap purchased from Kroger and call it Lavash. Seriously? What is this shit? I used to buy Lavash from an Armenian store near my office in MA, and let me tell you, wraps are DEFINITELY not the same. Okay, I know it's just a wrap, but I have been desperately searching for the perfect falafel and schwarma in this town and have been failing to find The Grail Of Middle Eastern. The thing about wraps is that they're just not substantial enough, and as soon as they get wet from the tahini sauce they basically turn into a gooey sticky mess. Real Lavash is tougher and can hold up to the abuses of drippy, greasy, delicious schwarma. Maybe I wouldn't be so annoyed with the wrap if the innards had been equally disappointing. But the thing is, the beef/lamb schwarma was PERFECT. It was spicy, tender, warm, and delicious. Exactly what I've been looking for. It came with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and tahini sauce, which were all pretty well-proportioned and definitely fresh. Could have used more tomatoes, but whatever. Maybe a little more sauce, but the wrap probably would have dissolved completely if that were the case. And of course, it came with pickles. Hooray!!! They were on the plate, so next time I'll specify that I want them in the sandwich. We had a bit of a mishap with our orders because of our own stupidity, and the cashier gladly helped us correct our order and get an extra side since we'd paid with a credit card (difficult to refund). Their desserts looked awesome, but I didn't actually try anything. There was a large group nearby that ordered the meat family platter. Oh my goodness gracious it looked amazing... I'm happy to say I have plans with a large group to return in a few weeks to get it! Anyway, I'll happily go back, but I'm going to beg the management to get real lavash or change their bread name, because right now it's just downright misleading.
(4)
Vin R.
Excellent food and great service (Nasir really makes dining there an event, even on a Monday afternoon.) The hummus and pita are excellent, and the falafel was outstanding. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
A P.
Got the lentil soup, falafel, and hummus. All three were great and the prices were awesome!!!
(4)
Mike E.
I judge how many stars each of my reviews will get based on how eager I am to return to the place I am reviewing. There really wasn't anything bad about Lavash Cafe. In fact, the staff was friendly, the place was clean, and the food was very tasty. It's just I was not so blown away that I am itching to return (this, however, could be personal preference. I enjoy Mediterranean food, but it's not in my favorite cuisines). I had shrimp kabobs, which were HUGE (major plus) but weren't as flavorful as I would have hoped (where's the spice?). The hummus, however, was fantastic. I am picky about my hummus, and this was very good...not too garlicky, and very great texture. The sides, including the rice, were average. There's no reason not to try Lavash, especially if you want something a little different than your run-of-the-mill burger joint or pizza shop. Lavash Cafe offers unique cuisine and a good variety of choices. It also has pretty good prices (it is a walk-to-the-counter-and-order type of place). Give it a shot!
(3)
Erin M.
I don't know what it is about this place, but I love it. After coming here the first time, I sat at home in Boston completely craving Lavash's food. When I came to Columbus again I knew I was going to eat here again without question. The staff here is friendly and willing to answer questions (like what the differences between the different types of baklava are) or wait it out while you peruse the menu for a ridiculous amount of time. They are also happy when handing your meal off to you, making you excited. But really, the most important thing is the food. Each time I have been here I have had the same thing: the Lavash combo, which is a sampler of big portions of standard Mediterranean fare (hummus, grape leaves, tabouli, falafel). It's so hard to stray from the combo, it's just so good. The hummus is smooth and packed with chickpea flavor. It is made in a traditional style and comes drizzled with oil on top. Mix that up and pile it onto the plentiful amount of pita that is included with your order. The two grape leaves included with the combo are big, stuffed with rice and veggies, and are just sour enough to taste fresh and not like they have been sitting around preserving for hours on end. The same goes for the tabouli, which is loaded with parsley, and mixes with the hummus nicely. The combo includes three or four (I can't recall) falafel balls. They are about the size of golf balls and are extremely crispy, indicating freshness. The inside is warm, slightly mushy, and straight up delicious fried chickpeas. My only criticism is that the falafel could be slightly more seasoned, but having something a little underseasoned is better than too much, in my opinion. Accompany your meal with the mint iced tea. It comes with a mint leaf in it. No artificial nonsense here. As someone who did not really know what baklava was until coming here, I appreciated the description from the staff about the 32 different kinds that Lavash carries. The woman at the counter who has been there when I come, perhaps a manager or maybe even an owner based on her friendly, "in charge" demeanor with patrons and staff, is awesome. She'll tell you everything. I have had the traditional, sweet, kind and a rose water kind. Personally, I think baklava is simply too sweet for my taste but judging from how Lavash's held together and the richness of the flavors, as well as a co-worker's reaction to her baklava selection, I'd say Lavash's is toward the top of the baklava quality chain. Seating has been ample on Friday nights when I have stopped in. There is rarely a wait aside from waiting for your food to be prepared and if the weather is nice, there is a small patio that provides additional seating. They take credit cards and have delicious food. Need I say more? Go...and if you're traveling from Columbus to Boston, please bring some Lavash with you!
(5)
Jeff P.
Wow! What a great find. Definitely the best Med. joint I've found in the city. I don't think I've ever had such flavorful and tender lamb meat...anywhere. The lentil soup was awesome. If I wasn't so stuffed, I would have had some of their delicious-looking desserts. The service was fantastic as well.
(5)
Pony B.
Lavash is great. Food is really good and fairly priced. Lots of times I order sides and soup, filling, affordable, and tasty. Workers are friendly but sometimes feel as though they're rushing you out - over bussing the tables before you're finished, kind of imposing. Otherwise, I love this place.
(4)
Frankie C.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and had been looking forward to trying this place for a long time. I am an regular patron of Aladdin's and wanted to try another option. I never like to leave bad reviews, but I was so upset with this restaurant I had to share. First, I am a vegetarian and gluten free. I had hear they had options there, so again, eager to try. I had three vegetarian options, none of which were gluten free. It was much more expensive than Aladdin's, which threw me off. Our food was served in styrofoam, which was a huge turn off. Then I saw my food. For $10 I paid for four bite sized falafel and two small grape leaves, and two small scoops of couscous and hummus. I was very upset. My husband's chicken dish was over cooked and completely unappetizing. The second we left I had to go home and eat something else. As a couple who does not eat out much due to funds, spending $30 on bad food is upsetting. We will never return.
(1)
Kate Q.
I've only been there once for takeout, but so far so good! The hummus is DEE-LISH - definitely recommend. The staff was friendly and helpful and we barely waited for our food. My husband got the schwarma plate and I got the Mojadara which was lovely. I can't wait to come back and actually eat here!
(4)
Heather G.
If you're in the mood for Mediterranean, Lavash is a great spot for lunch. The staff is friendly and helped our group make our selections. After ordering at the counter you grab your drinks and pick a seat. I agree with Lisa S., the color scheme gets extra points and I liked sitting next to the large windows. I highly recommend the black bean hummus. It has a great flavor with a little kick. The chicken shawarma was good, but the tahini sauce was a little too strong for me. The fries are tasty, be prepared to share-you get a lot. As we were finishing the owner came to chat which I loved. I'll definitely be back to try more, especially since the baklava was calling my name.
(4)
steve a.
Kibbeh + Lamb Chops = awesome. Was in the mood for something good/fresh, and looked at places surrounding my hotel. Saw Lavash's reviews and thought it was worth a shot. Everything was great, and prepared just like I'd want it... the Kibbeh was steaming hot, but had a nice crisp "shell". The Lamb Chops were also cooked perfectly... very tender & juicy. I got my order to go, but looks like a clean/decent place if you want to eat in. Will definitely stop back in the next time I'm in Columbus!
(5)
Shanna L.
Love the chicken shawarma sandwich and their french fries. I have no idea why french fries are always a staple at Mediterranean places, wouldn't a side of hummus make more sense? My only pet peeve is Pepsi products, yuck! Staff is always very nice and even gave us a freebie last week.
(4)
Carrie M.
All I really wanted was stuffed grape leaves - which came loosely wrapped and falling apart, incredibly oily and greasy, and with a bad sour taste.
(2)
Jennie M.
I've eaten in here once with some friends and my husband and I have ordered take out twice. Overall, I'd rather go a few doors down to Aladdin's. Perhaps it is personal preference but I enjoy the combination of ingredients and spices much more at Aladdin's: the first two items that come to mind are the hummus and fattoush salad...I just plain like them better at Aladdin's. I've ordered chicken at Lavash twice and both times it was exceptionally dry...as was the lamb shish kabab. When I dined in with my group of friends (about 8 of us), after we all ordered at the counter, the first and second people that ordered were long since finished with their meals by the time the last few people had theirs. I haven't been back in awhile so maybe they've tweaked the ordering process but it seems a little chaotic: you order at the counter and then go get your drink and find a table. Then they shout out your name for you to come back to the counter. It's very hard to hear when it's busy so a lot of people were hovering at the counter trying to hear if their name was called. Unfortunately, I accidentally grabbed someone else's lunch because I thought I heard my name but it wasn't actually mine. Thankfully, I realized the error before I started eating their food! That said, I have to comment on how impeccably clean and bright Lavash is inside. They also serve huge portion sizes, if I had enjoyed my food, I definitely could have made two meals out of it. The owner was walking around the restaurant and chatting up the customers and seemed very kind and proud of his restaurant. Perhaps I should give this place another try to see if anything has changed but since I already love Aladdin's, I'll probably just keep going there and stick to the "if it's not broken, don't fix it" train of thought.
(2)
Nicole M.
I ordered hummus with pita bread and cucumber and carrot slices. The bread was really good but I didn't really like the hummus. Their cucumber slices tasted weird. Staff need to work on customer service too.
(2)
Amy A.
Bread is good. Food is overpriced and I've had much better from hole in the wall middle eastern restaurants. Seems too trendy anyway, so crowded. I married into Palestine, so not even close - food is subpar.
(2)
Robbie M.
Great vegetarian options accompanied by a modern interior and excellent service. I had the Veggie Combo Wrap with Lentil Soup. The food tasted flavorful and fresh. Lavash Cafe easily gets a 5 star rating from me, and I hope to return if I'm ever in Columbus again.
(5)
Lilly S.
I enjoy this place! Went here with my Arabic class actually and quite a few of the workers are from the Middle East. The hummus here is absolutely delicious and I love the falafel! I will say, though, that I'm just not a big fan of their lavash bread. The thicker pita bread is what I prefer. And the black bean hummus is a bit too spicy for me. But oh man, everything I've had or that my friends have had was great last time!
(4)
Deb F.
Fantastic fresh food, always delicious. We are so fortunate to live close to Lavash and be able to stop in for a bowl of lentil soup or gather with friends for a bigger meal. I highly recommend Lavash for all occasions.
(5)
Sidu C.
Love the basmati rice and the fried red snapper!!! The owner is almost always there talking to certain clients and makes sure you are ok (he comes and asks whether your food is ok - although he skips people from time to time). Hate the wait. It's hard to get a seat around dinner time. The location is fine and parking is in rear but can be crowded. It's kind of pricey for what you get. Good dinner entrees are no less than $8. Bad if you are a poor college student.
(3)
Daniel H.
Love this place. Black bean hummus is so good. When I get carry out, I pop the pita slices in my oven for 5-7 minutes at 325 to get them warm and a little crispy. Kabob sandwich (sandwich = rolled), chicken gyro, beef and lamb gyro, etc.....all are delicious. Fries are fresh cut and made to order. The baklava is great as well. I keep getting the pistachio.
(5)
Briden S.
I have only been here one time, and maybe I should give it a second chance. These are just my feelings but I'm not a huge Mediterranean food, so it goes with out saying I am probably not going to like the food. The fries are nice and thick cut, but I really could not find anything else that was interesting to have. Maybe it is my lack of knowledge of what I may like to what they are serving. But I ended up not finishing more than half of my meal and that was after convincing myself to keep eating it.
(3)
J Bradford L.
"Fetchez la vache!" - famous line from Monty Python's Holy Grail spoken by Frenchman from top of castle wall. Now that's out of the way, I got to try Lavash today and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got the lentil soup, which was good and had some different spices in it than other Lentil soups, I've had. I also had the lamb shwarama. Delicious!! I'm always looking for meat alternatives to beef and the middle eastern/Mediterraneans really have something going with the Lamb. I'm not talking necessarily about the "lamb" gyro meat, I'm talking tender delicious lamb. Wifey had the fatayer (hard word for 'Mericans to figure out) which was also good, but the best thing was the baklava!! Really good, really fresh, lots of varieties dripping in honey, pistachios, butter and phyllo. My only complaint is this and other middle eastern places serve basically street food, but charge sit down dinner prices for their grub. I get that its high quality, but the ingredients are cheap and the same in almost every dish. I don't like paying for fancy decor in which to eat my shwarama or kebob. Definitely worth checking out, though and good fuel for my latest obsession with middle eastern and indian food.
(4)
TJ R.
An excellent middle eastern option. The sides and salads we've tried have all been great, and I can particularly recommend the lentil soup and tabouleh salad. I've tried several of their special entrees and been impressed. The Turkish coffee and dessert selection are always tempting. The staff are all friendly and helpful. The interior decor is cozy and warm.
(5)
L. M.
The kibbeh appetizer is wonderful. Other dishes also good. We often carry out, so we stick with regular menu items. We've had the whole fish special when dining in -- it was terrific. The owner is always on site ensuring great hospitality.
(5)
L A.
one of the best arabic Mediterranean food you could have in columbus. i definitely recommend to give it a try .
(5)
Rachel L.
Lavash is pretty good. I've eaten there twice and had carry-out once. It's good food, but I gave it 4 stars because there wasn't something that made this better than other places I've tried. Really, it is good though!
(4)
Evan S.
Pleasantly surprised to have seen the authenticity of the food here! The shata (arab version of salsa/chili paste) was very very tasty, and made to perfection. The Hummus was very tasty as well, not too creamy, not too oily either. Really enjoyed the falafels and how they were formed into smaller more traditional sizes compared to what we normally see in other middle eastern restaurants. The chicken tikka was very juicy and not overdone. This place is great! Would definitely come back again.
(4)
Sandy R.
I went there for dessert and coffee on Easter night due to a friend's suggestion...plus it was about the only place around that was open! I was pleasantly surprised. The service was super-friendly and attentive, the baklava was great, and the other dishes that I saw other patrons get looked really good and fresh. Even though it was really crowded and noisy, that didn't even bother me as much as it might have otherwise. Also very clean and decorated nicely. I'm sure I'll return for a meal the next time. Yea the ONLY complaint is that parking is at a real premium. I was lucky enough to get a space due to someone leaving. I guess besides the SMALL lot behind, you'll have to do off street parking. I like this place though and look forward to returning.
(4)
Rachel P.
Falafel withdrawal: An uncommon problem that results in some of the most ridiculous cravings I've ever encountered. This disease is usually contracted in some Eastern European or Middle Eastern Country. In my case, Israel. This is due to the over-exposure of having falafel or anything with chick-peas nearly every day for more than a weeks time. Some cases are more serious than others and can lead to a life-long addiction. Thankfully for people living in Columbus, there is a cure: Lavash. This place is situated right next to my apartment complex and the smell constantly wafts over to my window. I love their falafel and their bread the best. The sauce in the falafel is a little bitter, but It still satisfies just fine. However, I always feel that their humus is lacking in something. I can't put my finger on what that something is, but that something is like a flavor. I think it might be garlic? However, attention to detail, color and presentation are a strong suit of the restaurant. The owner/manager/ head chef is always walking around asking people how they liked their meal. It's such a nice personal touch. Lastly, if you're still hungry (probably not considering that their food comes with fries, and pita and sometimes rice) they have delicious desserts! Which...you can also buy in their bakery Simple Sweets down the street!
(4)
Dennis L.
Can we all agree that hummus is one of the best things we have here on earth? Even the kind made with soybean oil and sold in plastic tubs at the grocery store is good, but at places like Lavash, where it's got tons of olive oil and paprika and parsley, and served with thick, warm pita bread... it's difficult to think of something better. Lavash has some really good food. In addition to the hummus, I got the kefta, two well-sized hunks of lamb/beef mixture, with a really nice charred flavor. That was served with a lightly dressed salad of iceberg, cucumbers and tomatoes, and delicious basmati rice with toasted almonds. Pretty much the only sour note of the meal was the iced mint tea, which tasted kinda like water with toothpaste squirted into it. But it grew on me the more I drank of it. Not much atmosphere here; this afternoon, some people were having trouble finding tables after they ordered, and one boisterous group was making a lot of noise in the tight space. It looks like maybe they're working on adding an outdoor area, so that'll be nice in the summer. I'll be back here... the menu is large and I definitely want to try more of it.
(4)
Greg L.
Has something changed at Lavash? The beef-lamb shawarma was nearly cold, salty and with no flavor. It was also very chewy. The soup was nice, but waaay too salty. Rice was great, as in the past. Salad (side) - drenched with lots of very sour french dressing. I had better falafels in the past either made at home or in other places - these were too dry and with little flavor. All together, we left disappointed and $40 poorer.
(2)
MJ L.
Chicken and beef sharwarma sandwiches are fantastic here! The flat bread wrapping is just perfect for holding all the goodies together, meat is well marinated and juicy and the sauce... I don't know what they put in there, but it's just a tangy goodness, YUM! Hummus is smooth and flavorful. When we ate at the restaurant, it came with thick, golden bread, but when when we ordered it to go, it came with standard pita bread... I much prefer the thick bread... not sure which one is standard though. I also recommend their pistachio baclava made of perfectly layered crunchy, toasty pastry with wonderfully sweet and nutty mixture in the center... oh man, was it good! Service was very pleasant as well. After ordering at the counter, we had to stand around to wait for an available table (this was Friday dinner rush hour, the place was packed!). Wait staff there will keep track of you and make sure to get you a table in the order you came in, so no need to eyeball other customers stalking the same table. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Alexa A.
Love this place, my favorite local spot for a quick wheat-free meal in Clintonville.
(4)
Erin K.
Let me preface my review by saying that I really, truly hate hummus. Because of this, I am often scared of Mediterranean food. However. I really liked Lavash. I got the lamb kebab entree. It was huge. Hugeeeee. They give you the kebab, rice, pita, and a salad. Long after my boyfriend had finished, I was still eating. The lamb was good: moist and flavorful. And the rice and pita were fresh and yummy. I actually ate some of the salad (which I usually do not do because salads are for bunnies) and enjoyed it. And there was no hummus on my food HOORAY! And p.s. I liked their iced mint tea. It was so refreshing!
(4)
Mindy B.
I have ordered Lavash many times for carry out. Its in my neighborhood, the food is good, etc. Last night I became sick shortly after eating the Lavash Combo. It made me sad because I really enjoy their food. So I call today to let them know. I was polite, asked for a manager and explained that my intention was truly just to be helpful. Sadly, I was immediately discounted. The manager told me right off that she eats there every day. OK, but maybe we eat different things. I say. She tells me that I'm the only one that called and I find that I am defending myself. Look - I know when food has made me sick and this made me sick. I'm not as disappointed about the food as I am with the response to my call. I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end of a good restaurant.
(2)
Kristin A.
Soooo good! First of all, I have to say how nice and incredibly patient the employees were, because when my roommate and I walked in, I swear we stood there for at least 15 minutes, scouring the menu, trying to pick which of the tempting items we were going to try, and they never rushed us or acted annoyed. It was totally obvious that we were first-timers, and the owner actually came out and graciously helped us make our decision. Actually, he kind of ordered for my friend, saying "she'll have the lamb," but it was a great decision. The lamb was so tender and perfectly seasoned. Since everything sounded delicious and I couldn't make up my mind, I ordered a plethora of appetizers. I got the Kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, and spinach and cheese fatayer. It's hard not to like something that's fried, so of course the kibbeh (fried balls of beef, onions, and pine nuts) was good. The grape leaves were my attempt to get something semi-healthy, and they tangy and delectable, but similar to other restaurants that I have tried. The fatayer was especially delicious... I don't know what seasonings they blend in with the spinach and cheese, but it works. Paired with some plain yogurt, I was hooked! If nothing else, go to Lavash for the Baklava. OMG it's to die for. Since we were so obviously first-timers at Lavash, the owner insisted that we try the Baklava (on the house!) because he wanted to make sure we came back. One bite into that flaky, sweet square of heaven and I knew I would be back. I honestly have craved baklava ever since.
(5)
Kevin D.
Best damn pita bread in the city. Reminds me of a hybrid of the greek style I used to get back in Montreal and the traditional Middle-Eastern kind that most sub-optimal local Med places (Alladin's I'm looking at you) serve. The food was amazing - but I'd return just for the bread, oh and the Baba....
(5)
S R.
Ordered the beef shwarma sandwich for lunch. It was soo delicious. The portion was quite large that it should feed two people. There was so much beef stuffed in that wrap, Im not sure how I finished it. Anyway, glad to find this halal place nearby. Several patrons ordered the red snapper platter. It is the entire fish with the head...and I have to get that next time. and and and they make Turkish coffee. AND they leave the pot thing at your table so you can really finish it off and scoop out the powder.. The decor is very pretty.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Brian S.
Simply amazing! Food is fresh and full of flavor. The owners were very courteous and attended to our needs. I highly recommend eating at Lavash.
(5)Anna H.
I dined here for the first time last night, with my husband and another couple. I read other reviews about how good the falafel is and they were right...it was the best I've ever had. I had the Falafel Plate, which included falafel, hummus/bread, tabouleh, and a salad. My husband had the Gyro entree with rice, and we split an order of fries. We all enjoyed our food very much, although my husband thought it was overpriced. I would definitely go back to try other veg-friendly dishes. The guy who took our order and cashed us out was very friendly. Two things: they do not serve alcohol, and it is a casual, order at the counter, and pick up your food when your name is called kind of place.
(4)Steve C.
Best moussaka in town! Love everything, usually get lamb kabob, kefta kabob sandwich, moussaka, and their excellent baba ganoush.
(4)Danielle L.
This is some of the best Lebanese food I've had at a restaurant! Tasted just like my friend's moms homemade cooking! I got stuffed grape leaves, taboulah, and spicy black bean hummus and my fiancé got a lamb dish. The lamb was so tender and delicious! If you like Lebanese food this place is a must try!
(5)Lauren H.
This place is great, and for anybody. It is comfortable with indoor and outdoor seating, great food and friendly staff. I went here with my son and he refused to eat the hummus that I ordered him, so one of the cooks came out and gave him different small plates of food until he finally settled on a cupcake. They were so kind, and also brought me Arabic coffee after our meal even though I didn't order or pay for it. As we left the owner asked my name and welcomed me to his restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon to get my Mediterranean food fix.
(5)Mischa B.
Love this place. Fast and friendly. Never had bad meal here- but my go to is the falafel sandwich, yum!
(4)Kevin D.
I enjoyed Lavash Cafe but wouldn't return. The pros: friendly service, nice casual atmosphere, big portions, fancy soda machine with dozens of flavors, food made fresh, big dessert selection. Cons: I just didn't love most of the food. Compared to other middle eastern restaurants that I frequent in other cities, I didn't care for a few of their dishes, specifically the falafel, grape leaves, baba ganoush and pita (very thick and bready). This is just my personal opinion however - I don't think anything was made poorly, they just weren't my taste. I think Lavash Cafe is definitely worth a visit.
(3)Teri S.
Wonderful Mediterranean restaurant. We have been enjoying Nasir Latif's cuisine since the 80's when he owned Firdous and then Firdous Express. Just make sure you save room for dessert!
(5)Gavin D.
We originally came here because we were told that they have good gyros. But we've been told plenty of times that this is a great place by people in the neighborhood as we've begged people to tell us about good food in Clintonville. We've only gone once, and gyros are definitely not their specialty, so I'm going to start with 3 stars and hope that I'm happily surprised in the future. You order up front and then they bring your food out to the table - I'd like to go and try sitting outside in the pergola-ed area some time, but we ate inside on a hot summer day. My guess is that the kabobs are the way to go, given their prominence on the menu and in the display case. But, we had some hummus (fine), dolma (awfully mushy), gyro (bland), and something else that I can't remember now (I was really going for the gyro) but I recall was the best thing we had. All of it added up to just OK - fresh ingredients it seemed, but missing the boat on the flavors. As far as Clintonville goes, this seems to be a great restaurant, but I'm hopeful a) I'll be more taken in the future and b) I find other better restaurants. I should also note that it struck me as on the pricey side. Not crazy expensive, but if I'm going to pay $15/person, I'd probably rather sit down and be served (but then I guess there'd be tip, so it'd be more). I had a sampling of stuff from here at a party that was catered as well, but I won't count that (kibbeh, spanikopita, etc.), except to say it didn't leave me with a significantly different opinion.
(3)Sharon B.
We discovered Lavash a few years ago, after reading a listing of some of the top sandwich restaurants in Columbus. This place has never disappointed us. The meats in the cold case - kabobs, raw lamb chops, etc. - look good enough and fresh enough to almost want to eat them raw. The tabbouleh is fresh, fresh, fresh, with plenty of parsley to give it crunch. If I thought it would hold up on the 3 hour drive home, I would buy it by the quart. Their pita is equally delicious; I am not sure if they make it in their own bakery, but the bread chef should be applauded. Portion sizes are quite generous; their sandwiches with one side should be enough for most appetites. This time, I had the beef/lamb shwarma; the meet was a little they this time, but the flavors are still perfect. BTW, one order of fries is enough to serve two people. I can't really speak about the dessert selection; it looks beautiful, but I am not a fan of baklava and the like, so I can't really address that area. When I have to go to Columbus, I often try to figure out how to include a trip to Lavash, no matter how short the visit will be. I wish them a long and profitable future, which gives me ample opportunity to enjoy their offerings.
(5)Teresa N.
This is my first time visiting Lavash. Walking in, the environment was fine, modern, airy, and clean. One couldn't help but notice all the achievements this restaurant had on the wall. We were really excited to try out since they have pretty many stars and reviews on Yelp. I ordered a Kefta sandwich and tiramisu. Husband ordered Lavash combo (vegetarian dish). Prices were $7.95, $3.95, and $12.95. I gave 3 stars. One star for cleanliness. One star for the Kefta sandwich. The other star for the tiramisu. It was great and not too sweet. Husband didn't like his food. And I thought the food was pricy for the amount of food we received. We were still hungry after eating all of that. Not sure if we will return for the main dishes. Maybe just for the tiramisu. I'm a sucker for desserts.
(3)Michael G.
Very typical menu offerings for a Mediterranean restaurant. You can read the other reviews on the food and the homey environment. I'm here to tell you about the quality. Top Notch! We've eaten here many times in this location and past locations known as Firdou's, and the food is consistently very good. I think they may have the best humus in town. Ditto for the lentil soup. Chicken is very tasty and seasoned well. Ask about the spice level on some of the foods, it may be a surprise for people who are not expecting it. Counter ordering is efficient. They have their ordering system down, although since this takes place at the front of the store, sometimes the line is out the door. Open kitchen and they coordinate orders well enough, announcing your order. Nice outdoor seating, but the tables usually need attention. Bathrooms are well maintained in a very busy environment. We are major Fans. Keep up the good work.
(5)Anna S.
NOTE: Upgrading to three stars and updating for the sake of providing new information; will likely not return. I posted my previous one star review on my local Clintonville Discussion Forum Facebook page (post has now been removed by moderators). I was met with a lot of indignation, bullying, and it was also insinuated that I'm, perhaps, ignorant of immigrants' cultural norms/mores (which is interesting, since I'm Indian-American, my parents are 100% straight from India, I've lived in India/traveled abroad, and speak two other languages fluently other than English). In either case the pros: - The owner's son, who is also a co-owner, bought new trays so that all trays will be washed after one use. No more germs! Hummus for all! - He made a donation in my name to the Clintonville Resource Center for as "a gesture of goodwill". However, the cons: - The only explanation that was given for the the owner's rude behavior was my apparent misunderstanding of cultural norms. No apology, just that he couldn't have behaved the way I described. So, dear Yelpers, take my experience at face value. If you want good food, then this is definitely the restaurant to try. Nothing in my review suggest that the food is anything but delicious. If you have started to love Lavash over the years, and feel brave enough to offer some kind suggestions, then, perhaps, don't do it. You may be met with an irate business owner who is having a bad day.
(3)Avinash K.
This is good place to grab lunch - we got a ton of food amongst three of us. We were visiting a friend in Columbus - ordered spicy black bean hummus - which was good. But I thought it would come with Pita - it didn't, a Kibbeh - lamb cutlet which was pretty good and it was pretty big. I ordered a chicken shawarma sandwich and my friend got some beef entree with salad and pita. We finished it off with Baklava across the table - was delicious. The place is self-service FYI and it gets crowded during lunch times.
(4)Gus W.
I finally got a chance to head to Lavash, and it only took four years! It's been on my radar ever since I lived behind it at Olentangy Village, but I think I took its location for granted and then never ended up going. So much has been written about this place already that I won't be contributing anything too new to the conversation, so I'll try to keep it short. First off, this place has plenty of parking with a large private lot in the back plus plenty of street parking along High St. The inside is not very big, so I'd be wary of bringing large groups in. You order at the counter, and they call your name once your order's up to grab it. I went with the beef and lamb shawarma on the Lavash bread which is like a wheat wrap, and my girlfriend tried the chicken shawarma on the regular Greek (Mediterranean?) style bread. I also went with hummus and fries and a chocolate and almond baklava. The food was out quickly, and my shawarma was pretty tasty, but I think I like Pita House's shawarma a little better. The Lavash bread was just okay for me. The meat was tasty and had lots of flavor, but I'm not sure if the rest of the ingredients added much to the dish. My girlfriend's chicken shawarma was very good, however. It was definitely the garlic sauce that came with it, and the bread was much better in my opinion. The hummus was tasty, but the pita bread was a bit burnt. I really loved the fries and the seasoning that was on them. It's a pretty big order and could definitely be split between two people. The baklava was great as well, and I probably could have stuffed down more of those, but I managed some self control. Overall, probably not my favorite Mediterranean spot in Columbus, but I do want to try some of their other non-sandwich dishes, because they look delicious. I definitely won't write them off based on the other reviews, but if I'm looking for a lamb shawarma sandwich, I'll definitely be sticking to Pita House.
(4)Sabrina R.
One of my favorite shawarma spots in Columbus. Everything is really fresh, amazing hummus and baklava.
(5)Mary Margaret M.
Lavash is a great little spot to grab a bite in the Clintonville area. It's location on High Street is super convenient because they have their own lot as well as street parking. It's is my go-to spot for falafel and hummus. ~~The best I've had here~~ Their falafel sandwich (wrapped in lavash) with a side of hummus is super delicious and a dynamite lunch or dinner if there ever was one--some of the best in the city. I don't know what they do to their hummus, but it's my favorite I've ever had. So if you're in the mood for a little Mediterranean I'd recommend giving it a-go. Their pistachio baklava rocks my socks. If you dig pistachios it's a mighty fine after lunch/dinner dessert. You won't be sorry. ~~Worthy mention~~ Their grape leaves are good, but not greatest ever, but that doesn't mean I've stopped ordering them. I have also tried their Shawarma (Beef & Lamb) sandwich and it was good, but not my everything. Their best seating is outside on the patio so if it's nice, I'd recommend grabbing a spot out there. Their inside seating (particularly the lighting) has room for improvement. TIP: if you call ahead your order can skip the line--a good idea during peak lunch or dinner times.
(4)julie j.
Please overlook the negative review below. I live in the area and have eaten at lavash over 50 times. Its clean its amazing and the owner is hands down the most sincere and involved guy you'll ever meet. Hes more like a owner of a five star joint than a little cafe. Its true, the restaurant is not a tip restaurant (you can tip a jar but many dont) and patrons should buss their own damn tables but the owner likes to keep on top of things and whenever possible he is having his bussers clear dishes and run and fetch whatever else you want and for minimum wage and no tip. The trays are not with food sitting on them any length of time and of course would be washed if any food accidentally dripped on them. They are literally carried from the counter to the table and any table there is max 15 feet away its that compact a place. Lets add that our lovely restaurant owner who is on the floor all night every night speaks with a heavy middle eastern accent and may miss the nuances of an American conversation. And lets say because he is so proud of his restaurant and so tired from his devotion that he misunderstands and thinks that reused trays is reused food. So he gets upset because he works so hard to accomodate all his guests and the place is buzzing most nights. Then she, not understanding any of these important factors, is only able to expect total ass kissing as an American who's never traveled to a foreign country and learned how to be diplomatic in or toward another culture, storms off to write a bad review on yelp. Go to lavash people. Enjoy great food and a sweet owner who will check on you and bend over backwards to make your visit worth it.
(5)Matt W.
This place is AMAZING! Love the small neighborhood feel and the inviting atmosphere. The owner is always kind and welcoming. The staff always tries their best to help any way they can. I love having this gem in my neighborhood! If you are looking for excellent Mediterranean food in Columbus for a VERY reasonable price, this is the place!
(5)Jordan K.
This place is amazing. The food is delicious, the employees are welcoming and enjoyable, and every experience I have had there - which have been several - leaves me craving a soon to be fulfilled return trip. I love the falafel plate, and I always get the homemade walnut baklava. My husband loves the low carb salad with gyro meat (he loves all their baklava choices). Sometimes I'll walk by and regret not stopping in for some hummus for lunch, so we go there for dinner instead. Love this place.
(5)Jeff B.
Their food is fresh, made from quality ingredients, and is authentic mediterranean food... the best in Columbus I have found so far! For some reason, Aladdin's is popular among many people but in my opinion, Lavash is one hundred times better in every way. The prices are very reasonable and the food is always high quality. I highly recommend it!
(5)David D.
Go Here Now. It's that's good. Perfect blending of healthfulness, taste, spices, and exoticness all in a perfectly clean and inviting environment. There are lots of options on the menu, and they're happy to adjust to your palate. They display their wares for all to see, which is a good sign and tres Mediterranean. I'm a low-carb nut, and this place fits the bill. Here's what I did: - Low-carb salad + Chicken Kabobs - light and refreshing fattoush salad with deliciously tender and well spiced chicken kabobs. They come with some special sauces and I added hot sauce since I'm a glutton for heat. The salad is very large and the chicken filling - Lamb chops (side) - I had this done rare, and they were so juicy and tasty. This is a delectable treat that I'd eat too often were I in the area! - They comped me a side of house-made hummus one spicy and one regular - regular is a misnomer, since I could tell they're serious about their hummus (probably take away the skins before preparing, etc.) and the spicy version is the right fit for me. Good sign in that they served it with cut cucumber, since they heard I was going low-carb for lunch The servers are extremely pleasant as are the cooks. They take the time to describe what you're choosing and the components of all the spices and sauces. Finally, the owner takes the time to greet each "guest" and will make you feel invited. Prices are very reasonable and portions are filling.
(5)Lauren G.
Friendly staff, great food. Nice variety. The of us ordered the combo platter which "feeds 2-3 people." absolutely delicious, but should read "feeds 2-3 people who have not eaten for 24-48 hours at least." oh well; leftovers were great! Baklava pretty good too. Lovely little patio under a grape arbor (with actual growing grapes), but relatively close to High Street, so not sure it gets used much. Definitely come here!
(5)Allyson L.
Best. Hummus. Ever. Beyond that, all the dishes I have tried here were fantastic. You can tell that everything is fresh and homemade. So far it is my favorite Mediterranean place in Columbus.
(5)Lou H.
Tasty food the meals are shrinking. They are friendly, the seating outside is nice.
(3)I S.
I live about 2 minutes away so I have frequented this restaurant too many times to remember. I would say Lavash has some of the tastiest Middle Eastern food in Columbus. The food is always consistently delicious whenever I come here, whether having order online or in the restaurant. I usually get their babaganoush, hummus, falafel, or shawarma sandwiches/platters. Their salad is also very good, seems like they use fresh vegetables. It's a very casual restaurant if you want to sit down and eat, therefore I don't understand why their prices have been soaring. It costs about $8 for a shawarma sandwich and that does not come with any sides at all, and a shawarma platter is $15. A couple of years ago, you could get a sandwich for almost $6 and a platter for maybe $10 or so. I have not been going as much because despite the quality of food, I cannot justify paying that much money for a light sandwich. It's quite disappointing, and I hope they make their prices more reasonable in the future.
(3)Donna O.
I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed or flattered that the line guys at Lavash know me by my order (veggie combo sandwich on lavash, made to spec) and that they always tease me about not wanting extra anything. I'll go with flattered. Lavash is a cozy place to enjoy tasty food and decadent desserts. The décor is warm and rich, and there is seating for larger groups or for a couple's dinner. A small side patio is (somewhat) hidden from the urban landscape of Baja Clintonville. The food here is great. There are so many pan-Mediterranean/Egyptian offerings, and lots of vegetarian and vegan choices - something for everybody. They don't use a lot of heavy sauces or overdo it on oil, so you can order without worrying about your rice arriving with a glow. It's great for a post-workout meal or quick lunch as well as for dinner. Definitely ask for extra, if you want it.
(3)Amber S.
I haven't strayed too far from a few menu items (kefta kabob, shawarma, falafel, fatayer, gyro, fries and baklava). I prefer a gyro with tzatziki sauce so I no longer get the gyro. The meat entrees are delicious. With a side salad and rice it's very filling. There are plenty of vegetarian offerings so don't let my carnivorous ways scare you off.
(5)Leo Y.
The place is slightly misleading, as what they call "lavash" is just a wrap, likely whole wheat judging by the taste. I almost dinged them a star for that, but I guess it's probably healthier for me that way anyways, so I'll keep it. I had the lamb kabob lavash, and the lamb melted in my mouth, with the taste and texture of the inside of the sandwich being perfect. I will get the pita next time, as I'm not a big fan of wraps. They had a great selection for both lunch and dinners, an impressive choice of desserts, including baklava, dates, and tiramisu, and a neat little soda dispensing machine with a touchscreen. There was both indoor and outdoor seating, the staff was great, and the pricing was very reasonable.
(5)Alexa L.
Went here for lunch today with a friend and started with the hummus and falafel appetizers. The hummus was very flavorful and the pita bread it came with was super fluffy and delicious! The falafel was also good. I got the lamb shawarma entree, which was good, although the lamb was a little bit tough. For half the price my friend got the shawarma sandwich which came with just as much meat as the entree, but just didn't include rice. I would definitely go back but would order a sandwich next time. The food came out very fast and service was excellent. Employees were quick to clean up finished plates, and the owner even came around to each table to ask how the food was. I can imagine the place gets pretty crowded on busier days.
(4)Kate H.
Solid. I would be in 5 star territory if not for the confusing way this place is laid out, the difficulty in ordering and the chaos which ensues when you eventually get your food. The people are really friendly (especially the owner), the food fresh and fantastic. It is well worth the confusion.
(4)Andy P.
I recently got into Mediterranean food, and this place was really good. I got the lamb skewers. I really hate dry meet, so thank you it wasn't dry. The rice was a little dry for me though, but they have nice condiments like olive oil and other sauces. The service wasn't really that friendly, but they did their job. The decor is interesting with multi-color, and it was definitely different. Very homey feeling to it and great for groups of family where you can share portions. Where you order food also reminds me of a deli style and the wait for the food isn't long. They had a lot of meat on display, which made me want to order everything - especially the kabobs! I want to come back here with a group of people and have a family style sharing dinner.
(4)Bethel T.
I really love this place! The people here at friendly, all the way from the owner to the staff. The meat they have is just so tender and moist and seasoned to perfection. I tend to get lamb chops when I go and love it with the garlic sauce. I'll say this is really one of my favorite Mediterranean eateries I've been to and that I've actually voted for on the 614 mag for the Best in Columbus edition.
(5)Natalie E.
My visiting Lebanese and Greek relatives and I went to Lavash this evening. We all thought the array of Mediterranean food was outstanding! We found it to be truly authentic and some of the BEST Mediterranean food we've had! The owner and the restaurant manager were so attentive to all of the customers! If you don't try this restaurant, you are really missing out on some fantastic Mediterranean cuisine!!! We'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(5)Anthony D.
Amazing food. The outside looks a little mysterious, but the inside is nice, they have a patio, and it just keeps getting better from there. The owner greeted us at our table and sent out some special desserts since it was our first time here. All of the food we sampled was great, but like others have said, the black bean hummus was over the top good! Will be back!
(5)Eric S.
Great food, friendly service, this is a staple for our household takeout meals. Affordable and tasty Mediterranean cuisine thats close to where we live and never disappoints.
(4)Owais N.
I have been in Columbus for 3 months and have been eating out. This place is the best, amazing great food, awesome service. Highly recommended
(5)Ammar A.
Place is good but the food portions are really small. I am not sure how people have 5 stars. The location and setting is nice and cozy. Quality of food is good but for 16 dollars kefta kabob is way too small.
(3)Tiffany W.
One of my favorites in Columbus! The food here is amazing and the portion sizes are generous -- I usually end up taking some back with me and it makes for a great lunch the next day. The hummus and pita are absolutely delicious, especially when the pita comes out fresh and warm. =) Their main entree dishes are also excellent. The rice is flavorful and delicious, and the meats are really well prepared. I don't even usually like lamb, but I have really enjoyed their lamb dishes! I've tried their biryani, shawrma, shish kabob, kefta kabob, and fish. I've loved everything I've tried so far! Also, their freshly squeezed juices are amazing! A little pricey ($4 for a glass) but makes for a nice addition to the meal or to take back with you. Their dessert selection that is on display is always super tempting -- I have had their baklava (because I love baklava) and it's pretty good, though I will admit I usually don't have much room for dessert after a meal here. Overall, service is great. Seating and parking are easy to find even during peak times, and food is delivered to you pretty quickly.
(5)Genevieve F.
I don't get what the hype is about... The food is decent, but certainly not great, and its not cheap either. I've gotten a few of their plates and a lamb shawarma. The shawarma especially was underwhelming. Basically just meat and pretty bland tasting wrap that didn't taste fresh. There was hardly more than a pinch of lettuce or tomato. For $8 they could definitely up the quality with a fresher wrap and better quality and greater amount of veggies.
(2)Bradley A.
Food was excellent. Analee and the other lady was so very nice, and explained the menu to me. I will tell everyone how good this place was
(5)James S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Columbus. They have a lot of good options, and excellent homemade pastries.
(5)John M.
As someone who lived in the north campus/south Clintonville area for many years, it is difficult to talk about Lavash Cafe, about their menu, their service, their prices, etc, without talking about the elephant in the room. And that elephant is called Aladdin's Eatery, which had been a solid Clintonville fixture in Greek/Mediterranean cuisine since I was an undergrad. Lavash made its Columbus debut by moving in two doors down from that much-loved elephant, which is a ballsy move by anyone's standard's, and so it got me thinking: these people must be pretty confident in their product. And make no mistake, their menu offers up much of what Aladdin's offers, but where it seems to stand out a bit is the boldness of their flavor palette. From their spicy black bean hummus to their falafel (and their fantastic red snapper entree -mon dieu!), your taste buds are sent on a nice little coaster ride. What's more, the portions are surprisingly generous. On the downside, however, I was disappointed to see the price increases, some dramatically higher, since my first visit. Also, their desserts leave something to be desired. The baklava and basma seemed to be a bit stale and somewhat bland, but these are bite-sized and cheap so I let it pass. All in all, these guys have given every Greek/Mediterranean restaurateur a good run for their money, and good for them for doing so. Factoring in everything, I can't say that it has unseated Aladdin's in my mind, but if I told you I'd never go back to Lavash Cafe, you could safely call me a liar, liar, pants on fire.
(3)Kent K.
The main thing I have to say here is that the food is The Taste!! I got the Lamb Mousaka, some kind of lasagna type dish with ground lamb, cheese and fried eggplant instead of pasta, and rice on the side. Plus meals come with a salad and a plate of hummus and pita bread. Unfortunately there is some bad I must add. The food is overpriced, in my opinion. If this is a high class sit down and order type of restaurant it would be ok. But it not. So you see the price and expect more out of the place. Or maybe you see the place first and expect lower prices, but whatever. Plus they had some food pre-made, which is great for take-out, but it makes me question the quality. And I must mention the Turkish coffee! C'mon, coffee is meant to be consumed alone, not with 30 added spices! I realize though, Turkey is a foreign country and that's fine if they want to make it like that. It's good for 1 or 2 demitasse full. Anyways, it is good food which is hard to argue with. Overall I was impressed.
(4)Robb M.
I LOVE this restaurant. Perhaps my top 3 favorite places in Columbus. Try the Kabobs or bring family and get a platter meal. Amazing!!!!
(5)Jayson L.
Extremely authentic. My date was pescetarian and had been here before quite a few times so I had her order for both of us. For her the mixed vegetables and rice. For me the Lamb Moussaka. Yellow rice adorned with sliced nuts. Then a mediterranean style lasagna composed of ground lamb cooked eggplant sautéed onions. Fi on top a creamy cheesy mixed vegetable topping which had a thick crust on top to give some added texture. I wasn't so sure I was going to like it as me and my date discussed it eating our small starter salads. We were also give pita bread to go along with it. The flavors were interesting and different but also very good haha. The lamb onion eggplant mix was great and the cheesy cream was alright too, although I thought the crust was the best part. I also thought the lamb could have been slightly more seasoned, but that's just me. Everything here is super authentic and pretty damn good. I'd recommend stopping in if you ever find yourself in Columbus.
(4)Nick G.
The food, and SERVICE was amazing... If you go here, you must try the fries! There was confusion around our order, but EVERYONE there made it MORE than right! Thank you for a great experience!!
(5)Ramen S.
Baklava. Baklava. Baklava. That is hard to say three times fast. But I found myself tasting three different types of Baklava VERY fast when I came to dessert time at Lavash. These baklava were perfect: crispy meets sticky in a delicious pastry sensation. Behind a large glass case, the desserts catch your attention and welcome your appetite as soon as you enter this delightful, busy Mediterranean cafe. There's more to this cafe than the desserts. To start, I enjoyed two different types of hummus: regular and black bean. I preferred the black bean as it offers a spicy surprise to your traditional hummus. Just as my mouth was heating up, then came the Beef shish-kabob. YUM. The beef was served alongside cooked (perhaps over-cooked) peppers and saffron rice. The beef was perfectly tender and well seasoned. These cooks know what they're doing! My largest drawback with Lavash is the semi-fast food serving style. If I am going to pay $15 for an entree, I do not appreciate having to bus my own table. Overall: 4 stars. I'll be back for the baklava!
(4)Danielle A.
This is going to be short and sweet. Lavash is great! The service is extremely fast and very friendly. The food is delicious. My husband and I were looking to try something/someplace new while on vacation for the holiday season. We found Lavash by searching highly rated restaurants on Yelp within a few miles of our location. We arrived around lunch time and were lucky enough to secure street parking right in front of the restaurant. The restaurant was crowded but still had tables available. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma with a side of rice. My husband attempted to order the same. The woman taking our order recommended he get a side of hummus instead of rice and we share. Thank you!!!! The hummus was maybe the best I have ever eaten. I have no idea why we are just now discovering Lavash Cafe, but we will most definitely be back. This is good stuff!!
(5)Kasem W.
Great atmosphere, cool soda dispenser, friendly to kids, lots of space, very fast,great service, clean bathrooms. Their veggie sandwich was the best I've ever had anywhere in 40 states I've visited, it's a must try even if you're not vegetarian. Their sweets are phenomenal.
(5)Chelsey M.
I mean...I guess.. Food was okay, but compared to the last time I was there, the prices are out of control. I don't mind paying a higher price for really, really good food, but considering it was just meat and rice... $15 for an entrée at a place where they don't even bring me my food is kind of crazy.
(3)Keeley H.
I can't get enough of Lavash. I don't eat out that often, but when I do, Lavash is usually where I go, hands down. I love their Tabbouleh salad, it's fresh and delicious. Apart from the salad the Falafels are an excellent choice, and I like to order good old lamb gyro meat. They have a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and lots of parking.
(5)Maddie O.
The lavash and pita are always delicious. The falafel and hummus is my favorite. The service is excellent and I always feel very welcomed.
(4)Tractassan ..
The food was absolutely delicious! Fantastic Turkish coffee! As I was leaving, I spoke with the owner, an incredibly sweet man who made me feel right at home. I couldn't love the place more! Everyone at Lavash was so friendly and helpful! I can't wait until I can go back!
(5)Theresa H.
neighborhood casual counter restaurant. we love the snapper, lamb shanks and Kebobs it is nice to sit outside when the weather is nice
(5)Rebecca A.
500 miles later, my partner and I had our first sit down meal here at Lavash and we're happy to say it was a very pleasant experience: good service, great food, good price, and yummy desserts. We recommend you to try this place, you won't be disappointed. #vegetarianfriendly
(5)Michelle H.
I have mixed feelings about this place. I really want to like it, I really do. It's a super adorable place, with lots of seating, very nice selection of food, friendly servers and incredible desserts. The spicy black bean hummus was incredible! I can probably eat the entire large tray by myself. The pita served with that was soft and tasty. So why 3-stars? I think based on others' reviews, we just had a bad experience today with the food. We had a group of 20 some people. Our entrees came out fairly quickly even though it's a large group. All the food looked amazing, but they definitely looked much tastier than they actually are. Everyone around me had fairly dry meat in their sandwiches. My chicken shawarma tasted like the chicken was overcooked, my friends' gyro and beef/lamb shawarma had dry meat too. I don't know if the large group made the difference. The dining room was completely packed when we left. And this is a stormy Tuesday night. So i want to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt and say we just had a bad experience. Maybe our food was rushed because they were trying to fill the order promptly.
(3)Jennifer H.
Wanted to try shawarma. Their chicken shawarma sandwich is delicious! The hummus was nice and creamy. The rice!!! Omg the rice was sooooo good!!!!! I will be back again for sure to try the beef lamb shawarma and falafel next time.
(5)Gg Z.
Great taste Good humus And ribs Shawarma is good but too much garlic Fresh squeezed orange juice is very good
(4)Lindsay G.
There are lots of fantastic reviews of Lavash, and they are right in track. They knock it out of the park with delicious specials, depth of flavor, outstanding vegetarian options, and speedy service. But that's not even the best part; the welcome and generous staff bring you a smile and make you feel like a regular on your first visit. My 3-year-old son selected some falafel and hummus was making his way over to the table when the owner approached him and said "if you eat a good lunch, you can pick out a dessert from the case!" What a delight!
(5)Tan N.
What is the big deal about this place? A not-fancy, run of the mill gourmet food truck in NY does better than this spot. Why the high ratings? First time we went here we got all vegetarian stuff like the falafel sandwich, a zataar fatayer and a lentil soup. The lentil soup was the only memorable thing or tasty thing we had. The dough of the fatayer was super doughy and stale. Tasteless. When we went to complain, it was if they knew it was no good because they pointed to get a free bag of it from the counter and didn't even say a word. Why would we want a whole bag of stale bread?? The falafel was dry and tasteless. I figured maybe it's because we had only veggie. I came back on my own the other day and got a lamb gyro and it was super dry and I ended up throwing half of it away. The guy who runs the gyro food truck on Weber does a better job and he's still only 3.5 stars in my book. Super disappointed and not coming back.
(2)Annie D.
Came here after a late night flight 20 min before closing and everyone at the Lavash Cafe welcomed us. We were not rushed to make any decision. The guy who took our order gave us a thorough rundown of the most popular dishes and we decided on the Lamb Moussaka (kinda like lasagna but 100times better), small hummus, beef kefta and chicken kabobs. The moussaka was tender, cheesy, extremely flavorful. The small hummus plate was huge. The beef kefta was grilled to perfection and comes with a tzatziki dipping sauce. The chicken kabob was super delicious, may even be better than the beef kefta as it comes with this amazing garlic dipping sauce. I will definitely come back here for dinner again next time I am in town!!!! Oh if you are into spicy food, definitely ask about having the homemade hot sauce on the side! It was smoky and absolutely delicious.
(5)Elaina W.
The ingredients are fresh and tasty. You do have to walk back to the counter to get tea refills.
(4)Aklilu A.
If you enjoy good lamb chops and wonderful Mediterranean meats cooked well, then this is the place for you. The meat is slow cooked over a grill right in front of you and comes out juicy. Besides the entrees, they also have a huge assortment of desserts for you to choose from.
(4)Sarah M.
Yummy sandwiches, divine mushroom soup (seriously!), the tabbouleh tastes almost like my mamas. The bread is fresh and plentiful. Out door seating a plus, parking is a pain. Owner cruises the dining room and chats, and he has a unique sense of humor (my hubs likes it, me not so much). Also a little pricey.
(4)Carrie F.
We love Lavash for many reasons. Some of our favorites are the lamb chops, lentil soup, chicken kabob sandwich and the hummus. There's something for everyone. I think this restaurant is a great value- fresh, delicious food with a fantastic staff who treat you like family.
(5)Natalya V.
Great fresh food made before your eyes, super fast ! Great energy , everyone is working hard to serve tasty food , the place is packed but kept very clean. Delicious , authentic food. Will come back again .
(5)andy p.
Food is great! Quality is there but quantity is not. Ordered two sandwiches, (chicken and lamb/beef combo) portions were off. Chicken was way heavier then the lamb and bed combo sandwich. (Lost a star for inconsistency) The sweet lady who was the cashier was excellent at describing all the menu items and even showed us pictures....,kinda brought me back to the 1st grade with the picture to word association. She recommends a black bean hummus that was awesome The guy that called your name and delivered the food was equally friendly with great humor and pizazz. He even recommended items to accommodate what we ordered and made the first experience much better.
(4)Adam R.
The staff is so nice!. I have only gotten to-go a few times since I can walk there from home. Maybe the food isn't for me but it is always somewhat bland and soggy. Tried some wraps and salads so far. I know, I know...I havent tried the kabobs yet!. Maybe that will totally change my vote!
(3)Mary S.
Oh my goodness, Lavash is a feast for the taste buds! I am in love with their falafel sandwich (and am considering proposing marriage). I had it first from their booth at a festival (it was either the art festival or comfest), and decided I needed to check out the actual restaurant, which is within walking distance of my home. I went there with a date who is a huge fan of Greek food, and neither of us were disappointed. We were greeted by polite staff and the menu has a broad selection of Mediterranean dishes to choose from. We ordered a chicken kabob dish and my falafel sandwich, as well as an order of tiramisu (which I don't think was made there, but I could be wrong). I was excited to see they had a lentil soup and gyros available, as well as dolmades (grape leaves) and a variety of baklava. Its nice to know I can drag more finicky friends/family over with me, next time I wanted to go. I loved the spices they used in my falafel, but to be honest my date's dish was better. A kabob of chicken with a spicy kick that hits you right after you've finished chewing (not too spicy, just enough!) and it comes with a salad and what seems to be buttered rice, only it tastes better. The staff were very attentive! A gentleman I'm pretty sure was the owner/manager came around and asked everyone how their meals were, and another walked around cleaning off all the tables and sweeping under them to keep the place looking immaculate. Also, they had the craziest looking space-aged soda dispenser. It was awesome. Overall, 5 stars and would definitely stop in again!
(5)Maya F.
well! this is the third time I've been in Lavash. My experience was awesome in all these three times. Eastern atmosphere, really good food, reasonable prices, clean place, tables both inside and outside and the most important thing which is the friendly staff. They serve you ALWAYS with a smile no matter how much tired they are! However, there are two problems; first is the long line to order the food which some times goes quickly and the other problem is they close at 9:30 pm!
(5)Zeb L.
This place's food is all over the map in terms of quality. The grape leaves were not very flavorful and did not taste very authentic; we ended up tossing them. The Shawarma and the sandwiches are pretty good but nothing to write home about. However, the baklava is very, very good. The prices are too high for me to go here regularly, especially given that the food is inconsistent, but if I'm at Growl I might stop by for the baklava again.
(2)Jana M.
Wow! I'm kicking myself for living in this neighborhood 3 years before I went for the first time -- now I've been 2 nights in a row. The place smells clean when you walk in - service is so friendly (the food prep staff interacted with me pleasantly on both visits) - and the food is the bomb. com (Can I still say bomb. com even though it's 2015 and I'm 33?) I got the shawarma both times which is so flavorful and I had to use an abundance of self-control not to just eat the tahini sauce with a spoon. The entrée comes with salad and the greek dressing is the best I've ever had. I don't really have a sweet tooth in general and baklava is never something I'd order, but I took a chance based on another review and got the pistachio baklava - YUM! Columbus has a few really fantastic Mediterranean eateries, so I didn't think I needed to try a new one -- I was so wrong! Lavash has skyrocketed to the top of my favorites list!
(5)Amy J.
Had food here while visiting Columbus. The portions are nice and they offer a variety of gyros, as well as delicious falafel and tasty desserts.
(5)Marcus S.
Lavash Cafe is truly food for your soul. I'd recommend dining in to experience the joyful staff and communal atmosphere, but takeout does not disappoint, either. The falafel is to die for, and the pita's warmth and pillowy goodness will make you raise your fists in the air in celebration that you finally found the place you never knew you'd been searching for!
(5)Yinong L.
Very nice! But the place is a little bit crowded. Maybe it's because the decoration. Food was great!
(5)Mike P.
Best, freshest Mediterranean in C-bus. People are super nice, restaurant is super clean. Kebabs are cooked to order from raw, so be patient, but that means you never run into dry meat that's been sitting around for hours in a warmer. Wish they had a downtown/Short North location!
(5)Paul F.
I came down last night for dinner with Karen M. I'd been here once before as part of a Yelp group. Tonight was different and I got to order whetever I wanted. I started off with a bowl of lentil soup and it was great. I then ordered an order of lamb chops, baked rare. These were perfectly cooked and tender as they could be. To go with those I ordered a small hummus. It might have seemed small, but it would have fed several people. And I picked up a couple pieces of baklava to go. Truly a great meal!
(5)Jamal S.
You go there for the food, and you come out full, and happy. The Lamb chops are my favorite. The salads, fatuous, humus, and falafel are great. The owner Naser is friendly and always comes to check if we are happy with the food and if we need anything else. The place is usually packed when we go there. That means, I am not the only one happy to go there and eat a yummy middle eastern food. Keep up the good work.
(5)Tobie S.
If you're anywhere near Ohio State University, you must try this place! Lots of seating! Food is remarkable! Large selection of food choices...including desserts! Parking can be troublesome if it's busy, but that's pretty normal for Columbus. Eat here! You won't regret it!
(5)Cece M.
It's a good thing I don't live and/or work closer. I would be there every single day! The spicy black bean hummus is out of this world!! And that Lavash bread? Get outta here!! It's beyond great. I had a gyro and it was delicious. The owners and the entire team are very friendly and the restaurant is very clean.
(5)Deb D.
Lived in Columbus a few years back and don't remember seeing this restaurant. I had lunch here and ordered the Beef and Lamb Kefta sandwich on wwheat lavish. The meat was seasoned wonderfully and tasted so fresh. It also had a little humus in it. The bread soft and fresh. Very big portion. There was also lettuce and tomatoes in the sandwich and a sauce that was delicious. They also sell freshly made Kabobs and Kefta to take home and cook. It all looked so fresh. Would definitely be here often if I lived here.
(5)Farid S.
This is probably my 7-8 times at this restaurant. This time around we had a much larger group 12, and everyone enjoyed their dish. The food quality is consistently good and waiter/waitresses do a fabulous job tending to the customer needs and keeping the place clean. You can't go wrong with the beef Shwarma... Absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. I suggest ordering the big family platter if you have a large group and get to taste all their famous dishes on one huge platter. I am a fan and I'll be back.... Bon a petite.
(5)Taimur M.
The food is flavorful and delicious. The owner/manager was very friendly and the service was quick. The décor and ambiance of the place is also swell. You will have a great experience.
(5)Ed O.
Everything is good here in my experience. We always get the hummus(some of the best around), some salad and falafel appetizer and then some kebab or one of the specials which are very good and change day to day. The fish is also a standout. Great to have this place in the neighborhood. The side patio is a great spot to sit if your dining in.
(5)Amanda G.
The hummus here elevates what has become a mediocre staple of American vegetable trays into an art form. It's superb. The little syrup-soaked semolina cake (Namoora) was delightful. I personally didn't care for the kefta sandwich that I had here, but I think I just don't like Middle Eastern meat dishes. It's probably prepared well. I really wouldn't know. When I return (and I will), I will stick to the wonderful, healthy, very affordable vegetarian options.
(4)Scott P.
Amazing! Fresh food and incredible hospitality! Welcomed us and helped us through our order since it was our first time. We'll come back to have a great meal and to say "Hi!"
(5)Kim D.
I always get the lamb because it is so hard for me to get that perfect smokey char at home. The tender pieces of meat is complicated by flavorful rice and simple salad. The whole fried snapper is also delicious. The fish is crisp and moist and perfectly salted. Don't forget to order the house cofffee. I van drink mugs after mugs to that wonderful black brew with the slices of the Napoleon Russian cake.
(5)Phil S.
This is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic sauce that is served with the chicken kabob is amazing! The sandwiches are really good too. The employees are extremely friendly and the man, who I assume is the owner, seemed very genuine when he came to our table to inquire about our experience. I can't recommend this place highly enough.
(5)Jake P.
In a city with an abundance of gimmickry in the food industry, it's good to see a place with real middle eastern food. I was impressed with their grilled meats and you could get them in a kabob wrap. I ordered a grilled chicken kabob wrap with lettuce and some kind of garlic sauce which was very good. I would love to come back here and try some more stuff on their menu.
(5)Liza V.
What can I say? I simply adore Lavash. Due in part to the adorably friendly owner who comes around to check on you, clear your plates, and make sure everything is delicious, and also because all of the food is just darn good. The first few times I went, at the beginning of this year, I was challenging myself to eat no meat for a few months, so I went with the falafel sandwich on lavash bread. Whoa. This is so delicious, and very filling. It was hard for me to ever look past this, even after going back to eating meat. A few of my co-workers swear by the chicken kabob sandwich, so they kept telling me I must try it. And they weren't kidding. Now I'm hooked on this sandwich and can't seem to choose anything else! Moral of the story: seems like anything you get here will keep you coming back. And, of course, the endless supply of sugary sweet desserts in the case that greets you as soon as you enter doesn't hurt either.
(5)Mary Jane M.
This place is amazing! Great and friendly staff who are very helpful in deciding what to order. The food is great, definitely can taste the freshness, although the desserts aren't exactly fresh. The baklava I had was semi stale, the filo dough was very soft and stale so that would be why the 4 star rating because it has happened more than once now. Aside from that the Turkish coffee is great! It's basically like drinking concentrated expresso, which I think when ordering they should verify that prior to letting people order that... I think a lot of people are taken aback by it at first. Thevegitables in the dishes are all rather fresh. Overall a great experience. My favorite is the house made hummus, I consistently order this to go in passing, the black bean spicy hummus is amazing. Definitely delicious.
(4)Shea H.
We came here per the suggestion of the bartender at Matt the Miller's Tavern in dublin. I ordered the falafel sammy and my honey ordered the shawarma sammy. He wasn't very impressed but I liked our dinner. The portion of fries were huge for $2.50 and I though our sandwiches were pretty good. And I thought the salad looked really fresh! I liked that they used romaine rather than cheapie iceberg. And the FRESH SQUEEZED juice was deeeelicious! I probably won't request the flat bread next time and, instead, stick with the pita bread. And I'll probably ask for more fresh veggies because the sandwiches seem a bit basic...but besides that I liked it. I think this place has a lot of potential. I think you have to know what to order. It smelled delicious in there so I plan to re-visit to try other items on the menu.
(3)Rachael G.
I genuinely wish I could give this place an extra star as I loved my mujardara. We got take-out one night for the fam on a cold night and while it has some stuff going for it (kebab beef looked like a good cut of meat, fresh Greek salad, great lentils), everyone who ordered a gyro was a little "...ehhhhh......" about it. Plus, we ordered a large hummus and they didn't give us ANY pita. Like, none. The food wasn't too bad, just not great. And really expensive for the amount and quality.
(2)Margaret S.
Our group of five tried several different dishes and they were all delicious. We ordered the black bean hummus as an appetizer and everyone loved it. The proprietor was very friendly and helpful. Be sure to order one of their excellent Greek pastries for dessert and the Turkish coffee!
(5)Vanessa M.
I was in Clintonville today picking up a cake from Pattycake, and I decided to stop into Lavash for carryout . Holy Wow! The falafel sandwich with hummus and veggies on lavash? Amazing. When I was in Syria 10 years ago, I had the most amazing falafel in my life at-swear to God-a bus station in Homs. Anyways, the falafel here reminded me of my beloved bus station falafel, basically the falafel I've been trying to find unsuccessfully ever since. I also got the mint tea, also good. Really strong though, FYI. The counter service was really friendly-the counter girl complimented my hat. I'm pretty vain and lazy so delicious fast food that is served with compliments? Win! There are numerous vegetarian options to be had, and vegan if you leave off the tzadziki sauce.
(5)Samreen H.
My cousin and I wanted to try a halal place.This place has really good food the portions for the entrées are really for one person instead of two ppl they are pricey compared to what I've seen in mi. Overall everyone was really nice. Great staff. It's more of a self service type of place so don't expect to be served. Overall good atmosphere no background music so it can get quiet.
(4)Sarah S.
Yumm! Best Vegetarian Stew and Hummus Yummus. My friend ordered the gyro and he loved it. Mango smoothie was a hit too. It was alive with an atmosphere full of college students mixed with old and young, families, & young couples. The place is very clean and the owner take pride in his business greeting each table with a smile. It's great place for lunch or a casual dinner with plenty of room to enjoy.
(5)Matthew F.
Really good food, tastes authentic and nice variety in the menu. The braised lamb shanks with biryani style rice and tzatziki sauce was out of this world!
(5)Amber H.
Great food and atmosphere. Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. The garlic sauce is the bomb.com .
(5)Susie H.
I love lavash! Their customer service is great. We had some grounds in our coffee and after showing the manager, he came back with 3 yummy deserts on the house. The atmospheric is casual and it is a wonderful place to go that is in the neighbourhood .
(5)Ted R.
I have traveled all over the country, and frequently use Yelp to identify places to eat my meals. As Columbus is my home, I am compelled to offer my favorite hometown place to eat lunch and dinner. Lavash serves healthy mediterranean food, that includes soups, salads, wraps and full meals of lamb, fish, chicken and beef. Lavash is owned by one man, Nasir, who is a perfectionist. You will instantly be able to tell how much detail goes into his food preparation. I often have his chicken dishes and soups. There is no connective tissue or mystery pieces of chicken here. It is cut or shredded by hand. This place is probably the cleanest restaurant that I have ever been in, another testimony to Nasir's attention to detail. Everything is made fresh everyday. No matter where you live in Columbus, you will want to make the trip here. You will not be disappointed! The black bean hummus is my favorite.
(5)Steph W.
Lentil soup, & stuffed grape leaves....pretty much everything is delicious here. Naser, the owner, likes to say hello, & check on his patrons. I, for one, love that! Love having this place in Clintonville.
(5)Corina P.
This is the best Mediterranean food I have ever had, and I know a bit or two about Lebanese food, having family from that side of the world. The hummus and the tabule are amazing, my dad ordered a shawarma and it was just as good. Plus, as other reviewers have previously stated, the attention is top notch and the owner himself is always making sure everything is working properly. During our visit he went beyond: my husband lost the car keys and he helped us a lot finding them. We will definitely return.
(5)Tash L.
Best Mediterranean restaurant in town, hands down. I've only had takeout from here but I have zero complaints. The hummus (regular and spicy black bean) are perfectly delicious, especially with the homemade bread. I love their lentil soup - well seasoned and tons of garlic! Their sandwiches are great too - if you like a little spice, go with the kefta. If not, I highly recommend the schwarma. Make sure to get the lavash wrap bread with the sandwiches. Yum!!
(5)Sharmeela S.
Casual environment w excellent food. Order at the counter, no waiters. Service was fast even on a Saturday evening. Parking behind the restaurant though i had to wait a bit to get a spot. Staff friendly. The food was good and from the casual environment wouldnt expect this quality. Lamb chops, lamb kebab sandwich, hummus and mujhadara plate were all great. Not the best mediterranean food I've ever had but definitely a great casual find w nutritious and delicious cuisine.
(4)Adam C.
Great place. you order at the counter from a large menu posted above the counter. The menu is great for vegitarians and meet lovers. The food was excellent and everyone liked their meal. The only problem was the soup while excellent was not hot.
(4)Zeina E.
Disappointed. Food tasted off. I'm a little more critical with mediterranean restaurants because I grew up eating this food. I wouldn't come here again. The reason I gave it two stars is that the kebab meat was tender and alright. However, everything else below average.
(2)Joey H.
Friendly service, great cooks, clean tables, different food with lots of options. $16 for a chicken kabob salad. A bit pricey!
(4)Alex S.
Lavash is AMAZING! My personal favorite is the chicken shawarma, which comes with garlic sauce. I've never tried something that wasn't pretty darn good! French fries are made fresh with every order, black bean hummus is the best hummus I've ever had, lentil soup is delicious! If the food wasn't enough, the people who work there are super friendly and efficient. Overall great restaurant!
(5)Maureen O.
I ordered the Lebanese moussaka but ended up getting the okra stew in error. it was great! I've never been disappointed with a visit to lavash. great atmosphere and attentive service and even when they 'mess up' their flavorful dishes still kill it!
(4)Laura W.
Lavash is a great little Mediterranean place in Clintonville. I usually stick to my usual which is either the Vegetarian combo on lavash bread or the lamp chops with rice pilaf. Sometimes the rice is a little greasy feeling but its really yummy. I got a chopped salad once and was underwhelmed but my other choices are better. When we have our large families over to our house, we get the family platter which is a really good deal for a large crowd. Every time we serve it, our family members also give rave reviews. When dining in the restaurant, you order at the counter and they call your name when your food is ready for you to pick it up. Patrons are to clear their own tables but the bus staff is always attentive and are cleaning off tables frequently. If you use your SBB card, you get a 10% discount...we use it all the time.
(4)Natalia P.
This restaurant has awesome food. The meat selections here are really juicy with flavorful spices and aroma. The hummus and baba ganoush appetizer is homemade delicious-ness. We got the meal served with small salads with balsamic vinaigrette. Everything came with fresh pita bread. I never made it to dessert. Make sure that you don't leave without trying the baklava! This Mediterranean restaurant has the widest dessert selection. I got take out of 3 different types of baklava for breakfast the next morning. Sweetest breakfast ever, baklava with rose water and pistachios! The decor on the outside patio is beautiful. They even light up the roof to give you a more intimate effect. Indoors the seating is more like a cafeteria. The fact that waiters do not serve your meals helps to keep meal costs at $8. You get your food directly from the chefs on trays. I need to try the Turkish coffee. Other than that, there is a parking lot out back.
(4)Zain K.
There's a lot more I'd like to try from the fairly extensive menu, but the beef kebab wrap I had was delicious (though the wrap itself seemed more like a whole wheat tortilla than a lavash; next time I'll try the pita...). Service is friendly and efficient, and the place itself is comfortable if utilitarian. Prices are good for sandwiches, soups, and salads, but it feels like some of the entrees (I say this without having had one, mind you) may be priced a little dear.
(4)Nick A.
Lavash is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in all of Columbus. Lavash delivers high quality, great tasting food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is "fast casual" so come as you are. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming. The vine covered outdoor patio is also fun to enjoy in the Summer months. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Many options for both vegetarians and carnivores alike.
(5)Sirisha S.
Dropped in here unexpectedly on the weekend after being kicked out of Cafe Bella for not having a reservation :). No complaints, though! Lavash Cafe made the 30 mn trip to N High St worthwhile. It's got both indoor and outdoor seating and a great selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. We ordered the Vegetable mousaka. You get a plate of rice with some chickpea and eggplant curry and a salad on the side. It was pleasantly different from the other Mediterranean places we've been to in terms of what it had to offer. Prices are a bit steeper than similar places but hey, I am all in for the variety. There are the usual hummus, falafel dishes along with plenty of lamb dishes. Don't forget to leave some space in your stomach for the dessert. They got both home made baklava and the standard baklava variations. The choc almond baklava made the night a little more sweeter...
(4)Rebhi H.
Yesterday, I went to columbus and my cousin invited us there. We ordered the family plate.at the end they brought us tea without us asking for it. It was a great experience. Indefinitely coming back.
(5)Amelia S.
Delicious food! Very authentic.
(4)Samantha A.
Outstanding service and amazing food. The hummus is out of this world and the falafel sandwich is incredible. The desserts are also amazing.
(5)Madison M.
This place was great. The owner is wonderful and really cares about the customers. I've never really had this style of food so I was a little apprehensive at first, but it was amazing. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had and my sandwich was amazing. Everyone is really friendly and I was recommend it for sure.
(5)Joe P.
Very disappointing. Over priced and underwhelming. Our order was incorrect and the pita bread was basically wonder bread. This restaurant is the middle eastern equivalent of McDonalds. The whole experience was a giant let down.
(2)Nijole T.
I would give my dinner at Lawash 5+ stars for having the best salad of all times, the Fatoush (Thank you Christina!) truely the biggest and most flavorful bowl of goodness I have ever tasted! So complex in flavor, so much going on in my mouth, paired with an order of falafel and a bowl of hummus I was in veggie heaven and could go here and eat this every day! The service is great, the girl working there is awesome, service is slow though, we waited almost an hour for my food and 2 shawarmas for the guys but oh well it was packed there. The shawarma however was not all that, looking at the 3 meats offered the beef/lamb mix definetly looked the best/crunchiest so the guys got that but the taste was off, it wasnt much meat and again practically living off of gyros/doener/shawarma for years I do not want it wrapped in a tortilla, it just doesn't work. I'll be back for sure, I couldn't stop staring at the Kibbe the guy had next to me which looked like my falafel on steriods filled with bulgur and lamb, had I not been so stuffed, I'd have gotten one, same goes for the desserts, I have a feeling I'll be getting a big box of those next time as well.
(4)Sara E.
Best Middle Eastern food in Columbus! Authentic shawarma- crispy on the sides but tender and juicy. Baba ghannouj is fantastic and clearly made from scratch. Everything is prepared with care and the food is always fresh. I never know what to order because I want it all! Great customer service as well. They've never done me wrong.
(5)Colleen R.
I have to admit - I'm not a huge fan of Mediterranean food. My sister recommended going to Lavash for lunch, and I am always up for trying new places, so I agreed. The smell and sight when you walk in is wonderful. The meat is cooking right behind the counter and there is a huge display of baked goods when you first walk in. The smell is a wonderful mix of lamb, chicken and baked goods. I got the regular gyro and my sister got falafel. My gyro was delicious. The lamb was tender, the sauce was good and our food came out fast. The only reason I gave a 3 and not 4 star is due to price. The gyro with a drink ended up being $11. I just felt the price was a little bit much for what I received. I would be willing to go back though and try it again. Everything else was really delicious.
(3)Dan M.
Excellent! We had the lamb moussaka and the shawarma plates and they were fantastic. And to hummus on the fresh homemade bread was incredible. If we lived on this side of the continent we would come back more often.
(5)Annette M.
Lovely Lavash. So very yummy and fresh. I plan to go back often. I can't say enough about this place. A must for Columbus foodies.
(5)Gary L.
Recommended by a friend and I went there with expectations. My friend told me that they had excellent pastries and I ordered four of them. I had a rolet later the night and I'm definitely going to get more!! Hope the Napoleon won't let me down.
(5)Jamilah A.
To be honest I was not impressed with Lavash Cafe. Like i've said before I am Lebanese so I am big on authentic middle eastern food. While the food is authentic I was not impressed with the taste. The seasoning was lacking. I ordered the Lentils and rice which is my favorite, however here I was not impressed. also their Taziki sauce is more of a paste as opposed to a sauce which I really did not care for at all. I might just need to try this place again because from what i'm reading the hummus is worth a try, however my first impressions was not great.
(2)David W.
I'm not super keen on all of Lavash's food (enjoyed the falafel "sandwich," but thought the Lavash Salad was little more than a pile of tomatoes and cucumber). That said, they make a mean pot of Turkish coffee. Served in an ornate cezve, this double whammy of finely ground coffee and cardamom is heaven in a miniature teacup and provides a week's worth of caffeine. Additionally, the dessert counter always looks scrumptious and I loved their almond baklava on my last visit. Staff is generally courteous, though I don't always enjoy managerial inquiries when I'm seated. But really, that Turkish coffee...
(4)H K.
Amazing food. Authentic and delicious. Amazing service. Everyone is so friendly and happy. I first met the owner back in 1986 when he was 1 of maybe 3 Middle Eastern restaurants in town. He was good back then and has only gotten better with time. All the food is freshly prepared and is extremely authentic. Just like grandma used to make.... Best of all are the kabobs. There is a huge case of different meat on skewers . Just tell them what you want and they throw it on the grill. The meat is high quality. Chicken is cooked just right. Beef is good quality steak and cooked perfectly. Get the platter to sample a few different kabobs. The kabob is served on rice, and by the time you finish, the meat juice is soaked into the rice. So yummy. They also have a large case of desserts (baklava and cakes). The baklava is really good and i prefer the homemade ones (I had a walnut and a cheese). This is 100% authentic middle eastern. As for the restaurant, you order at the counter and take your food to the table. It's not a fancy sit down place. Don't let that stop you. The people behind the counter are the most helpful and friendly you can find. It's so nice to walk into a place where everyone behind the counter is cheery and friendly. You are not rushed to order - they will explain everything to you and help you choose something delicious for your taste buds. Try it. You'll be back for more.
(5)Gettin M.
Ayo, this a reliable joint for sure man. They doin' it. I been here dozens of times since it's near my hood. Nasir been in the biz for a minute and dude should be proud, feel me? This is his baby and he treat everybody like they coming in his house. Tell me another joint got better lentil soup. I'll laugh in your face man. Some place got better Baba Ganoush? Do tell. Oh, you forgot the name? Aight you lyin' ass. Tell me you don't have to talk yourself out of eatin even the bones from the lamb chops - I DON'T BELIEVE YOU. Tell me my man don't marinate them chicken kebabs for at least 8 hours in some yogurt, lemon juice and spices. That's why every other chicken kebab you ever had was some dried out bullsh*t that convinced you you didn't like chicken kebabs. Try again, at Lavash. They doin' it and they doin' it right. That whipped garlic condiment is my slam too, but low key, stays on the breath so watch out. This a good place to get that veggie swag on too. Lot of meatless Arab staples like tabbouleh, felafel, etc. They always got at least one veg special too - peep the okra stew if they got that. It's on point. They got fresh juices and coffees, all that. One time, the boy Nasir hooked it up - just straight grabbed a sprig of mint from a planter box, tossed it in a blender with fresh lemonade and ice. Sh*t was hard. Not even on the menu, I don't think, he just do it like that cuz he nice. I actually give Lavash 4.5 stars. Would be 5 but they messed up my orders more than a couple times yo. No biggie though, I ain't mad. They doin it. Go.
(4)John K.
One of my favorite places in Clintonville! The Lavash bread is my favorite way to have a Gyro. Friendly service, great food, clean and inviting. I will be back again and again!
(4)Carla D.
I love this place! A good friend introduced me to it a few months ago and I have been back several times since then. The food is always fresh and consistent and the staff is super friendly and helpful. I love their hummus (delicious!), and the pita that accompanies it is fresh, puffy and wonderful. I'm also a huge fan of their chicken shawarma sandwich, rolled in a lavash with that lovely garlic sauce....I always order extra on the side and spread it on everything in sight. :) I've also had the baba ganoush, which was flavorful and tangy. I'd highly recommend it. The stuffed grape leaves weren't the best I've had, I prefer a more lemony tang, but they were good nonetheless. Always a ton of food for a good price in a nice atmosphere with great staff. What more could you ask for? ;)
(4)Andy F.
Excellent lamb shawarma. Perfectly seasoned meat and the rice served on the side was no flavorless pile. It was really delicious and very flavorful. What was really impressive was the falafel. They absolutely nailed it. The falafel plate was awesome and it came with some vinegar based sauce on the side that was amazing. Wonderfully spiced and flavorful. I am going to ask 1) what it is and 2) for more on the side next time I go.
(4)John N.
I ate at Lavash Cafe today with my family. I had the "Shawarma dinner". Hummus and lavash "bread" as appetizer and pistachio baklava for dessert. Everything was excellent and I will return to try different desserts next time (they ALL looked very good) and I'll try something more adventurous as my main dish. Several tables order the family platters and they looked and smelled delicious. Price of meals were average but quality was above average.
(4)Maria S.
I love Mediterranean food, and after hearing a bunch of great things about Lavash, I finally had an opportunity to go this week for my sister's birthday. I went for a Falafel sandwich on lavash flatbread and found it completely to my liking. I haven't had good falafel in a while, and this was such a relief! I wasn't going to get a side for myself (the sandwiches don't include sides), but I was paying for my sister and she wanted a Lamb Shawarma sandwich on pita and a side of fries. Easily shared between two or three people. Glad I didn't order two sides. We got a piece of both the Black Forest cake and Napoleon to share. They weren't overly sweet, which I liked, though I was partial to the Black Forest cake. Unlike the Napoleon pastries I've had before, theirs was a bit more crumbly and messy, not neat little stacks and layers. It was more like cake. I don't know enough about pastry to know if this is a regional difference, or if this was supposed to be more like a cake that is based on the French pastry, or something else. Whatever. It was still pretty good. I'm not complaining when you put puff pastry in front of me. Anyway, this is a really fun lunch place, family friendly (my sister had her one year old son with her, and several other families with small children were there), and I look forward to returning!
(4)Jason R.
I must admit... I wish it looked more like a Greek restaurant. Other than my pety complaints of themed furnishings and pictures of home I must say that this greek restaurant makes a mean lamb! Desserts are all top notch, appetizers are good, skewers are good, and the lamb is absolutely perfect! Marinade running off into my rice, generous portions of pita and other sides, who could ask for anything more! Well, besides Greek tunes and a few photographs...
(4)Matt W.
Finally stopped in here - really enjoyed the food and the price - portions are huge and very solid quality. I'm almost a little intimidated by how much bread they give you, though. We ordered a meal for three people and got heapingly loaded bread baskets for each person - even with taking some home it feels like they're wasting the food. Also, it feels a little weird to have massive trays and serving plates for fairly small tables that you have to bus yourself. The lamb & beef shawarma platter had a TON of rice and not as much meat, and I found the meat a bit dry, but the included tahini sauce helped. Both the regular and black bean hummus was very good, and a taste of their kebabs left me thinking I wanted more. I also tried the Lavash salad and thought it was a really refreshing way to start the meal. It's OK, and if I'm in the area they're a good stop, but honestly, if I'm closer to home there are other options that are less of a drive that I like just as much or more.
(3)Frank S.
Full disclosure: I've only had take-out from Lavash, so this review is based on the food alone. The truth is, I've only ever had the combo plate. It's a great sampling of their food and it is excellent. I think it holds its own against Dearborn, MI, which is saying something. The combo plate is more than enough to feed 4 people (although they say 2 - 3), so it's an excellent value too. Do yourself a favor and go eat there.
(4)Troy S.
Great food at this location but my warning is that they can be busy and it can be hard to find a a seat. I tried to go here the other night and the place was just too busy on a Wednesday night around 7. The food is well worth the wait if you are willing to wait a little or go at a better time then I did. The waitstaff are also very friendly. I hope to review this again once I eat here again and have a better memory of everything I ate
(3)TM M.
I am from Cincinnati with family in Columbus. My husband and I make a point to come here every time we are in town. The food and service are flawless. The owner frequently comes out to say hi and check on things. I would recommend this to everyone, old or young. The dining area is very casual but the quality is phenomenal.
(5)Patrick J.
Great food for any price and consistently prepared well. The owner is affable and attentive, too.
(5)Fancy K.
Order at the counter and pick it up when they call your name. On perfect nights for eating outdoors, eating out on the patio under the grapevines, there can be a bit of a wait for your food. On a chilly night with only indoor seating, it's a lot faster. Great for our vegetarian/vegan family.
(5)LeAnn D.
I have had several friends tell me how wonderful Lavash Café. So, last night my partner went there. WOW! The FOOD the employees were wonderful. The chef came out once we were seated and eating our hummus. Asked how we were doing? I told him this was our first time. He joked with me, left then returned with a small bowl of the spicy black bean hummus. WOW! Even some customers sitting by side me answered a few questions about what they were eating. Then they offered to let me taste some of their dishes. Awesome. I thanked the chef (could be the owner) for the wonderful food. I left with leftovers and some pickled cabbage from the chef. I will definitely be back again and again. A great Mediterranean place in Clintonville and I will be telling ALL of my friends and family members! Thanks Lavash Café!
(5)barb s.
When I lived in Germany there was a large Turkish population and that is where I learned to love the food and coffee, I was an absolute fiend for it! I had the chicken curry with rice n salad. The chicken was kinda dry,and there were only 4 small pieces of potato but the curry sauce redeemed it all nicely. Got lavash instead of pita. Endless green tea always a win! If you're a coffee lover, try the Turkish coffee, strong as all get out and you won't sleep for the next two nights, but omg is it good! I have had most of the menu items here and for what it is, it is very good. And I appreciate the consistancy of the dishes. For the money, this is a much healthier way to eat. For a dollar or so more you can make better choices than fast food. You can call ahead and get it to go if you're crunched for time. The deserts are awesome, try the baklava, just the right amount of not-too-sweet goodness with your coffee. There is a side patio to people and traffic watch while you enjoy your meal. Use your SBB card here :)
(4)Edy D.
I had the special of the day which was the Lamb Shank, it was wonderful. It was tender, moist, well seasoned. The rice was different from all the other dishes, it had a touch of cinnamon & sweetness. The portion was big enough for 3 meals, I'm not kidding. The Baba Ganoush was scrumptious with the fresh bread. We finished up w/ a Turkish coffee and a couple shared pastries....we were happy & STUFFED. This is one of my all time favorite neighborhood places year round!
(4)QQ J.
Neat and nice place with different choices. I personally love the rice pudding there. Also they have fried fish, which was a big surprise for me when my husband first took me there.
(4)Janna B.
I can't say enough good things about lavash. The food is wonderful, I highly recommend the grape leaves and lentil soup! The chicken kabobs are also great and of course my absolute favorite is their hummus. They will always give you pita bread for free if you ask, and the staff has always been friendly. I am a frequent lunch visitor.
(5)Amber H.
This place is fantastic. The first time i had it was at an event they catered, and fell in love with their bread. Like, some of the best bread I've ever tasted, and I like bread. Then I went to the actually store, and now I like it even more! The decor is almost Mediterranean, if they added a little more to what they have it would be really cool. It was kinda weird that there was no music playing, but then again it would probably be too loud, since it's a smallish dining area, and it was hoppin. My Indian friend mentioned it had the feel of restaurants in India with the clatter of dishes and people everywhere. So, almost same geographic region, right? The food was again, delicious. I'm not a big meat eater, but the lamb kefta I had was phenomenal. And when I can get soda water fo free, I am a happy camper. I didn't try the Turkish coffee, that is for next time. The pricing for the sandwiches aren't bad, considering they're very big. But the pastries were $2 each for these less than 4cm things, waaaay too expensive in my opinion. Wide variety that all looked great though, if you don't mind to pay. $3 large bags of their famed bread though, not bad.
(5)Peter D.
Con's: Parking Pro's: Just about everything else. The place is beautiful inside, very clean and it has ample seating. The menu is very colorful and i've yet to get anything from them that hasn't been excellent. They even use my personal favorite Luzianne Iced Tea. I think the pita tends to be a little dry, but thats the only real complaint i can come up with. The lamb is some of the best i've ever had, food presentation is spot on and generally it is always worth the money.
(5)Amy H.
This place is great! The spicy black bean hummus with their homemade pita bread is the BEST. There are two things that I don't love about this place: 1. Sometimes there is no place to sit, yet they always have large empty tables marked as "reserved". I have never gone during a time when their largest tables aren't reserved for someone. 2. Under the "sandwiches" section of their menu, they have chicken shawarmas and it says they also have chicken kabobs (I swear - you can look it up online, I'm not crazy!). The shawarma comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce; the kabob comes with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tahini sauce. I always order a chicken kabob with the tahini on the side, and an extra side of the garlic sauce. I like both sauces, and like to be able to ration out the amount of sauce in each bite (I'm picky). The last three times I've gone in, they've told me that the kabob sandwiches don't come with chicken, only the shawarmas do. The only difference is that one has onions, so its not such a big deal, but says right on the menu that they DO have chicken kabob sandwiches. Just a pet peeve. But anyway, those two items are the only thing preventing me from giving this place a 5-star rating. The food is delicious, and despite my qualms with the seating and menu, I still love this place! The employees are always friendly, and the first time I ever went they sent me home with a free order of their pita bread to use with my leftover hummus. Seriously, the black bean hummus is so good I've stopped in to get a to-go order and eaten it for dinner on its own. Added bonus: you can use your Member Card there if you happen to support WOSU for a one-time bogo sandwich.
(4)Gail G.
I have been several times and each time the employees have been friendly, respectful and helpful. They have assisted me when needed, as times I have been there with people who have special needs and they have been there to provide assistance. The food is always good and the amount is generous compared to other Mediterranean restaurants in this area. The Turkish coffee was exceptional and repeatedly the wait staff asked if I were familiar with it. I thought that was very funny but again it showed how helpful the staff is to its customers. I loved the fatoush salad, but my husband said mine was better. Theirs was fabulous. I will repeat going there. In fact, I will be there in 2 days. Twice in one week. I think that says it all.
(4)Tarey H.
I love the food. The lamb and beef shwarma is delightful. The spicey black bean hummus is a must.
(4)Kelly L.
I tried this restaurant for the first time a few days ago and it is a new favorite. I ordered lamb shawarma and spicy black bean hummus. My meal came with a small salad and a basket of warm pita bread. The large portions are fairly priced and everything tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. This restaurant has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful patio area. The owner and staff are very friendly and welcoming.
(5)Amber C.
This place is absolutely amazing. The food is fantastic and everyone working is always friendly. It's clean and a great atmosphere. The owner is there most of the time and he gave us free baklava our first time there. Some of the food is a little bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it, and there are less expensive options as well.
(5)Kyle D.
My girlfriend insisted I try this place and I was not disappointed. the owner was there- making sure everybody was satisfied and I was definitely satisfied. The smoothies are great the lamb is great.The hummus is great. Best Mediterranean food that I've had.
(4)Laura C.
Great food. Good casual atmosphere. I love their hummus and the desserts are amazing.
(4)Tony B.
Great food with quick service, quite possibly the best Shawarma I have ever had. I will certainly go back again.
(4)Seth D.
I am so happy this guy is back in the restaurant business where he belongs! I have been eating at his restaurants since I was a wee lad and his food was definitely the first to expand my horizons. There is so much pride in everything he does and he always makes you feel welcome and relaxed while also keeping a smile on your face with his sarcastic sense of humor. Such a great guy to be around. Everything was perfect as expected, from the hummus to the tabbouleh to the gyros. I wish I could have tried more! But I know I'll be back :-)
(5)Sandy W.
This restaurant has a decent atmosphere, good food, and great service. I come here on a regular basis for chicken shawarma, lentil soup, hummus, fatoush salad, and baklava. If you are a salad fan, you will not be disappointed with the fatoush salad. The portion size you get when you dine in is HUGE. It's enough for two. (It's not as impressive in a to-go box.) If you're dining with a friend, I would recommend splitting the salad and another item on the menu. I've also tried the entrees a couple of times, and while they are tasty, they are on the expensive side compared to the sandwich options, and they fill you up just as equally. Lavash is also a great place to snack and do some work on the laptop during the dead mid-afternoon hours between lunch and dinner. A baklava (and Lavash always has a few different kinds!) accompanied with turkish coffee is a divine combination.
(5)Alex C.
BEST Greek food in town! I actually worked there for a while in college, and I can vouch for the commitment to freshness and quality ingredients. My favorites are the hummus, the lentil soup, the Okrah Stew (a special they have a couple of times a week, if you like okrah you will LOVE it), and the Harrira soup. But really, ANYTHING is good. And definitely save room for Turkish coffee and a baklava. :) Also has a nice, open eating area. It can get a little noisy, so if you like a quieter atmosphere I suggest carry-out. Or, they have a great patio for the warmer months.
(5)Elizabeth N.
Don't know how I haven't reviewed this yet since I'm there all the time. Lavash is like the restaurant version of Cheers--everyone knows your name and is incredibly friendly. Of course, it got to the point where people knew my name because I couldn't keep away from the food. The hummus is the best in the city and the grape leaves are out of this world. I also love the different specials--lemon cauliflower stew and lebanese moussaka are my favorites. It's a fairly large portion, but I somehow manage to make my way through. My meat-eating family loves it too. They to graduation and stayed for four nights. We went to Lavash for two of the four--they needed another taste of of the chicken kabob meal.
(5)Steve K.
Lavash cafe is my usual choice for quick and delicious Eastern Mediterranean dining in Clintonville. The menu is extensive but very easy to follow. They serve Middle Eastern pita sandwiches, fish, vegetarian and gluten free selections-it's always fresh and well presented. My personal favorites are the hummus, falafel, tabouleh, lentil soup, and even french fries. The dining area is colorful, warm and very comfortable. The outside patio is charming, offering plenty of sun and shade seating now with the added grape arbor. As an added benefit, the entire restaurant is spotless, the staff is friendly, and the owner is almost always present and very hands-on to ensure the best experience possible. Lavash Cafe even has an extensive dessert, coffee, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juice menu to top it all off.
(4)Heather M.
I really can't help but give this place 5 stars for an incredible showing in all the categories that matter to me. From the flavor and value of food, diverse menu options, decor, comfort, and friendliness, I was blown away at every turn. I'm not a vegetarian, but I ordered the lavash combo full of meatless dishes like dolmas, tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel, all served with a side of hot, freshly baked bread. I was in heaven and savored every bite. These flavors extinguished immediately the ever so slight tinge of regret that washed over my post order calm when I saw the kebabs prepared and lain out under glass like sparkling crown jewels. Next time my sweet kebabs, next time. Did I mention they had hand sanitizer available at the door? They do, and I think that means they really care.
(5)Adam R.
Oh my, Lavash has become our neighborhood go to. Good for dine-in, good for carry-out, good for when friends and family come into town. We're gradually exploring the menu and I have pretty enjoyed everything. Love their Lavash Combo (Hummus, tabouleh, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves) and the Lentil Soup, we order these two items about every time and many times this can be enough if it's just the two of us, but then no leftovers. Dining in is simply a delight, good atmosphere, wonderful staff, and an attentive owner who is often in the dining area.
(5)May S.
Best Arabic food i ever had in the states , loved everything , hummus , grape leaves, shish cabab, baklava , i strongly suggest this place , people are very nice and the place is super clean :)
(5)Frankie C.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and had been looking forward to trying this place for a long time. I am an regular patron of Aladdin's and wanted to try another option. I never like to leave bad reviews, but I was so upset with this restaurant I had to share. First, I am a vegetarian and gluten free. I had hear they had options there, so again, eager to try. I had three vegetarian options, none of which were gluten free. It was much more expensive than Aladdin's, which threw me off. Our food was served in styrofoam, which was a huge turn off. Then I saw my food. For $10 I paid for four bite sized falafel and two small grape leaves, and two small scoops of couscous and hummus. I was very upset. My husband's chicken dish was over cooked and completely unappetizing. The second we left I had to go home and eat something else. As a couple who does not eat out much due to funds, spending $30 on bad food is upsetting. We will never return.
(1)Kate Q.
I've only been there once for takeout, but so far so good! The hummus is DEE-LISH - definitely recommend. The staff was friendly and helpful and we barely waited for our food. My husband got the schwarma plate and I got the Mojadara which was lovely. I can't wait to come back and actually eat here!
(4)Sarah H.
I am so tempted to give this place one star solely based on the fact that they are called Lavash and they DO NOT USE LAVASH BREAD. Please do not insult my intelligence and give me a f'ing sticky-texture falling-apart nasty-ass American wrap purchased from Kroger and call it Lavash. Seriously? What is this shit? I used to buy Lavash from an Armenian store near my office in MA, and let me tell you, wraps are DEFINITELY not the same. Okay, I know it's just a wrap, but I have been desperately searching for the perfect falafel and schwarma in this town and have been failing to find The Grail Of Middle Eastern. The thing about wraps is that they're just not substantial enough, and as soon as they get wet from the tahini sauce they basically turn into a gooey sticky mess. Real Lavash is tougher and can hold up to the abuses of drippy, greasy, delicious schwarma. Maybe I wouldn't be so annoyed with the wrap if the innards had been equally disappointing. But the thing is, the beef/lamb schwarma was PERFECT. It was spicy, tender, warm, and delicious. Exactly what I've been looking for. It came with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and tahini sauce, which were all pretty well-proportioned and definitely fresh. Could have used more tomatoes, but whatever. Maybe a little more sauce, but the wrap probably would have dissolved completely if that were the case. And of course, it came with pickles. Hooray!!! They were on the plate, so next time I'll specify that I want them in the sandwich. We had a bit of a mishap with our orders because of our own stupidity, and the cashier gladly helped us correct our order and get an extra side since we'd paid with a credit card (difficult to refund). Their desserts looked awesome, but I didn't actually try anything. There was a large group nearby that ordered the meat family platter. Oh my goodness gracious it looked amazing... I'm happy to say I have plans with a large group to return in a few weeks to get it! Anyway, I'll happily go back, but I'm going to beg the management to get real lavash or change their bread name, because right now it's just downright misleading.
(4)Vin R.
Excellent food and great service (Nasir really makes dining there an event, even on a Monday afternoon.) The hummus and pita are excellent, and the falafel was outstanding. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)Lilly S.
I enjoy this place! Went here with my Arabic class actually and quite a few of the workers are from the Middle East. The hummus here is absolutely delicious and I love the falafel! I will say, though, that I'm just not a big fan of their lavash bread. The thicker pita bread is what I prefer. And the black bean hummus is a bit too spicy for me. But oh man, everything I've had or that my friends have had was great last time!
(4)Deb F.
Fantastic fresh food, always delicious. We are so fortunate to live close to Lavash and be able to stop in for a bowl of lentil soup or gather with friends for a bigger meal. I highly recommend Lavash for all occasions.
(5)A P.
Got the lentil soup, falafel, and hummus. All three were great and the prices were awesome!!!
(4)Erin M.
I don't know what it is about this place, but I love it. After coming here the first time, I sat at home in Boston completely craving Lavash's food. When I came to Columbus again I knew I was going to eat here again without question. The staff here is friendly and willing to answer questions (like what the differences between the different types of baklava are) or wait it out while you peruse the menu for a ridiculous amount of time. They are also happy when handing your meal off to you, making you excited. But really, the most important thing is the food. Each time I have been here I have had the same thing: the Lavash combo, which is a sampler of big portions of standard Mediterranean fare (hummus, grape leaves, tabouli, falafel). It's so hard to stray from the combo, it's just so good. The hummus is smooth and packed with chickpea flavor. It is made in a traditional style and comes drizzled with oil on top. Mix that up and pile it onto the plentiful amount of pita that is included with your order. The two grape leaves included with the combo are big, stuffed with rice and veggies, and are just sour enough to taste fresh and not like they have been sitting around preserving for hours on end. The same goes for the tabouli, which is loaded with parsley, and mixes with the hummus nicely. The combo includes three or four (I can't recall) falafel balls. They are about the size of golf balls and are extremely crispy, indicating freshness. The inside is warm, slightly mushy, and straight up delicious fried chickpeas. My only criticism is that the falafel could be slightly more seasoned, but having something a little underseasoned is better than too much, in my opinion. Accompany your meal with the mint iced tea. It comes with a mint leaf in it. No artificial nonsense here. As someone who did not really know what baklava was until coming here, I appreciated the description from the staff about the 32 different kinds that Lavash carries. The woman at the counter who has been there when I come, perhaps a manager or maybe even an owner based on her friendly, "in charge" demeanor with patrons and staff, is awesome. She'll tell you everything. I have had the traditional, sweet, kind and a rose water kind. Personally, I think baklava is simply too sweet for my taste but judging from how Lavash's held together and the richness of the flavors, as well as a co-worker's reaction to her baklava selection, I'd say Lavash's is toward the top of the baklava quality chain. Seating has been ample on Friday nights when I have stopped in. There is rarely a wait aside from waiting for your food to be prepared and if the weather is nice, there is a small patio that provides additional seating. They take credit cards and have delicious food. Need I say more? Go...and if you're traveling from Columbus to Boston, please bring some Lavash with you!
(5)Jeff P.
Wow! What a great find. Definitely the best Med. joint I've found in the city. I don't think I've ever had such flavorful and tender lamb meat...anywhere. The lentil soup was awesome. If I wasn't so stuffed, I would have had some of their delicious-looking desserts. The service was fantastic as well.
(5)Pony B.
Lavash is great. Food is really good and fairly priced. Lots of times I order sides and soup, filling, affordable, and tasty. Workers are friendly but sometimes feel as though they're rushing you out - over bussing the tables before you're finished, kind of imposing. Otherwise, I love this place.
(4)Heather G.
If you're in the mood for Mediterranean, Lavash is a great spot for lunch. The staff is friendly and helped our group make our selections. After ordering at the counter you grab your drinks and pick a seat. I agree with Lisa S., the color scheme gets extra points and I liked sitting next to the large windows. I highly recommend the black bean hummus. It has a great flavor with a little kick. The chicken shawarma was good, but the tahini sauce was a little too strong for me. The fries are tasty, be prepared to share-you get a lot. As we were finishing the owner came to chat which I loved. I'll definitely be back to try more, especially since the baklava was calling my name.
(4)Jennie M.
I've eaten in here once with some friends and my husband and I have ordered take out twice. Overall, I'd rather go a few doors down to Aladdin's. Perhaps it is personal preference but I enjoy the combination of ingredients and spices much more at Aladdin's: the first two items that come to mind are the hummus and fattoush salad...I just plain like them better at Aladdin's. I've ordered chicken at Lavash twice and both times it was exceptionally dry...as was the lamb shish kabab. When I dined in with my group of friends (about 8 of us), after we all ordered at the counter, the first and second people that ordered were long since finished with their meals by the time the last few people had theirs. I haven't been back in awhile so maybe they've tweaked the ordering process but it seems a little chaotic: you order at the counter and then go get your drink and find a table. Then they shout out your name for you to come back to the counter. It's very hard to hear when it's busy so a lot of people were hovering at the counter trying to hear if their name was called. Unfortunately, I accidentally grabbed someone else's lunch because I thought I heard my name but it wasn't actually mine. Thankfully, I realized the error before I started eating their food! That said, I have to comment on how impeccably clean and bright Lavash is inside. They also serve huge portion sizes, if I had enjoyed my food, I definitely could have made two meals out of it. The owner was walking around the restaurant and chatting up the customers and seemed very kind and proud of his restaurant. Perhaps I should give this place another try to see if anything has changed but since I already love Aladdin's, I'll probably just keep going there and stick to the "if it's not broken, don't fix it" train of thought.
(2)Nicole M.
I ordered hummus with pita bread and cucumber and carrot slices. The bread was really good but I didn't really like the hummus. Their cucumber slices tasted weird. Staff need to work on customer service too.
(2)Amy A.
Bread is good. Food is overpriced and I've had much better from hole in the wall middle eastern restaurants. Seems too trendy anyway, so crowded. I married into Palestine, so not even close - food is subpar.
(2)Robbie M.
Great vegetarian options accompanied by a modern interior and excellent service. I had the Veggie Combo Wrap with Lentil Soup. The food tasted flavorful and fresh. Lavash Cafe easily gets a 5 star rating from me, and I hope to return if I'm ever in Columbus again.
(5)Mike E.
I judge how many stars each of my reviews will get based on how eager I am to return to the place I am reviewing. There really wasn't anything bad about Lavash Cafe. In fact, the staff was friendly, the place was clean, and the food was very tasty. It's just I was not so blown away that I am itching to return (this, however, could be personal preference. I enjoy Mediterranean food, but it's not in my favorite cuisines). I had shrimp kabobs, which were HUGE (major plus) but weren't as flavorful as I would have hoped (where's the spice?). The hummus, however, was fantastic. I am picky about my hummus, and this was very good...not too garlicky, and very great texture. The sides, including the rice, were average. There's no reason not to try Lavash, especially if you want something a little different than your run-of-the-mill burger joint or pizza shop. Lavash Cafe offers unique cuisine and a good variety of choices. It also has pretty good prices (it is a walk-to-the-counter-and-order type of place). Give it a shot!
(3)Justin B.
I've yet to have a bad meal here. The tabolueh and house "Lavash" salad are always very fresh. The hummus and baba ghanoush are terrific. I love their turkish coffee. The portions are huge and the prices reasonable. Here's the big one for me.... the owner has been there every time I have. A very good sign.
(4)Jessica R.
I love Lavash! It is home to the BEST falafel in Columbus. It also has my favorite hummus. I wake up at night craving their hummus. Every time I go, service is prompt and accommodating, and the staff is excellent about answering questions. The decor is good for the casual vibe of the restaurant, but they do not have nearly enough seating during peak times. I like to carry-out many of my orders just to prevent waiting for a table. If you are trying Lavash for the first time, I would definitely recommend the Falafel platter.
(5)steve a.
Kibbeh + Lamb Chops = awesome. Was in the mood for something good/fresh, and looked at places surrounding my hotel. Saw Lavash's reviews and thought it was worth a shot. Everything was great, and prepared just like I'd want it... the Kibbeh was steaming hot, but had a nice crisp "shell". The Lamb Chops were also cooked perfectly... very tender & juicy. I got my order to go, but looks like a clean/decent place if you want to eat in. Will definitely stop back in the next time I'm in Columbus!
(5)Shanna L.
Love the chicken shawarma sandwich and their french fries. I have no idea why french fries are always a staple at Mediterranean places, wouldn't a side of hummus make more sense? My only pet peeve is Pepsi products, yuck! Staff is always very nice and even gave us a freebie last week.
(4)Carrie M.
All I really wanted was stuffed grape leaves - which came loosely wrapped and falling apart, incredibly oily and greasy, and with a bad sour taste.
(2)Sidu C.
Love the basmati rice and the fried red snapper!!! The owner is almost always there talking to certain clients and makes sure you are ok (he comes and asks whether your food is ok - although he skips people from time to time). Hate the wait. It's hard to get a seat around dinner time. The location is fine and parking is in rear but can be crowded. It's kind of pricey for what you get. Good dinner entrees are no less than $8. Bad if you are a poor college student.
(3)Daniel H.
Love this place. Black bean hummus is so good. When I get carry out, I pop the pita slices in my oven for 5-7 minutes at 325 to get them warm and a little crispy. Kabob sandwich (sandwich = rolled), chicken gyro, beef and lamb gyro, etc.....all are delicious. Fries are fresh cut and made to order. The baklava is great as well. I keep getting the pistachio.
(5)Briden S.
I have only been here one time, and maybe I should give it a second chance. These are just my feelings but I'm not a huge Mediterranean food, so it goes with out saying I am probably not going to like the food. The fries are nice and thick cut, but I really could not find anything else that was interesting to have. Maybe it is my lack of knowledge of what I may like to what they are serving. But I ended up not finishing more than half of my meal and that was after convincing myself to keep eating it.
(3)J Bradford L.
"Fetchez la vache!" - famous line from Monty Python's Holy Grail spoken by Frenchman from top of castle wall. Now that's out of the way, I got to try Lavash today and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got the lentil soup, which was good and had some different spices in it than other Lentil soups, I've had. I also had the lamb shwarama. Delicious!! I'm always looking for meat alternatives to beef and the middle eastern/Mediterraneans really have something going with the Lamb. I'm not talking necessarily about the "lamb" gyro meat, I'm talking tender delicious lamb. Wifey had the fatayer (hard word for 'Mericans to figure out) which was also good, but the best thing was the baklava!! Really good, really fresh, lots of varieties dripping in honey, pistachios, butter and phyllo. My only complaint is this and other middle eastern places serve basically street food, but charge sit down dinner prices for their grub. I get that its high quality, but the ingredients are cheap and the same in almost every dish. I don't like paying for fancy decor in which to eat my shwarama or kebob. Definitely worth checking out, though and good fuel for my latest obsession with middle eastern and indian food.
(4)TJ R.
An excellent middle eastern option. The sides and salads we've tried have all been great, and I can particularly recommend the lentil soup and tabouleh salad. I've tried several of their special entrees and been impressed. The Turkish coffee and dessert selection are always tempting. The staff are all friendly and helpful. The interior decor is cozy and warm.
(5)L. M.
The kibbeh appetizer is wonderful. Other dishes also good. We often carry out, so we stick with regular menu items. We've had the whole fish special when dining in -- it was terrific. The owner is always on site ensuring great hospitality.
(5)L A.
one of the best arabic Mediterranean food you could have in columbus. i definitely recommend to give it a try .
(5)Rachel L.
Lavash is pretty good. I've eaten there twice and had carry-out once. It's good food, but I gave it 4 stars because there wasn't something that made this better than other places I've tried. Really, it is good though!
(4)Evan S.
Pleasantly surprised to have seen the authenticity of the food here! The shata (arab version of salsa/chili paste) was very very tasty, and made to perfection. The Hummus was very tasty as well, not too creamy, not too oily either. Really enjoyed the falafels and how they were formed into smaller more traditional sizes compared to what we normally see in other middle eastern restaurants. The chicken tikka was very juicy and not overdone. This place is great! Would definitely come back again.
(4)Sandy R.
I went there for dessert and coffee on Easter night due to a friend's suggestion...plus it was about the only place around that was open! I was pleasantly surprised. The service was super-friendly and attentive, the baklava was great, and the other dishes that I saw other patrons get looked really good and fresh. Even though it was really crowded and noisy, that didn't even bother me as much as it might have otherwise. Also very clean and decorated nicely. I'm sure I'll return for a meal the next time. Yea the ONLY complaint is that parking is at a real premium. I was lucky enough to get a space due to someone leaving. I guess besides the SMALL lot behind, you'll have to do off street parking. I like this place though and look forward to returning.
(4)Rachel P.
Falafel withdrawal: An uncommon problem that results in some of the most ridiculous cravings I've ever encountered. This disease is usually contracted in some Eastern European or Middle Eastern Country. In my case, Israel. This is due to the over-exposure of having falafel or anything with chick-peas nearly every day for more than a weeks time. Some cases are more serious than others and can lead to a life-long addiction. Thankfully for people living in Columbus, there is a cure: Lavash. This place is situated right next to my apartment complex and the smell constantly wafts over to my window. I love their falafel and their bread the best. The sauce in the falafel is a little bitter, but It still satisfies just fine. However, I always feel that their humus is lacking in something. I can't put my finger on what that something is, but that something is like a flavor. I think it might be garlic? However, attention to detail, color and presentation are a strong suit of the restaurant. The owner/manager/ head chef is always walking around asking people how they liked their meal. It's such a nice personal touch. Lastly, if you're still hungry (probably not considering that their food comes with fries, and pita and sometimes rice) they have delicious desserts! Which...you can also buy in their bakery Simple Sweets down the street!
(4)Dennis L.
Can we all agree that hummus is one of the best things we have here on earth? Even the kind made with soybean oil and sold in plastic tubs at the grocery store is good, but at places like Lavash, where it's got tons of olive oil and paprika and parsley, and served with thick, warm pita bread... it's difficult to think of something better. Lavash has some really good food. In addition to the hummus, I got the kefta, two well-sized hunks of lamb/beef mixture, with a really nice charred flavor. That was served with a lightly dressed salad of iceberg, cucumbers and tomatoes, and delicious basmati rice with toasted almonds. Pretty much the only sour note of the meal was the iced mint tea, which tasted kinda like water with toothpaste squirted into it. But it grew on me the more I drank of it. Not much atmosphere here; this afternoon, some people were having trouble finding tables after they ordered, and one boisterous group was making a lot of noise in the tight space. It looks like maybe they're working on adding an outdoor area, so that'll be nice in the summer. I'll be back here... the menu is large and I definitely want to try more of it.
(4)Greg L.
Has something changed at Lavash? The beef-lamb shawarma was nearly cold, salty and with no flavor. It was also very chewy. The soup was nice, but waaay too salty. Rice was great, as in the past. Salad (side) - drenched with lots of very sour french dressing. I had better falafels in the past either made at home or in other places - these were too dry and with little flavor. All together, we left disappointed and $40 poorer.
(2)MJ L.
Chicken and beef sharwarma sandwiches are fantastic here! The flat bread wrapping is just perfect for holding all the goodies together, meat is well marinated and juicy and the sauce... I don't know what they put in there, but it's just a tangy goodness, YUM! Hummus is smooth and flavorful. When we ate at the restaurant, it came with thick, golden bread, but when when we ordered it to go, it came with standard pita bread... I much prefer the thick bread... not sure which one is standard though. I also recommend their pistachio baclava made of perfectly layered crunchy, toasty pastry with wonderfully sweet and nutty mixture in the center... oh man, was it good! Service was very pleasant as well. After ordering at the counter, we had to stand around to wait for an available table (this was Friday dinner rush hour, the place was packed!). Wait staff there will keep track of you and make sure to get you a table in the order you came in, so no need to eyeball other customers stalking the same table. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Alexa A.
Love this place, my favorite local spot for a quick wheat-free meal in Clintonville.
(4)Erin K.
Let me preface my review by saying that I really, truly hate hummus. Because of this, I am often scared of Mediterranean food. However. I really liked Lavash. I got the lamb kebab entree. It was huge. Hugeeeee. They give you the kebab, rice, pita, and a salad. Long after my boyfriend had finished, I was still eating. The lamb was good: moist and flavorful. And the rice and pita were fresh and yummy. I actually ate some of the salad (which I usually do not do because salads are for bunnies) and enjoyed it. And there was no hummus on my food HOORAY! And p.s. I liked their iced mint tea. It was so refreshing!
(4)Mindy B.
I have ordered Lavash many times for carry out. Its in my neighborhood, the food is good, etc. Last night I became sick shortly after eating the Lavash Combo. It made me sad because I really enjoy their food. So I call today to let them know. I was polite, asked for a manager and explained that my intention was truly just to be helpful. Sadly, I was immediately discounted. The manager told me right off that she eats there every day. OK, but maybe we eat different things. I say. She tells me that I'm the only one that called and I find that I am defending myself. Look - I know when food has made me sick and this made me sick. I'm not as disappointed about the food as I am with the response to my call. I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end of a good restaurant.
(2)Kristin A.
Soooo good! First of all, I have to say how nice and incredibly patient the employees were, because when my roommate and I walked in, I swear we stood there for at least 15 minutes, scouring the menu, trying to pick which of the tempting items we were going to try, and they never rushed us or acted annoyed. It was totally obvious that we were first-timers, and the owner actually came out and graciously helped us make our decision. Actually, he kind of ordered for my friend, saying "she'll have the lamb," but it was a great decision. The lamb was so tender and perfectly seasoned. Since everything sounded delicious and I couldn't make up my mind, I ordered a plethora of appetizers. I got the Kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, and spinach and cheese fatayer. It's hard not to like something that's fried, so of course the kibbeh (fried balls of beef, onions, and pine nuts) was good. The grape leaves were my attempt to get something semi-healthy, and they tangy and delectable, but similar to other restaurants that I have tried. The fatayer was especially delicious... I don't know what seasonings they blend in with the spinach and cheese, but it works. Paired with some plain yogurt, I was hooked! If nothing else, go to Lavash for the Baklava. OMG it's to die for. Since we were so obviously first-timers at Lavash, the owner insisted that we try the Baklava (on the house!) because he wanted to make sure we came back. One bite into that flaky, sweet square of heaven and I knew I would be back. I honestly have craved baklava ever since.
(5)Kevin D.
Best damn pita bread in the city. Reminds me of a hybrid of the greek style I used to get back in Montreal and the traditional Middle-Eastern kind that most sub-optimal local Med places (Alladin's I'm looking at you) serve. The food was amazing - but I'd return just for the bread, oh and the Baba....
(5)S R.
Ordered the beef shwarma sandwich for lunch. It was soo delicious. The portion was quite large that it should feed two people. There was so much beef stuffed in that wrap, Im not sure how I finished it. Anyway, glad to find this halal place nearby. Several patrons ordered the red snapper platter. It is the entire fish with the head...and I have to get that next time. and and and they make Turkish coffee. AND they leave the pot thing at your table so you can really finish it off and scoop out the powder.. The decor is very pretty.
(5)Beth S.
If I had to design a restaurant for the Columbus market and palate, this would be it. Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was pleasant. Upon entering, you're greeted with half a dozen frames holding newspaper reviews; always a good sign that the owners know how to work and and know how to show it off. The display case that you choose your food form is brightly lit and makes the food look enticing. You order, pay, sit down, and wait for them to call your name with your hot food. My table and I ordered whole fried grouper and red snapper, as well as some lavash leg of lamb wraps. The lavash bread is flatter and more cracker like, if you will, than its cousin the pita bread. Service was prompt and friendly. The only negative i found was the lack of background music... is it just me or does this just kill the mood? I love ambient music... too bad there was none today. Didn't ruin the flavors of the baklava, though. Sweet enough to give me cavities, but i ate it any way
(4)Nick S.
Lavash serves solid Mediterranean food in a modern cafe setting. Everything I've ever had here has been top-notch. The baba is the best I've ever had: smoky and delicious. Tonight I had the Kefta Kebab entree. It was everything I could ever want out of a meal: A nice, fresh little salad, rice, and ground meat, wrapped around a stick, and cooked over an open flame. (I can't think of anything else you could possibly do to make meat more delicious.) Is Lavash so good that I would travel across town for it? Probably not. It's good, but there's a lot of good Mediterranean in Columbus. However, if you're in the area you won't be disappointed.
(4)Amanda A.
Everything at Lavash is delicious, and if you ever go and they have the WHOLE Fried Red Snapper special you have to get it! The staff has always been super friendly! Highly recommended!
(5)Joe B.
Lavash Cafe is an excellent restaurant. The food is excellent, super tasty, complex and complete. It was described to me as a "mediterranean Northstar" and that sums it up well. Not to mention Lavash is spotlessly clean. I ordered a chicken special, turkish coffee, and sampled some of their incredible pastries. Out of this world. I will be back and recommend Lavash Cafe to all.
(5)Randy M.
Since moving to Columbus, I've been eager to try some Greek food, since the city's residents tend to tote the vast selection and quality when it comes to this category. Hearing good things about this place, I was skeptical when I drove into the little back parking lot. It didn't seem like anything special, but maybe that was Hungry Howie's fault. Walking in instantly changed my mind. There's a glass case filled with desserts and pastries, as well as one showcasing meat on kabobs. On the back wall, a colorful wall makes this place really pop with color. I ordered the beef shwarma wrap, and it was excellent, albeit a bit messy toward the end with all the juices dripping out of my wrapper. I guess that's a sign of good greek food. My only complaint is that at times this place can get crazy crowded, but the owner makes every effort possible to make sure people can find a seat and enjoy their food.
(4)Julie P.
I just don't it. The food is bland and boring. Their gyros could be better used as doorstops. Maybe bookends. On the upside, the salads are nice and fresh. Yawn...
(2)Sarah B.
I love this place, and am so happy it's only a few blocks from my house. The walls are pretty, everything is clean, but sometimes it can get a little crowded around lunchtime... I guess that's a good thing. I've been there 4 times, twice I got the vegetarian lavash platter (dolma, tabouleh, hummus, and falafel) . Delish. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had (yeah, whatever, haven't been to Greece, maybe it's not the best for everyone but I love it). The dolma are fairly average, but still yummy, and the tabouleh is very fresh and fabulous. Last time, I got the roasted chicken entree, which is half of a roast chicken, a serving of rice, and a little green salad. I think it was the best roast chicken I've ever bought from a restaurant. I loved it, ate it down to the bone, and had enough leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day. Yum. The baklava is good, although maybe a bit over-priced.
(5)John D.
Mediterranean for the Yuppie in You Huge menu, casual format, and freshly prepared, healthful food. Avoid peak hours--the place can get a little crowded. This place destroys Aladdin's in every possible way.
(5)Sam B.
This place has very good Mediterranean food. We almost always get a kebob of some sort, it comes with a heaping of rice and a side salad. The hummus is fresh and so is the pita bread. Sometimes it comes warm straight out of the oven. Yum.
(4)Angela S.
Fiance wanted to take me here on my most recent Columbus visit. I was very impressed by the vast selection of desserts on display as I walked in - definitely want to try those the next time I stop by. The staff themselves are one of the highlights of Lavash - incredibly friendly and helpful. This is not a full service restaurant, yet they offered to box my leftovers for me and gave me extra sauce to go. Also, one of the cooks asked me how I was doing when I went up to get my food, which is a little touch that for me makes a big difference. The food itself is great - I got some extremely flavorful lamb/beef kabobs with great tasting rice and a nice side salad (great touch). Well done!
(5)Ian K.
Lavash is a wonderful cafe hidden in plain sight. Bright colors and amazing smells greet you upon entering and that's only the beginning. My girlfriend had the Lebanese Mousaka, which is sort of a deconstructed take on the Greek version (more like lasagna), with the typical eggplant but added chickpeas and a side of rice. I went for the falafel appetizer and the Mojadara entree, a flavorful heap of rice, lentils, and other vegetables. Aside from our choices, they have a variety of meat dishes, many of which can be seen in the display case up front. Mouth-watering to say the least.
(4)Jenny B.
I love fast casual and Lavash is a great example of how it can be done well. Everything that I have had here has always tasted great, from there apps like hummus, sandwiches like their chicken shwarma, to their entrees like their roasted chicken. I guess I would say that my only complaint would be the oil that drips to the bottom of my chicken shwarma. I don't know how it could have so much oil since the chicken is spinning around on the spit and the oil should be dripping out. I do love the garlic sauce that they put on it. I think I could eat that with everything!! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. And if you are ever need a chocolate hit, their chocolate cupcakes will really hit the spot!
(4)Brandon M.
This place had been on my list of places to check out for quite a while now and finally bit the bullet the other evening. After eating there I had to wonder what took me so long? Lavash has rocketed toward the top of my low price high quality restuarants. For $20 the significant other and I had soup, falafel appetizer, hummus, gyro plate and drinks. I can understand why they are always busy.
(4)Fozz M.
This place was amazing. Definitely some of the best middle-eastern food I have had in ages. The atmosphere was nice, the staff was helpful and the food was amazingly tasty. I had a shrimp special and the portion was quite sizable with a nice side salad. I also ordered the hummus which was one of the better ones that i've had. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)Marit S.
I have been to Lavash twice in the last week, so that should tell you something. On my first visit, I had the Lamb Kabob with a side of hummus--I got a coupon for a free one in the mail, which lured me in. I would have ventured in regardless, but I am a sucker for anything "free!" The kabob came with saffron rice with slivered almonds. YUM. I could have eaten a plate of the rice alone. It was perfect. The lamb was cooked just right and came nice and hot. My second time, I ordered the spinach and cheese fatayer and hummus for my meal. The fatayer was awesome. Most of them I've had are really flaky, but this one was nice and soft--I highly recommend it. They are made to order. I know there isn't anything too fancy about pita bread--but theirs is so warm and FLUFFY. And if you go through your basket, they'll gladly give you more! The dessert case was VERY tempting. I was able to pass it up on my first visit--but had to give in on the second time around. Rather than go with a standard baklava, I went with homemade carrot cake--which was AMAZING. I will definitely be hitting up Lavash again!
(4)Meg O.
I feel like I've experienced quite a few mediterranean/Middle Eastern-style food joints throughout Columbus and Ohio, and Lavash just doesn't measure up. I liked the open feeling of the place, and the color scheme and set up of the counter where one orders is quite nice, but that's pretty much it. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma entree, and we also got hummus for an appetizer. You get a lot of food, but it's not really worth what they charge for it. The hummus was SUPER bland, and seemed to consist of 75% olive oil drizzled over the top. I mean, WTF? I didn't order olive oil with a side of hummus. The "pita" bread that came with it was like eating cardboard. Very, very bland. My chicken shawarma was...well, let's just say it could have given the Mojave Desert a run for its money. Suuuper dry, and again, not flavorful. Same with the rice concoction that came with it. HOWEVER, the one redeeming factor was the "garlic crack" (my terminology, not Lavash's) that was in a little cup off to the side, I think to make the shawarma a little tastier. Word to the wise: if you don't like garlic, this concoction is not for you. It's like pure garlic ambrosia. I like to laugh at people who bitch and moan and complain about the tiniest problems when it comes to food, but I don't make a complaint to this degree unless I'm really dissatisfied. And as far as Lavash goes, I think I'm going to go elsewhere to appease my mediterranean food fetish.
(2)Lisa S.
A friend that lives near Lavash Cafe has been telling me for weeks that I need to try it. He spoke of display cases filled with lushes goods. So it was on this recommendation that I stopped in to Lavash the other day. I so terribly wish that I would have brought my camera with me. My friend that described to me the beautiful displays completely understated how gorgeous and delicious everything actually looked. Lavash Cafe's strongest point would be their design, color scheme, and atmosphere. These things go a long way in enjoying a delicious meal. The color scheme consists mostly of warm cream yellows and sea foam greens and blues. One wall is covered in fabric panels in complimentary colors. There's a decent amount of seating, and a raised platform with two long dinner tables that could seat 8 people each. Everything felt clean and fresh. The food, which is ordered at the counter, was a reflection of the atmosphere. I had the Shawarma on Pita Bread with a side of French Fries. The meat was good, not greasy like my campus favorite. The tahini sauce was a little off putting because I'm not used to tahini, but towards the end of my meal I had gotten used to the creamy sauce. The pita was grilled and crispy. The fries were seasoned and generously portioned. My mom ordered the Mojadara which consists of Rice and Lentils and served with a Lavash Salad. A Lavash Salad is comprised of diced Tomatoes, Garlic, Cucumbers, Parsley, Mint and Tahini Sauce. I found the Rice and Lentils to be a little dry, but the Lavash Salad was incredibly refreshing. Sandwiches are reasonably priced at under $6, and not a single entree surpasses $10. And of course what would a proper review be without a little dessert. Or in this case, baklava. I made sure to take some home with me for Matthew B. I need to make another trip to Lavash, to try more menu items and to bring along my camera and capture some of the beauty of the inside of this tiny Cafe.
(5)Steve B.
First time here and a rookie with this type of food but it was terrific.
(5)Big Baby Jesus C.
OK, so here's the deal, you may find the food bland, but no one has said it wasn't fresh. The food is always fresh at Lavash, and everyone is friendly. I am no expert on Palestinian food, or Mediterranean food as it's called now to not alarm the bovine masses and make them think they are supporting terrorism by buying some dinner here, but I like everything I have tried here EXCEPT the baba ghanoush. The owner (guess one person thinks he's "self important") is the nicest guy ever, although I don't know his name. He is always asking if you like your food, and if everything is tasty. In fact, the one time I had the baba ghanoush, he overheard me tell my companion I didn't like it, and asked if everything was ok. I just didn't have the guts to say I didn't like it, because he looked borderline hurt by hearing I didn't like it. Seldom do owners/managers/employees/servers give a sh!t whether I am happy about things, much less earnestly care. As far as what to order, it's easy, whatever is on special. The plates are sitting saran wrapped on the counter to the left of the cash register. Pick whatever sounds good, and wait for them to call your name. When I say pick what you want to eat, I mean lamb, okra, don't be annoying and fuss over what's in chicken biryani. You'll get salad (dressing's always on the side, not sure what someone was complaining about) and bread (pita or lavash or a mix) and a heaping plate of whatever you ordered and some seasoned rice. I have lost count of the dinner specials I have ate here, all $8.95 or so. If you order to-go near closing time (9 m-th, 10 f&s) they hook you up with extra because it all gets tossed out anyhow (because they make it all fresh everyday :) ) I have also had the hummus here (great), dolmas (Like Aladdin's better, although Aladdin's [Dublin location] has really burnt me with old food before. 3 day old salad and it was carry out after work. I didn't realize it till I got home), kibbeh (alien yet tasty), gyro's (not my favorite), and a bunch of other stuff I forget the name of, all tasty. Oh, I forgot, the dessert case. I try and dodge this thing, but it's right by the door. Most confections are varied combinations of phyllo dough, honey, and some type of nut. There are also decadent looking cheesecake slices, and I had a pink lemonade cupcake one day when I was weak, and it was great. One more thing, the Turkish coffee. Amazing. If you haven't had Turkish coffee before, it takes awhile to make, so don't expect to walk away from the cash register with it after paying, and it has the finely ground coffee grounds still in it, so be aware of the sludge at the bottom of the pot.
(5)Mark F.
We have only had Lavash carryout, but every experience has been great. Friendly, knowledgeable service over the phone, friendly service at the restaurant, and the food is tremendous. Desserts are to die for and the mains are reasonably priced and incredibly big. The shwarmas are huge and awesome. Can't give this place high enough marks. In Clintonville, we are hurting for neighborhood joints with good grub. In Lavash, we finally have a place we can hang our hats.
(5)James F.
My family and I took our first trip to Lavash Cafe last night and we were very impressed. First, the food itself was excellent. I had the leg of lamb plate and the meat was tender, flavorful, and plentiful, but not so much that you felt like a glutton. The pilaf was tender but not mushy. My wife had the gyro plate - a similar experience awaited her. The gyro sauce on top complemented but didn't overpower the meat. They had both traditional middle eastern desserts and some American desserts, both of which were excellent. The baklava was flaky and tasty but not overpoweringly sweet. Beverages were excellent as well. My son had a Mango smoothie and enjoyed it all. I had the Turkish coffee and it was very tasty, strong, and sweet. My wife enjoyed the mint tea. My kids shared with us, and also split some hummus and falafel. My son loved the falafel... my daughter almost didn't get any. :) I didn't get a chance to try it myself, due to his speed eating. The service was friendly and accommodating. I had my hands full getting three trays to the table and one of the employees helped me with the third immediately. They brought our drinks to our table as soon as they were ready as well. The decor was colorful but not overwhelming. The restaurant was clean and well-laid out. Restrooms were kept very clean. Only criticism is that the restaurant is a little light on amenities for kids. A kids' menu would be nice, and though they had high chairs, they could also stand to have a couple of booster chairs for kids who are too big for high chairs but not quite big enough for regular chairs. Edit - the last time we went in they had some high chairs available. So that problem is gone.
(4)Mindy W.
I love the food and service at Lavash. I wish they offered full-service and booze, but it cuts down on cost. I have never had a bad meal here! The gyro meat is always delicious (I try to avoid eating lamb as a rule of thumb, but I sneak a few bites of my boyfriend's when he gets it), and all of the kebabs are tasty. I get really excited when they have Indian-inspired dishes. Their chicken curry is one of the best I have ever tasted. I love that entrees come with salad, bread and rice. The rice is awesome with the nuts and fresh herbs. It's my favorite side dish. I would never consider their food bland. It's some of the most flavorful food I have had in Columbus. On top of that, it IS always so fresh! The salads are always green and crisp. Last year, during Ramadan, they had samosas that were to die for. They were huge, moist, and made with the perfect amount of dough. I was really sad to hear that they really only make these treats during holidays. Their Baklavah is also really good. I try to avoid getting cupcakes or anything, but they always look tasty.
(5)Nbdy U.
My favorite middle eastern place in the city. I basically stick to two things, the vege lavash (I always recommend the tortilla like lavash over the pita when you have the choice) - it has baba ghanouj, humus, and tabouli and some other stuff wrapped up, super delish; and when I was doing no carbs, they have an EXCELLENT salad with a kebab spread out over it, yummy pieces of filet/tenderloin. Also, their french fries are my favorite in the city. Reasonably priced too, the wrap is $4.50 or $4.96 and the salad is $10. I am so happy that when I moved I am now closer to Lavash.
(5)Erin R.
Since this is really their first week being open, I definitely had to cut Lavash Cafe some slack in working out the kinks. Last night I got home from a business trip and was starving, so my boyfriend and I decided to walk around the corner to try this place out since we saw a lot of people dining throughout the past few days. The cafe is very bright and laid back, you order at the counter and then pick your food up once its ready. The menu has a variety of entrees, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and soup. There is also a large bakery case with 15 kinds of baklava and other mediterranean desserts. I had the lamb kabob sandwich on lavash bread, but there was also a choice of pita, and baba ghannouj. My boyfriend had the lamb kefta sandwich on lavash and french fries. The food was prepared fairly quickly and tasted fresh, and besides a few mixups with people's takeout orders, everything seemed to be running smoothly. The kabob sandwich was great and had just been grilled. Both sandwiches also came with a small side salad of tomato, lettuce and cucumber. The french fries were seasoned and very hot, which is something i appreciate even if i almost burn my mouth trying to eat them. My boyfriend wasn't as big of a fan of his sandwich as i was of mine, but he tried mine and agreed it was very good. He works at another notorious greek restaurant in town, so he is a little biased. The baba was excellent, and came with plenty of fresh pita. I devoured it. The staff was very friendly and came around to every table it seemed to ask how everything was. They were also helpful in explaining anything on the menu. My one complaint would be that the menu is posted high up and is kind of difficult to read, but overall it was a good experience at a place that is just starting out. Over time I'm sure the kinks will be worked out. I think Lavash Cafe is a great casual mediterranean restaurant for takeout or to dine in as an alternative to Alladin's or other sit down table service mediterranean restaurants in town. Both of us were able to eat for less than $20, and by the time I got up to leave I no longer felt starved. Everything was fresh and well-prepared, and the laid-back atmosphere was just what I needed at the end of a hectic day.
(4)Diana U.
I love love LOVE Lavash. Very clean looking place with extremely friendly staff. The owner's always out and about on the floor to greet customers and see that everybody is happy. Food tastes fresh and there's a very good variety. I'd suggest getting the sandwich rather than an entree if you are not a big eater like me because the entree servings are huge. I enjoyed the shwarma very much and I've had a lot of other great things that I can't remember. Pastry selection is so fun - huge cupcakes, different kinds of baklava, and more. Great place. Go now.
(4)Rich S.
New school Middle Eastern joint with awesome garlic sauce. All the food is delicious and they make my favorite chicken shawarma in Columbus.
(4)Monaco C.
Food and service is great. Chicken can be a little tough once in awhile but I love this place!
(4)Kris K.
The last time I was there, I placed an order, sat down and the owner told me I could not sit down because I was by myself and he needed the tables for customers. I'll never go there again. (In regards to the food, it's just okay, way overpriced.)
(1)J D.
Went there tonight for dinner and was mighty impressed. I know Nasir from his days at Firdous on campus and then in the North Market, so expected good stuff, and not disappointed. I ordered the babganoush app and the 'special' of lamb chops w/potates/veggies/rice. The babaganoush was awesome: it had a good smokey char thing going on, with plenty of good garlic, tahini and cumin, too. With a drizzle of olive oil-damn fine. The chops were good, too, though a little over done for my taste (I prefer lamb medium-rare) but still tender and well seasoned, with no too much fat, either. The rice was gently perfumed, tender and delicious, while the potates were moist and delicious with a garlic dipping sauce. For dessert, Nasir brought out two small baklava that were spot on. They are made in middle eastern bakery in Detroit for him with real honey (rather than molasses or corn syrup-eck, like some). With a capuccino, what a great end to a great meal. All in all, very please for a fairly inexpensive meal. Glad to have Nasir back after a few years away, and even more glad to have him here in Clintonville-lord knows we need more restaurants with his fervor and attention to the food. Bon appetito!
(4)Perry L.
Friendly staff, delicious food, convenient location. What more could you want ^_^
(5)anne h.
Love this place. The lentil soup is outstanding, simple, hearty, and healthy! The lamb is always cooked to order and rare is rare, mid rare is mid-rare unlike other places with similar menus that serve lamb well no matter how you order it. Can't comment on the desserts as I'm not a sweet tooth. Spicy black bean hummus is awesome and the baba ganoush is delightful, smoky and complex. The food is never over salted so I add a little salt or lemon to bring out the complexity of some dishes - that's how I prefer it - you can't correct over salted. If you happen in on an evening when they are serving muncef, order it... The owner is charming and genuinely interested in making your experience as wonderful as possible. Thank you, Narsir!! Oh, and try the hot sauce - he excels at wonderful hot sauce.
(5)Sanmit B.
decent med fare, fairly standard prices, good service = ok to good (more 3.5 stars than 3)
(3)Ka T.
This food was great and reasonably priced. The cashier was able to definitely spend the time explaining each dish to me so that i can make the best decision. The food came out great and even though it says no waiter service its not completely true. They come out behind the counter and take care of each and ever customer. Even the chef came out. Very impressed.
(5)Shannon W.
I went here with a friend for a "farewell" lunch. The food is great and good portions for the price. I recommend the Gyro plate and hot mint tea! The staff is friendly and fast. Quaint and simplistic decor complete the experience. I highly recommend you give it a try!
(5)Jason S.
Lavash tent at arts festival. F-ing terrible. What makes people think an $8 gyro can taste that bad? Yes. I was hungry and didn't expect much but holy crap did Lavash underdeliver. Worst. Gyro. Ever. Ate two bites and threw it away.
(1)Drew C.
BOTTOM LINE: Lavash is just fine. On food alone I might have given it 3 stars, but I have a soft spot for hard-working entrepreneurial types. And the chef/owner went out his way to make sure his customers were comfortable and happy - for me, that's worth an extra star. Some things were great, some were average. Nothing was bad. THE FOOD: As with with any ethnic restaurant, seeing natives eating in the place gave me comfort. There were middle-eastern people throughout the restaurant so I felt like I was gonna get a traditional meal. I was right. In the tradition of ACTUAL middle eastern food, the fare is uncomplicated. Meat, veggies, wrap, a lil hummus - done. It's cooked with care and not overly seasoned. The chicken shwarma was especially good. Beef/lamb shwarma was refreshingly meaty - not swimming in oil or seasoning. I felt like I was tasting the flavor of the flesh, which many chefs are afraid to do. The hummus was a let down. Just average. I can get that anywhere. The bread, however, is wonderful. I mean, really effin' good. The fallafel is above average, and pretty good for Columbus, but I have had better in other large, metropolitan cities. The Baklava was good though clearly pre-made offsite. THE ATMOSPHERE: Quaint and clean. The chef checked in on tables personally. I liked it. Has a small, NY counter deli kind of feel. DISCLAIMER: The menu is HUGE. We got chicken shwarma, beef/lamb shwarma, hummus,falaffel and baklava. I do plan on going back and trying more things and I'd be happy to amend this review should I get my socks knocked off WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: It's good food. You'll be pleased but you probably won't be raving for days. You'll get a good, traditional-esque middle-eastern meal and you won't have many complaints. Oh, and the price is nice.
(4)Meredith H.
Recently moved to Columbus and this place has already become a regular in my restaurant rotation. The food is always good, whether it's lamb, chicken or shrimp. Have eaten in the restaurant and to-go and the orders are always correct. Solid choice for middle-eastern food and (pretty sure?) locally owned/not a chain. Would definitely recommend to others and take friends there!
(4)Melanie M.
Pretty decent! I was assured that everything listed on the vegetarian menu was also vegan. Honestly, it wasn't the most flavorful food of this genre that I've ever had, but it wasn't the blandest either. Pretty good though. Definitely friendly staff as well.
(3)John Q.
I first found out about this place through their groupon promotion last year. The parking lot is pretty small in the back and the inside is also kind of small but the food is delicious and service is pretty fast (5-10 minute wait). I enjoy this place and can not wait to return. I tried the Fatoush salad (mentioned in Christina C.'s review) and was not too impressed but to each their own. I like their gyros.
(5)Heather D.
I like Lavash most of the time. I ate there a lot recently and feel a little burnt out by the menu but the 1/2 roasted chicken dinner is killer. Be sure to ask for their homemade hot sauce (don't be a wuss)--it's delicious and full of spicy tangy flavor. I am also a big fan of the Low-Carb Salad--don't judge an entrée by its name--bascially a big cruncy lettuce salad, with tomato, Mediterranean olives, feta, and grilled meat of your choice. I usually get the beef although their chicken is lovely. They have lovely desserts, coffees, and teas. Try it.
(4)punning l.
I ordered the lentil soup, the Lavash salad, and the baba ghanoush. I would say that, overall, this meal was mediocre at best. The Lavash salad was the worst part: as much dressing as vegetables, it was entirely inedible. The baba ghanoush was bland and left much to be desired. The soup was good, but not enough so to validate my dining experience. To add insult to injury, my companion and I tried to clear our table but could not find the spot in which to put our trays. Leaving them on our table, the self-important owner chastised us. Overall, I'd have rather spent my money elsewhere and I do not think that I will be going back. There are a number of (much) better Mediterranean restaurants in town.
(2)Megan H.
Delicious. Great Mediterranean food!
(5)Melanie B.
Just wanted to say, I still love Lavash. The turkish coffee is Amazing, and my favourite dish is the lamb shawarma on lavash - I've even taken it to some friends so they could try it. Today I also tried to hummus, which is excellent and unlike the super authentic hole in the wall places in my old 'hood in Chicago, Lavash doesn't drown their hummus in olive oil - just a drizzle, which is perfect. Also, I split the coconut cupcake with a friend the other day - to die for! And now that Lavash has opened that little side outside patio, WATCH OUT! I sense a truly amazing summer in the cville.
(5)Bryan H.
Wow, this food is incredible. Nasir cooked up some incredible food at Firdous, but he's taken it to the next level. The interior is very cool, and you can pick your meal out of the glass cases when you walk-in. I tried the Lamb Schawarma with fries and hummus, all three were incredible. My friend Jon had the beef kabob with rice - looked tasty - he was eating it so quickly, I didn't have a chance to ask him for a taste. Portions were good and the food was very fresh. Quick, great price in a relaxed atmosphere. I have a new favorite restaurant!
(5)Chad B.
Fantastic and unique Mediterranean food in Clintonville. One of our favorite places for a quick bite.
(5)Allen W.
Lavash is super-clean always, the people are friendly and clean your table shortly after you're finished and the prices are very reasonable for the level of freshness offered! My wife and I spent $25 for two large meals and took left overs home. I would recommend this cafe to anyone who loves fresh and tasty mediterranean food!
(4)Matthew G.
good not great; good prices for nice serving portions. amazing kefta, decent hummus; great grape leaves, good fries, meh baba ghanouj. thats as far as the dine in. the baklava is amazing through and through and not overly expensive.
(3)Nathan S.
Solid but not quite "authentic" mediterranean food. The salad, lamb kabob, and rice were reasonably good and the fries were killer, way better than expected, but you have to order them a la carte. The "Pita", on the other hand, was like doughy Ponderosa dinner rolls that were cut up into triangles. C'mon guys, you're better than that. Would also be nice if they had some sort of mixed grill options, and hummus with the entrees, instead of having to order it separately. I liked it, but I think I'd put it a notch below Aladdin's or Happy Greek. One last suggestion, I ordered pick up over the phone, and still had to wait in the cashier's line for 10 minutes when I got there, so it would be nice to have a separate pickup order line.
(3)Michelle M.
This place is great. Delicious food - check. Good prices - check. Friendly service - check. The owner is there every day and really cares about the food. The atmosphere could use a little face lift though.
(4)Carl S.
This place is one of my favorites. On the occassions that I am in the area during the lunch or dinner hour, I get excited and head on over. My favorite is a gyro on lavash bread. Try the coffee. It is excelelnt and they will give you free refills.
(5)Kurtis B.
My food here has always been incredible. Ive only ever had kabobs but their sooo good i never try anything else. Love it!
(5)Steven H.
This place is fantastic! Everything I tried was absolutely delicious. The saffron-flavored rice was phenomenal, the lentil soup couldn't have been better, the lamb was perfectly seasoned and tasty and the customer service was attentive and friendly. Will definitely be back! Two thumbs way up. Highly recommended!
(5)Lance N.
Had their Beef/Lamb Kabob, Lamb Chops, Snapper - all very good!
(5)Julia C.
If you haven't tried Lavash Cafe, you should make a point to get there. The food is made from scratch every day. We have eaten at Lavash Cafe several times a week since they opened, and have yet to have a disappointing dish. They excel at lamb dishes, especially the roasted lamb special. The grape leaves are delicious (and are served with an equally delicious tahini sauce). There are always vegetarian options, including on the daily specials list. The owner is often on the dining room floor checking on your meal or giving you a friendly ribbing (he's got a great sense of humor). And don't forget to try out the house made baklava for dessert when they have it!
(5)Sea K.
For the price, you won't find anything better in Columbus. Fresh ingredients, simple dishes, full flavors - all reasonably priced and healthy! Staff was super friendly, space was clean, no loud music/TVs and friendly setting for kids (had my 1 year old with me), hipsters, and seniors alike. Loved hearing at least 3 different languages being spoken by my fellow patrons. Sad I didn't get to try any of the scrumptious looking desserts (sampler platter was way too filling) but will surely be back! A neighborhood gem.
(5)Ricardo B.
A friend recommended Lavash to me. I have eaten Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in many cities - some excellent. Lavash Cafe is now top on my list! This place on High street is clean and spacious. The food is of very good quality and so tasty. Prepared skewered meats of different kinds are beautifully displayed in an immaculate refrigerated case for your viewing enjoyment making it hard to decide which ones you have to miss once you make your decision... oh well, there's next time. The Shawarma is outstanding - you have choices of beef, chicken or lamb and they even let you have a combination. The tabouli is the freshest in Columbus... (I would add a touch of olive oil). Best humus in town (hands down!).Good baklava and other pastries and dessetrs of the kind with even espresso to go along. Everything is fairly priced and portions are quite generous. The owner, Nassir, is very well known in Columbus as a friendly, hard working man who knows his business well and really cares about quality and customer service -- he will come to your table to ensure your satisfaction. It's good to see he is back in business after a short hiatus. Oh, did I mention he caters? ... he's a sure hire for my next event. Try Lavash.. you will be glad you did.
(5)John O.
i used to live across the street from this place. really really delicious food. always a good idea to check the specials before you order but, from my experience, you really can't go wrong here. the shrimp skewers, like most other items, are served with delicious mediterranean rice and a simple, tasty salad. along with pita hut on morse rd (and it's sister, ali baba near osu's campus) lavash makes quality mediterranean food seem so simple. fresh ingredients, diligent preperation - so easy to do if you just put a little CARE into it.
(4)Irene M.
Cute neighborhood place. Very friendly service. The owner even came out to greet and ask after all the customers. I got the beef and lamb shawarma sandwich in a lavash. It was like a thin tortilla. The meat was good but not like shaved meat off the big chunk. My husband liked the falafel and hummus.
(4)Tolga T.
We ate here for the first time tonight and it was excellent. After moving to Columbus from Chicago, we're always looking for good ethnic food. This place is a hit. I had the beef schwarma, which is made in house. Most of the ones around town are made from processed meat. My wife had the chicken schwarma sandwich, which she loved too. When we went up to order dessert and mint tea, the cashier said the desserts were on the house because he felt bad we had to wait a while for our dinner order. We didn't notice that the wait was long. Great customer service!! We'll definitely be back again!
(5)Sydnee F.
Lavash is great! A friend repeatedly insisted I give it a shot, and we finally went with a few other lovely ladies. It's not a huge place and if the weather's nice, go for the patio. It's not super fancy, but large bushes and overhanging grape vines make it feel secluded. The food's definitely tasty. I've never liked falafel, not at all, but I love Lavash's. It's flavorful and fresh with a perfect crispy exterior; I usually order a vegetarian platter that includes it, but the name escapes me (it's probably called the Falafel Platter and I am a moron). The hummus is delicious as well, but the Spicy Black Bean version is by far the best, and either comes with pita that's to-die-for. The portions are pretty generous too; I always go home with leftovers. The prices are reasonable and drinks are self-serve, which I happen to like. There's generally parking available in the back, too; always a plus on High Street.
(5)Lea P.
I somehow overlooked Lavash until my mother, who was visiting from out of town, picked it out from a list of Clintonville restaurants and said, "That sounds good." And it did, too. It fit the bill for us as a place for a pre-movie bite. You know how table service restaurants are always wild cards when you need to be someplace afterward? Well, this solved that dilemma without sacrificing the food quality. Order at the counter, eat at your leisure, leave when it's time... and have a fulfilling meal in the process. That said, it is a strange blend of casual and less so. The interior looks plasticky and fast foody, but we got our dishes on, well, dishes. With silverwear. A sign thanked us for bussing our own table, but we didn't see anyone actually doing that, and the employees were quick to clean up. An important-looking gentleman in a chef's coat (The chef? Owner? Manager? We weren't sure which he was, but probably one of those.) came out to ask us how our meal was. Though he had an air of "I'm just rushing through," it's rare to get that attention from a higher-up at such a casual establishment. The menu has enough variety for a range of dietary needs. I had the Lavash Plate (all veggie) and my mom had a Kefta Sandwich (totally the opposite), and we both enjoyed it. I don't know that I'll be hit by a Lavash craving at some random moment or anything, but it was a good dinner. Oh actually I might get hit by a craving for that pita bread. That was good stuff.
(4)Joseph A.
My wife and I have been going here for several years now. The food is excellent. It is well prepared and spiced just right. They're very consistent with quality. We've never had a bad experience or even a mediocre one...just very good food.
(5)Tom E.
Since my first visit I have been back half a dozen times at least. The owner treats me like we have been friends of the family for years. Every lunch is top notch. You can't beat this place for a great Mediterranean/Greek lunch. Period.
(5)Angie K.
Hands down my favorite for tabouli and everything else. Owner is sweet and sincere staff is kind place is clean and they have outdoor seating. I have a chickpea intolerance so I don't get to enjoy hummus :( BUT I discovered last week they have a black bean hummus that beats up all other hummuses _ even theirs. Love the lamb wraps and mango smoothy too. A Must go!
(5)Patrick P.
I was in town for business and decided to follow Yelp Nation on a restaurant recommendation. To no surprise the place had great food! I arrived right after they opened and got my schwarma on... I ordered the lamb shwarma meal with rice. It was very yummy. The deserts (baklava) looked good but i just did not have room. I will definitely go back there again when in town.
(4)Christina C.
AH! I've found my new favorite salad - and a new found deep love and appreciation for Lavash. Thanks to the lovely employee (err, best saleswoman ever!) who directed me to try her - now my - favorite: The Fatoush salad. Crisp greens, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, parsley and more, all tossed in a spiced vinaigrette with fried pita strips. It was so full of flavor and not to mention huge! Best part is it was only $6.95. I didn't give Lavash enough credit the first time around. It's a Clintonville staple, with more than amazing food, and a destination I should probably frequent more based on my experience today. Plus the wifi is free! :) Did you say great place to work? The Turkish coffee is the bomb as well.
(4)Hilary M.
The only craving I had while I was pregnant was for food from Lavash... especially their stuffed grape leaves. This place is one of my favorites in Columbus because they have a lot of vegan options. I've been there dozens of times and every time the manager has come by the table to personally check on us. I have never had a bad meal here and I love going back!
(5)Stephen K.
Had the lamb shish kabob. It was great, definitely full afterwards. Restaurant has a friendly environment and great service. This middle eastern place was better than a very popular chain restaurant in Chicago.
(5)ケリー
I lived in Columbus for three years, and ate at Lavash at LEAST twice a week. It's in my top 5 things I miss about Columbus and, I'd say 90% of the time it's the number one thing. Los Angeles has some of the best food in the world, but I've yet to find anything that compares when it comes to Mediterranean. All of the employees are incredibly friendly, the food is consistently good, there are always good specials, and the prices are great. I can't say enough about how good it is-- Definitely the best in Columbus for Mediterranean. What puts them over the top in my book is I was in Ohio for business and stopped into Lavash before flying back to the west coast armed with a Tupperware container and soft-cooler, and they were awesome enough to fill it extra full of rice and shawarma so I could surprise my boyfriend with one of his favorite meals.
(5)Sharon B.
We discovered Lavash a few years ago, after reading a listing of some of the top sandwich restaurants in Columbus. This place has never disappointed us. The meats in the cold case - kabobs, raw lamb chops, etc. - look good enough and fresh enough to almost want to eat them raw. The tabbouleh is fresh, fresh, fresh, with plenty of parsley to give it crunch. If I thought it would hold up on the 3 hour drive home, I would buy it by the quart. Their pita is equally delicious; I am not sure if they make it in their own bakery, but the bread chef should be applauded. Portion sizes are quite generous; their sandwiches with one side should be enough for most appetites. This time, I had the beef/lamb shwarma; the meet was a little they this time, but the flavors are still perfect. BTW, one order of fries is enough to serve two people. I can't really speak about the dessert selection; it looks beautiful, but I am not a fan of baklava and the like, so I can't really address that area. When I have to go to Columbus, I often try to figure out how to include a trip to Lavash, no matter how short the visit will be. I wish them a long and profitable future, which gives me ample opportunity to enjoy their offerings.
(5)Teresa N.
This is my first time visiting Lavash. Walking in, the environment was fine, modern, airy, and clean. One couldn't help but notice all the achievements this restaurant had on the wall. We were really excited to try out since they have pretty many stars and reviews on Yelp. I ordered a Kefta sandwich and tiramisu. Husband ordered Lavash combo (vegetarian dish). Prices were $7.95, $3.95, and $12.95. I gave 3 stars. One star for cleanliness. One star for the Kefta sandwich. The other star for the tiramisu. It was great and not too sweet. Husband didn't like his food. And I thought the food was pricy for the amount of food we received. We were still hungry after eating all of that. Not sure if we will return for the main dishes. Maybe just for the tiramisu. I'm a sucker for desserts.
(3)Kevin D.
I enjoyed Lavash Cafe but wouldn't return. The pros: friendly service, nice casual atmosphere, big portions, fancy soda machine with dozens of flavors, food made fresh, big dessert selection. Cons: I just didn't love most of the food. Compared to other middle eastern restaurants that I frequent in other cities, I didn't care for a few of their dishes, specifically the falafel, grape leaves, baba ganoush and pita (very thick and bready). This is just my personal opinion however - I don't think anything was made poorly, they just weren't my taste. I think Lavash Cafe is definitely worth a visit.
(3)Michael G.
Very typical menu offerings for a Mediterranean restaurant. You can read the other reviews on the food and the homey environment. I'm here to tell you about the quality. Top Notch! We've eaten here many times in this location and past locations known as Firdou's, and the food is consistently very good. I think they may have the best humus in town. Ditto for the lentil soup. Chicken is very tasty and seasoned well. Ask about the spice level on some of the foods, it may be a surprise for people who are not expecting it. Counter ordering is efficient. They have their ordering system down, although since this takes place at the front of the store, sometimes the line is out the door. Open kitchen and they coordinate orders well enough, announcing your order. Nice outdoor seating, but the tables usually need attention. Bathrooms are well maintained in a very busy environment. We are major Fans. Keep up the good work.
(5)Anna S.
NOTE: Upgrading to three stars and updating for the sake of providing new information; will likely not return. I posted my previous one star review on my local Clintonville Discussion Forum Facebook page (post has now been removed by moderators). I was met with a lot of indignation, bullying, and it was also insinuated that I'm, perhaps, ignorant of immigrants' cultural norms/mores (which is interesting, since I'm Indian-American, my parents are 100% straight from India, I've lived in India/traveled abroad, and speak two other languages fluently other than English). In either case the pros: - The owner's son, who is also a co-owner, bought new trays so that all trays will be washed after one use. No more germs! Hummus for all! - He made a donation in my name to the Clintonville Resource Center for as "a gesture of goodwill". However, the cons: - The only explanation that was given for the the owner's rude behavior was my apparent misunderstanding of cultural norms. No apology, just that he couldn't have behaved the way I described. So, dear Yelpers, take my experience at face value. If you want good food, then this is definitely the restaurant to try. Nothing in my review suggest that the food is anything but delicious. If you have started to love Lavash over the years, and feel brave enough to offer some kind suggestions, then, perhaps, don't do it. You may be met with an irate business owner who is having a bad day.
(3)Teri S.
Wonderful Mediterranean restaurant. We have been enjoying Nasir Latif's cuisine since the 80's when he owned Firdous and then Firdous Express. Just make sure you save room for dessert!
(5)Sabrina R.
One of my favorite shawarma spots in Columbus. Everything is really fresh, amazing hummus and baklava.
(5)Mary Margaret M.
Lavash is a great little spot to grab a bite in the Clintonville area. It's location on High Street is super convenient because they have their own lot as well as street parking. It's is my go-to spot for falafel and hummus. ~~The best I've had here~~ Their falafel sandwich (wrapped in lavash) with a side of hummus is super delicious and a dynamite lunch or dinner if there ever was one--some of the best in the city. I don't know what they do to their hummus, but it's my favorite I've ever had. So if you're in the mood for a little Mediterranean I'd recommend giving it a-go. Their pistachio baklava rocks my socks. If you dig pistachios it's a mighty fine after lunch/dinner dessert. You won't be sorry. ~~Worthy mention~~ Their grape leaves are good, but not greatest ever, but that doesn't mean I've stopped ordering them. I have also tried their Shawarma (Beef & Lamb) sandwich and it was good, but not my everything. Their best seating is outside on the patio so if it's nice, I'd recommend grabbing a spot out there. Their inside seating (particularly the lighting) has room for improvement. TIP: if you call ahead your order can skip the line--a good idea during peak lunch or dinner times.
(4)julie j.
Please overlook the negative review below. I live in the area and have eaten at lavash over 50 times. Its clean its amazing and the owner is hands down the most sincere and involved guy you'll ever meet. Hes more like a owner of a five star joint than a little cafe. Its true, the restaurant is not a tip restaurant (you can tip a jar but many dont) and patrons should buss their own damn tables but the owner likes to keep on top of things and whenever possible he is having his bussers clear dishes and run and fetch whatever else you want and for minimum wage and no tip. The trays are not with food sitting on them any length of time and of course would be washed if any food accidentally dripped on them. They are literally carried from the counter to the table and any table there is max 15 feet away its that compact a place. Lets add that our lovely restaurant owner who is on the floor all night every night speaks with a heavy middle eastern accent and may miss the nuances of an American conversation. And lets say because he is so proud of his restaurant and so tired from his devotion that he misunderstands and thinks that reused trays is reused food. So he gets upset because he works so hard to accomodate all his guests and the place is buzzing most nights. Then she, not understanding any of these important factors, is only able to expect total ass kissing as an American who's never traveled to a foreign country and learned how to be diplomatic in or toward another culture, storms off to write a bad review on yelp. Go to lavash people. Enjoy great food and a sweet owner who will check on you and bend over backwards to make your visit worth it.
(5)Matt W.
This place is AMAZING! Love the small neighborhood feel and the inviting atmosphere. The owner is always kind and welcoming. The staff always tries their best to help any way they can. I love having this gem in my neighborhood! If you are looking for excellent Mediterranean food in Columbus for a VERY reasonable price, this is the place!
(5)Jordan K.
This place is amazing. The food is delicious, the employees are welcoming and enjoyable, and every experience I have had there - which have been several - leaves me craving a soon to be fulfilled return trip. I love the falafel plate, and I always get the homemade walnut baklava. My husband loves the low carb salad with gyro meat (he loves all their baklava choices). Sometimes I'll walk by and regret not stopping in for some hummus for lunch, so we go there for dinner instead. Love this place.
(5)Jeff B.
Their food is fresh, made from quality ingredients, and is authentic mediterranean food... the best in Columbus I have found so far! For some reason, Aladdin's is popular among many people but in my opinion, Lavash is one hundred times better in every way. The prices are very reasonable and the food is always high quality. I highly recommend it!
(5)David D.
Go Here Now. It's that's good. Perfect blending of healthfulness, taste, spices, and exoticness all in a perfectly clean and inviting environment. There are lots of options on the menu, and they're happy to adjust to your palate. They display their wares for all to see, which is a good sign and tres Mediterranean. I'm a low-carb nut, and this place fits the bill. Here's what I did: - Low-carb salad + Chicken Kabobs - light and refreshing fattoush salad with deliciously tender and well spiced chicken kabobs. They come with some special sauces and I added hot sauce since I'm a glutton for heat. The salad is very large and the chicken filling - Lamb chops (side) - I had this done rare, and they were so juicy and tasty. This is a delectable treat that I'd eat too often were I in the area! - They comped me a side of house-made hummus one spicy and one regular - regular is a misnomer, since I could tell they're serious about their hummus (probably take away the skins before preparing, etc.) and the spicy version is the right fit for me. Good sign in that they served it with cut cucumber, since they heard I was going low-carb for lunch The servers are extremely pleasant as are the cooks. They take the time to describe what you're choosing and the components of all the spices and sauces. Finally, the owner takes the time to greet each "guest" and will make you feel invited. Prices are very reasonable and portions are filling.
(5)Lauren G.
Friendly staff, great food. Nice variety. The of us ordered the combo platter which "feeds 2-3 people." absolutely delicious, but should read "feeds 2-3 people who have not eaten for 24-48 hours at least." oh well; leftovers were great! Baklava pretty good too. Lovely little patio under a grape arbor (with actual growing grapes), but relatively close to High Street, so not sure it gets used much. Definitely come here!
(5)Allyson L.
Best. Hummus. Ever. Beyond that, all the dishes I have tried here were fantastic. You can tell that everything is fresh and homemade. So far it is my favorite Mediterranean place in Columbus.
(5)Lou H.
Tasty food the meals are shrinking. They are friendly, the seating outside is nice.
(3)I S.
I live about 2 minutes away so I have frequented this restaurant too many times to remember. I would say Lavash has some of the tastiest Middle Eastern food in Columbus. The food is always consistently delicious whenever I come here, whether having order online or in the restaurant. I usually get their babaganoush, hummus, falafel, or shawarma sandwiches/platters. Their salad is also very good, seems like they use fresh vegetables. It's a very casual restaurant if you want to sit down and eat, therefore I don't understand why their prices have been soaring. It costs about $8 for a shawarma sandwich and that does not come with any sides at all, and a shawarma platter is $15. A couple of years ago, you could get a sandwich for almost $6 and a platter for maybe $10 or so. I have not been going as much because despite the quality of food, I cannot justify paying that much money for a light sandwich. It's quite disappointing, and I hope they make their prices more reasonable in the future.
(3)Donna O.
I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed or flattered that the line guys at Lavash know me by my order (veggie combo sandwich on lavash, made to spec) and that they always tease me about not wanting extra anything. I'll go with flattered. Lavash is a cozy place to enjoy tasty food and decadent desserts. The décor is warm and rich, and there is seating for larger groups or for a couple's dinner. A small side patio is (somewhat) hidden from the urban landscape of Baja Clintonville. The food here is great. There are so many pan-Mediterranean/Egyptian offerings, and lots of vegetarian and vegan choices - something for everybody. They don't use a lot of heavy sauces or overdo it on oil, so you can order without worrying about your rice arriving with a glow. It's great for a post-workout meal or quick lunch as well as for dinner. Definitely ask for extra, if you want it.
(3)Amber S.
I haven't strayed too far from a few menu items (kefta kabob, shawarma, falafel, fatayer, gyro, fries and baklava). I prefer a gyro with tzatziki sauce so I no longer get the gyro. The meat entrees are delicious. With a side salad and rice it's very filling. There are plenty of vegetarian offerings so don't let my carnivorous ways scare you off.
(5)Leo Y.
The place is slightly misleading, as what they call "lavash" is just a wrap, likely whole wheat judging by the taste. I almost dinged them a star for that, but I guess it's probably healthier for me that way anyways, so I'll keep it. I had the lamb kabob lavash, and the lamb melted in my mouth, with the taste and texture of the inside of the sandwich being perfect. I will get the pita next time, as I'm not a big fan of wraps. They had a great selection for both lunch and dinners, an impressive choice of desserts, including baklava, dates, and tiramisu, and a neat little soda dispensing machine with a touchscreen. There was both indoor and outdoor seating, the staff was great, and the pricing was very reasonable.
(5)Alexa L.
Went here for lunch today with a friend and started with the hummus and falafel appetizers. The hummus was very flavorful and the pita bread it came with was super fluffy and delicious! The falafel was also good. I got the lamb shawarma entree, which was good, although the lamb was a little bit tough. For half the price my friend got the shawarma sandwich which came with just as much meat as the entree, but just didn't include rice. I would definitely go back but would order a sandwich next time. The food came out very fast and service was excellent. Employees were quick to clean up finished plates, and the owner even came around to each table to ask how the food was. I can imagine the place gets pretty crowded on busier days.
(4)Kate H.
Solid. I would be in 5 star territory if not for the confusing way this place is laid out, the difficulty in ordering and the chaos which ensues when you eventually get your food. The people are really friendly (especially the owner), the food fresh and fantastic. It is well worth the confusion.
(4)Andy P.
I recently got into Mediterranean food, and this place was really good. I got the lamb skewers. I really hate dry meet, so thank you it wasn't dry. The rice was a little dry for me though, but they have nice condiments like olive oil and other sauces. The service wasn't really that friendly, but they did their job. The decor is interesting with multi-color, and it was definitely different. Very homey feeling to it and great for groups of family where you can share portions. Where you order food also reminds me of a deli style and the wait for the food isn't long. They had a lot of meat on display, which made me want to order everything - especially the kabobs! I want to come back here with a group of people and have a family style sharing dinner.
(4)Bethel T.
I really love this place! The people here at friendly, all the way from the owner to the staff. The meat they have is just so tender and moist and seasoned to perfection. I tend to get lamb chops when I go and love it with the garlic sauce. I'll say this is really one of my favorite Mediterranean eateries I've been to and that I've actually voted for on the 614 mag for the Best in Columbus edition.
(5)Natalie E.
My visiting Lebanese and Greek relatives and I went to Lavash this evening. We all thought the array of Mediterranean food was outstanding! We found it to be truly authentic and some of the BEST Mediterranean food we've had! The owner and the restaurant manager were so attentive to all of the customers! If you don't try this restaurant, you are really missing out on some fantastic Mediterranean cuisine!!! We'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(5)Anthony D.
Amazing food. The outside looks a little mysterious, but the inside is nice, they have a patio, and it just keeps getting better from there. The owner greeted us at our table and sent out some special desserts since it was our first time here. All of the food we sampled was great, but like others have said, the black bean hummus was over the top good! Will be back!
(5)Eric S.
Great food, friendly service, this is a staple for our household takeout meals. Affordable and tasty Mediterranean cuisine thats close to where we live and never disappoints.
(4)Owais N.
I have been in Columbus for 3 months and have been eating out. This place is the best, amazing great food, awesome service. Highly recommended
(5)Ammar A.
Place is good but the food portions are really small. I am not sure how people have 5 stars. The location and setting is nice and cozy. Quality of food is good but for 16 dollars kefta kabob is way too small.
(3)Tiffany W.
One of my favorites in Columbus! The food here is amazing and the portion sizes are generous -- I usually end up taking some back with me and it makes for a great lunch the next day. The hummus and pita are absolutely delicious, especially when the pita comes out fresh and warm. =) Their main entree dishes are also excellent. The rice is flavorful and delicious, and the meats are really well prepared. I don't even usually like lamb, but I have really enjoyed their lamb dishes! I've tried their biryani, shawrma, shish kabob, kefta kabob, and fish. I've loved everything I've tried so far! Also, their freshly squeezed juices are amazing! A little pricey ($4 for a glass) but makes for a nice addition to the meal or to take back with you. Their dessert selection that is on display is always super tempting -- I have had their baklava (because I love baklava) and it's pretty good, though I will admit I usually don't have much room for dessert after a meal here. Overall, service is great. Seating and parking are easy to find even during peak times, and food is delivered to you pretty quickly.
(5)Genevieve F.
I don't get what the hype is about... The food is decent, but certainly not great, and its not cheap either. I've gotten a few of their plates and a lamb shawarma. The shawarma especially was underwhelming. Basically just meat and pretty bland tasting wrap that didn't taste fresh. There was hardly more than a pinch of lettuce or tomato. For $8 they could definitely up the quality with a fresher wrap and better quality and greater amount of veggies.
(2)Bradley A.
Food was excellent. Analee and the other lady was so very nice, and explained the menu to me. I will tell everyone how good this place was
(5)James S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Columbus. They have a lot of good options, and excellent homemade pastries.
(5)John M.
As someone who lived in the north campus/south Clintonville area for many years, it is difficult to talk about Lavash Cafe, about their menu, their service, their prices, etc, without talking about the elephant in the room. And that elephant is called Aladdin's Eatery, which had been a solid Clintonville fixture in Greek/Mediterranean cuisine since I was an undergrad. Lavash made its Columbus debut by moving in two doors down from that much-loved elephant, which is a ballsy move by anyone's standard's, and so it got me thinking: these people must be pretty confident in their product. And make no mistake, their menu offers up much of what Aladdin's offers, but where it seems to stand out a bit is the boldness of their flavor palette. From their spicy black bean hummus to their falafel (and their fantastic red snapper entree -mon dieu!), your taste buds are sent on a nice little coaster ride. What's more, the portions are surprisingly generous. On the downside, however, I was disappointed to see the price increases, some dramatically higher, since my first visit. Also, their desserts leave something to be desired. The baklava and basma seemed to be a bit stale and somewhat bland, but these are bite-sized and cheap so I let it pass. All in all, these guys have given every Greek/Mediterranean restaurateur a good run for their money, and good for them for doing so. Factoring in everything, I can't say that it has unseated Aladdin's in my mind, but if I told you I'd never go back to Lavash Cafe, you could safely call me a liar, liar, pants on fire.
(3)Robb M.
I LOVE this restaurant. Perhaps my top 3 favorite places in Columbus. Try the Kabobs or bring family and get a platter meal. Amazing!!!!
(5)Jayson L.
Extremely authentic. My date was pescetarian and had been here before quite a few times so I had her order for both of us. For her the mixed vegetables and rice. For me the Lamb Moussaka. Yellow rice adorned with sliced nuts. Then a mediterranean style lasagna composed of ground lamb cooked eggplant sautéed onions. Fi on top a creamy cheesy mixed vegetable topping which had a thick crust on top to give some added texture. I wasn't so sure I was going to like it as me and my date discussed it eating our small starter salads. We were also give pita bread to go along with it. The flavors were interesting and different but also very good haha. The lamb onion eggplant mix was great and the cheesy cream was alright too, although I thought the crust was the best part. I also thought the lamb could have been slightly more seasoned, but that's just me. Everything here is super authentic and pretty damn good. I'd recommend stopping in if you ever find yourself in Columbus.
(4)Nick G.
The food, and SERVICE was amazing... If you go here, you must try the fries! There was confusion around our order, but EVERYONE there made it MORE than right! Thank you for a great experience!!
(5)Ramen S.
Baklava. Baklava. Baklava. That is hard to say three times fast. But I found myself tasting three different types of Baklava VERY fast when I came to dessert time at Lavash. These baklava were perfect: crispy meets sticky in a delicious pastry sensation. Behind a large glass case, the desserts catch your attention and welcome your appetite as soon as you enter this delightful, busy Mediterranean cafe. There's more to this cafe than the desserts. To start, I enjoyed two different types of hummus: regular and black bean. I preferred the black bean as it offers a spicy surprise to your traditional hummus. Just as my mouth was heating up, then came the Beef shish-kabob. YUM. The beef was served alongside cooked (perhaps over-cooked) peppers and saffron rice. The beef was perfectly tender and well seasoned. These cooks know what they're doing! My largest drawback with Lavash is the semi-fast food serving style. If I am going to pay $15 for an entree, I do not appreciate having to bus my own table. Overall: 4 stars. I'll be back for the baklava!
(4)Danielle A.
This is going to be short and sweet. Lavash is great! The service is extremely fast and very friendly. The food is delicious. My husband and I were looking to try something/someplace new while on vacation for the holiday season. We found Lavash by searching highly rated restaurants on Yelp within a few miles of our location. We arrived around lunch time and were lucky enough to secure street parking right in front of the restaurant. The restaurant was crowded but still had tables available. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma with a side of rice. My husband attempted to order the same. The woman taking our order recommended he get a side of hummus instead of rice and we share. Thank you!!!! The hummus was maybe the best I have ever eaten. I have no idea why we are just now discovering Lavash Cafe, but we will most definitely be back. This is good stuff!!
(5)Kasem W.
Great atmosphere, cool soda dispenser, friendly to kids, lots of space, very fast,great service, clean bathrooms. Their veggie sandwich was the best I've ever had anywhere in 40 states I've visited, it's a must try even if you're not vegetarian. Their sweets are phenomenal.
(5)Chelsey M.
I mean...I guess.. Food was okay, but compared to the last time I was there, the prices are out of control. I don't mind paying a higher price for really, really good food, but considering it was just meat and rice... $15 for an entrée at a place where they don't even bring me my food is kind of crazy.
(3)Keeley H.
I can't get enough of Lavash. I don't eat out that often, but when I do, Lavash is usually where I go, hands down. I love their Tabbouleh salad, it's fresh and delicious. Apart from the salad the Falafels are an excellent choice, and I like to order good old lamb gyro meat. They have a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and lots of parking.
(5)Maddie O.
The lavash and pita are always delicious. The falafel and hummus is my favorite. The service is excellent and I always feel very welcomed.
(4)Tractassan ..
The food was absolutely delicious! Fantastic Turkish coffee! As I was leaving, I spoke with the owner, an incredibly sweet man who made me feel right at home. I couldn't love the place more! Everyone at Lavash was so friendly and helpful! I can't wait until I can go back!
(5)Theresa H.
neighborhood casual counter restaurant. we love the snapper, lamb shanks and Kebobs it is nice to sit outside when the weather is nice
(5)Rebecca A.
500 miles later, my partner and I had our first sit down meal here at Lavash and we're happy to say it was a very pleasant experience: good service, great food, good price, and yummy desserts. We recommend you to try this place, you won't be disappointed. #vegetarianfriendly
(5)Michelle H.
I have mixed feelings about this place. I really want to like it, I really do. It's a super adorable place, with lots of seating, very nice selection of food, friendly servers and incredible desserts. The spicy black bean hummus was incredible! I can probably eat the entire large tray by myself. The pita served with that was soft and tasty. So why 3-stars? I think based on others' reviews, we just had a bad experience today with the food. We had a group of 20 some people. Our entrees came out fairly quickly even though it's a large group. All the food looked amazing, but they definitely looked much tastier than they actually are. Everyone around me had fairly dry meat in their sandwiches. My chicken shawarma tasted like the chicken was overcooked, my friends' gyro and beef/lamb shawarma had dry meat too. I don't know if the large group made the difference. The dining room was completely packed when we left. And this is a stormy Tuesday night. So i want to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt and say we just had a bad experience. Maybe our food was rushed because they were trying to fill the order promptly.
(3)Jennifer H.
Wanted to try shawarma. Their chicken shawarma sandwich is delicious! The hummus was nice and creamy. The rice!!! Omg the rice was sooooo good!!!!! I will be back again for sure to try the beef lamb shawarma and falafel next time.
(5)Gg Z.
Great taste Good humus And ribs Shawarma is good but too much garlic Fresh squeezed orange juice is very good
(4)Lindsay G.
There are lots of fantastic reviews of Lavash, and they are right in track. They knock it out of the park with delicious specials, depth of flavor, outstanding vegetarian options, and speedy service. But that's not even the best part; the welcome and generous staff bring you a smile and make you feel like a regular on your first visit. My 3-year-old son selected some falafel and hummus was making his way over to the table when the owner approached him and said "if you eat a good lunch, you can pick out a dessert from the case!" What a delight!
(5)Tan N.
What is the big deal about this place? A not-fancy, run of the mill gourmet food truck in NY does better than this spot. Why the high ratings? First time we went here we got all vegetarian stuff like the falafel sandwich, a zataar fatayer and a lentil soup. The lentil soup was the only memorable thing or tasty thing we had. The dough of the fatayer was super doughy and stale. Tasteless. When we went to complain, it was if they knew it was no good because they pointed to get a free bag of it from the counter and didn't even say a word. Why would we want a whole bag of stale bread?? The falafel was dry and tasteless. I figured maybe it's because we had only veggie. I came back on my own the other day and got a lamb gyro and it was super dry and I ended up throwing half of it away. The guy who runs the gyro food truck on Weber does a better job and he's still only 3.5 stars in my book. Super disappointed and not coming back.
(2)Avinash K.
This is good place to grab lunch - we got a ton of food amongst three of us. We were visiting a friend in Columbus - ordered spicy black bean hummus - which was good. But I thought it would come with Pita - it didn't, a Kibbeh - lamb cutlet which was pretty good and it was pretty big. I ordered a chicken shawarma sandwich and my friend got some beef entree with salad and pita. We finished it off with Baklava across the table - was delicious. The place is self-service FYI and it gets crowded during lunch times.
(4)Annie D.
Came here after a late night flight 20 min before closing and everyone at the Lavash Cafe welcomed us. We were not rushed to make any decision. The guy who took our order gave us a thorough rundown of the most popular dishes and we decided on the Lamb Moussaka (kinda like lasagna but 100times better), small hummus, beef kefta and chicken kabobs. The moussaka was tender, cheesy, extremely flavorful. The small hummus plate was huge. The beef kefta was grilled to perfection and comes with a tzatziki dipping sauce. The chicken kabob was super delicious, may even be better than the beef kefta as it comes with this amazing garlic dipping sauce. I will definitely come back here for dinner again next time I am in town!!!! Oh if you are into spicy food, definitely ask about having the homemade hot sauce on the side! It was smoky and absolutely delicious.
(5)Elaina W.
The ingredients are fresh and tasty. You do have to walk back to the counter to get tea refills.
(4)Aklilu A.
If you enjoy good lamb chops and wonderful Mediterranean meats cooked well, then this is the place for you. The meat is slow cooked over a grill right in front of you and comes out juicy. Besides the entrees, they also have a huge assortment of desserts for you to choose from.
(4)Sarah M.
Yummy sandwiches, divine mushroom soup (seriously!), the tabbouleh tastes almost like my mamas. The bread is fresh and plentiful. Out door seating a plus, parking is a pain. Owner cruises the dining room and chats, and he has a unique sense of humor (my hubs likes it, me not so much). Also a little pricey.
(4)Carrie F.
We love Lavash for many reasons. Some of our favorites are the lamb chops, lentil soup, chicken kabob sandwich and the hummus. There's something for everyone. I think this restaurant is a great value- fresh, delicious food with a fantastic staff who treat you like family.
(5)Natalya V.
Great fresh food made before your eyes, super fast ! Great energy , everyone is working hard to serve tasty food , the place is packed but kept very clean. Delicious , authentic food. Will come back again .
(5)Mary S.
Oh my goodness, Lavash is a feast for the taste buds! I am in love with their falafel sandwich (and am considering proposing marriage). I had it first from their booth at a festival (it was either the art festival or comfest), and decided I needed to check out the actual restaurant, which is within walking distance of my home. I went there with a date who is a huge fan of Greek food, and neither of us were disappointed. We were greeted by polite staff and the menu has a broad selection of Mediterranean dishes to choose from. We ordered a chicken kabob dish and my falafel sandwich, as well as an order of tiramisu (which I don't think was made there, but I could be wrong). I was excited to see they had a lentil soup and gyros available, as well as dolmades (grape leaves) and a variety of baklava. Its nice to know I can drag more finicky friends/family over with me, next time I wanted to go. I loved the spices they used in my falafel, but to be honest my date's dish was better. A kabob of chicken with a spicy kick that hits you right after you've finished chewing (not too spicy, just enough!) and it comes with a salad and what seems to be buttered rice, only it tastes better. The staff were very attentive! A gentleman I'm pretty sure was the owner/manager came around and asked everyone how their meals were, and another walked around cleaning off all the tables and sweeping under them to keep the place looking immaculate. Also, they had the craziest looking space-aged soda dispenser. It was awesome. Overall, 5 stars and would definitely stop in again!
(5)Maya F.
well! this is the third time I've been in Lavash. My experience was awesome in all these three times. Eastern atmosphere, really good food, reasonable prices, clean place, tables both inside and outside and the most important thing which is the friendly staff. They serve you ALWAYS with a smile no matter how much tired they are! However, there are two problems; first is the long line to order the food which some times goes quickly and the other problem is they close at 9:30 pm!
(5)Zeb L.
This place's food is all over the map in terms of quality. The grape leaves were not very flavorful and did not taste very authentic; we ended up tossing them. The Shawarma and the sandwiches are pretty good but nothing to write home about. However, the baklava is very, very good. The prices are too high for me to go here regularly, especially given that the food is inconsistent, but if I'm at Growl I might stop by for the baklava again.
(2)Jana M.
Wow! I'm kicking myself for living in this neighborhood 3 years before I went for the first time -- now I've been 2 nights in a row. The place smells clean when you walk in - service is so friendly (the food prep staff interacted with me pleasantly on both visits) - and the food is the bomb. com (Can I still say bomb. com even though it's 2015 and I'm 33?) I got the shawarma both times which is so flavorful and I had to use an abundance of self-control not to just eat the tahini sauce with a spoon. The entrée comes with salad and the greek dressing is the best I've ever had. I don't really have a sweet tooth in general and baklava is never something I'd order, but I took a chance based on another review and got the pistachio baklava - YUM! Columbus has a few really fantastic Mediterranean eateries, so I didn't think I needed to try a new one -- I was so wrong! Lavash has skyrocketed to the top of my favorites list!
(5)andy p.
Food is great! Quality is there but quantity is not. Ordered two sandwiches, (chicken and lamb/beef combo) portions were off. Chicken was way heavier then the lamb and bed combo sandwich. (Lost a star for inconsistency) The sweet lady who was the cashier was excellent at describing all the menu items and even showed us pictures....,kinda brought me back to the 1st grade with the picture to word association. She recommends a black bean hummus that was awesome The guy that called your name and delivered the food was equally friendly with great humor and pizazz. He even recommended items to accommodate what we ordered and made the first experience much better.
(4)Adam R.
The staff is so nice!. I have only gotten to-go a few times since I can walk there from home. Maybe the food isn't for me but it is always somewhat bland and soggy. Tried some wraps and salads so far. I know, I know...I havent tried the kabobs yet!. Maybe that will totally change my vote!
(3)Amy J.
Had food here while visiting Columbus. The portions are nice and they offer a variety of gyros, as well as delicious falafel and tasty desserts.
(5)Marcus S.
Lavash Cafe is truly food for your soul. I'd recommend dining in to experience the joyful staff and communal atmosphere, but takeout does not disappoint, either. The falafel is to die for, and the pita's warmth and pillowy goodness will make you raise your fists in the air in celebration that you finally found the place you never knew you'd been searching for!
(5)Yinong L.
Very nice! But the place is a little bit crowded. Maybe it's because the decoration. Food was great!
(5)Mike P.
Best, freshest Mediterranean in C-bus. People are super nice, restaurant is super clean. Kebabs are cooked to order from raw, so be patient, but that means you never run into dry meat that's been sitting around for hours in a warmer. Wish they had a downtown/Short North location!
(5)Paul F.
I came down last night for dinner with Karen M. I'd been here once before as part of a Yelp group. Tonight was different and I got to order whetever I wanted. I started off with a bowl of lentil soup and it was great. I then ordered an order of lamb chops, baked rare. These were perfectly cooked and tender as they could be. To go with those I ordered a small hummus. It might have seemed small, but it would have fed several people. And I picked up a couple pieces of baklava to go. Truly a great meal!
(5)Jamal S.
You go there for the food, and you come out full, and happy. The Lamb chops are my favorite. The salads, fatuous, humus, and falafel are great. The owner Naser is friendly and always comes to check if we are happy with the food and if we need anything else. The place is usually packed when we go there. That means, I am not the only one happy to go there and eat a yummy middle eastern food. Keep up the good work.
(5)Tobie S.
If you're anywhere near Ohio State University, you must try this place! Lots of seating! Food is remarkable! Large selection of food choices...including desserts! Parking can be troublesome if it's busy, but that's pretty normal for Columbus. Eat here! You won't regret it!
(5)Cece M.
It's a good thing I don't live and/or work closer. I would be there every single day! The spicy black bean hummus is out of this world!! And that Lavash bread? Get outta here!! It's beyond great. I had a gyro and it was delicious. The owners and the entire team are very friendly and the restaurant is very clean.
(5)Deb D.
Lived in Columbus a few years back and don't remember seeing this restaurant. I had lunch here and ordered the Beef and Lamb Kefta sandwich on wwheat lavish. The meat was seasoned wonderfully and tasted so fresh. It also had a little humus in it. The bread soft and fresh. Very big portion. There was also lettuce and tomatoes in the sandwich and a sauce that was delicious. They also sell freshly made Kabobs and Kefta to take home and cook. It all looked so fresh. Would definitely be here often if I lived here.
(5)Farid S.
This is probably my 7-8 times at this restaurant. This time around we had a much larger group 12, and everyone enjoyed their dish. The food quality is consistently good and waiter/waitresses do a fabulous job tending to the customer needs and keeping the place clean. You can't go wrong with the beef Shwarma... Absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. I suggest ordering the big family platter if you have a large group and get to taste all their famous dishes on one huge platter. I am a fan and I'll be back.... Bon a petite.
(5)Taimur M.
The food is flavorful and delicious. The owner/manager was very friendly and the service was quick. The décor and ambiance of the place is also swell. You will have a great experience.
(5)Ed O.
Everything is good here in my experience. We always get the hummus(some of the best around), some salad and falafel appetizer and then some kebab or one of the specials which are very good and change day to day. The fish is also a standout. Great to have this place in the neighborhood. The side patio is a great spot to sit if your dining in.
(5)Amanda G.
The hummus here elevates what has become a mediocre staple of American vegetable trays into an art form. It's superb. The little syrup-soaked semolina cake (Namoora) was delightful. I personally didn't care for the kefta sandwich that I had here, but I think I just don't like Middle Eastern meat dishes. It's probably prepared well. I really wouldn't know. When I return (and I will), I will stick to the wonderful, healthy, very affordable vegetarian options.
(4)Scott P.
Amazing! Fresh food and incredible hospitality! Welcomed us and helped us through our order since it was our first time. We'll come back to have a great meal and to say "Hi!"
(5)Kim D.
I always get the lamb because it is so hard for me to get that perfect smokey char at home. The tender pieces of meat is complicated by flavorful rice and simple salad. The whole fried snapper is also delicious. The fish is crisp and moist and perfectly salted. Don't forget to order the house cofffee. I van drink mugs after mugs to that wonderful black brew with the slices of the Napoleon Russian cake.
(5)Phil S.
This is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic sauce that is served with the chicken kabob is amazing! The sandwiches are really good too. The employees are extremely friendly and the man, who I assume is the owner, seemed very genuine when he came to our table to inquire about our experience. I can't recommend this place highly enough.
(5)Jake P.
In a city with an abundance of gimmickry in the food industry, it's good to see a place with real middle eastern food. I was impressed with their grilled meats and you could get them in a kabob wrap. I ordered a grilled chicken kabob wrap with lettuce and some kind of garlic sauce which was very good. I would love to come back here and try some more stuff on their menu.
(5)Liza V.
What can I say? I simply adore Lavash. Due in part to the adorably friendly owner who comes around to check on you, clear your plates, and make sure everything is delicious, and also because all of the food is just darn good. The first few times I went, at the beginning of this year, I was challenging myself to eat no meat for a few months, so I went with the falafel sandwich on lavash bread. Whoa. This is so delicious, and very filling. It was hard for me to ever look past this, even after going back to eating meat. A few of my co-workers swear by the chicken kabob sandwich, so they kept telling me I must try it. And they weren't kidding. Now I'm hooked on this sandwich and can't seem to choose anything else! Moral of the story: seems like anything you get here will keep you coming back. And, of course, the endless supply of sugary sweet desserts in the case that greets you as soon as you enter doesn't hurt either.
(5)Mary Jane M.
This place is amazing! Great and friendly staff who are very helpful in deciding what to order. The food is great, definitely can taste the freshness, although the desserts aren't exactly fresh. The baklava I had was semi stale, the filo dough was very soft and stale so that would be why the 4 star rating because it has happened more than once now. Aside from that the Turkish coffee is great! It's basically like drinking concentrated expresso, which I think when ordering they should verify that prior to letting people order that... I think a lot of people are taken aback by it at first. Thevegitables in the dishes are all rather fresh. Overall a great experience. My favorite is the house made hummus, I consistently order this to go in passing, the black bean spicy hummus is amazing. Definitely delicious.
(4)Shea H.
We came here per the suggestion of the bartender at Matt the Miller's Tavern in dublin. I ordered the falafel sammy and my honey ordered the shawarma sammy. He wasn't very impressed but I liked our dinner. The portion of fries were huge for $2.50 and I though our sandwiches were pretty good. And I thought the salad looked really fresh! I liked that they used romaine rather than cheapie iceberg. And the FRESH SQUEEZED juice was deeeelicious! I probably won't request the flat bread next time and, instead, stick with the pita bread. And I'll probably ask for more fresh veggies because the sandwiches seem a bit basic...but besides that I liked it. I think this place has a lot of potential. I think you have to know what to order. It smelled delicious in there so I plan to re-visit to try other items on the menu.
(3)Rachael G.
I genuinely wish I could give this place an extra star as I loved my mujardara. We got take-out one night for the fam on a cold night and while it has some stuff going for it (kebab beef looked like a good cut of meat, fresh Greek salad, great lentils), everyone who ordered a gyro was a little "...ehhhhh......" about it. Plus, we ordered a large hummus and they didn't give us ANY pita. Like, none. The food wasn't too bad, just not great. And really expensive for the amount and quality.
(2)Margaret S.
Our group of five tried several different dishes and they were all delicious. We ordered the black bean hummus as an appetizer and everyone loved it. The proprietor was very friendly and helpful. Be sure to order one of their excellent Greek pastries for dessert and the Turkish coffee!
(5)Vanessa M.
I was in Clintonville today picking up a cake from Pattycake, and I decided to stop into Lavash for carryout . Holy Wow! The falafel sandwich with hummus and veggies on lavash? Amazing. When I was in Syria 10 years ago, I had the most amazing falafel in my life at-swear to God-a bus station in Homs. Anyways, the falafel here reminded me of my beloved bus station falafel, basically the falafel I've been trying to find unsuccessfully ever since. I also got the mint tea, also good. Really strong though, FYI. The counter service was really friendly-the counter girl complimented my hat. I'm pretty vain and lazy so delicious fast food that is served with compliments? Win! There are numerous vegetarian options to be had, and vegan if you leave off the tzadziki sauce.
(5)Samreen H.
My cousin and I wanted to try a halal place.This place has really good food the portions for the entrées are really for one person instead of two ppl they are pricey compared to what I've seen in mi. Overall everyone was really nice. Great staff. It's more of a self service type of place so don't expect to be served. Overall good atmosphere no background music so it can get quiet.
(4)Sarah S.
Yumm! Best Vegetarian Stew and Hummus Yummus. My friend ordered the gyro and he loved it. Mango smoothie was a hit too. It was alive with an atmosphere full of college students mixed with old and young, families, & young couples. The place is very clean and the owner take pride in his business greeting each table with a smile. It's great place for lunch or a casual dinner with plenty of room to enjoy.
(5)Matthew F.
Really good food, tastes authentic and nice variety in the menu. The braised lamb shanks with biryani style rice and tzatziki sauce was out of this world!
(5)Amber H.
Great food and atmosphere. Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. The garlic sauce is the bomb.com .
(5)Susie H.
I love lavash! Their customer service is great. We had some grounds in our coffee and after showing the manager, he came back with 3 yummy deserts on the house. The atmospheric is casual and it is a wonderful place to go that is in the neighbourhood .
(5)Ted R.
I have traveled all over the country, and frequently use Yelp to identify places to eat my meals. As Columbus is my home, I am compelled to offer my favorite hometown place to eat lunch and dinner. Lavash serves healthy mediterranean food, that includes soups, salads, wraps and full meals of lamb, fish, chicken and beef. Lavash is owned by one man, Nasir, who is a perfectionist. You will instantly be able to tell how much detail goes into his food preparation. I often have his chicken dishes and soups. There is no connective tissue or mystery pieces of chicken here. It is cut or shredded by hand. This place is probably the cleanest restaurant that I have ever been in, another testimony to Nasir's attention to detail. Everything is made fresh everyday. No matter where you live in Columbus, you will want to make the trip here. You will not be disappointed! The black bean hummus is my favorite.
(5)Steph W.
Lentil soup, & stuffed grape leaves....pretty much everything is delicious here. Naser, the owner, likes to say hello, & check on his patrons. I, for one, love that! Love having this place in Clintonville.
(5)Corina P.
This is the best Mediterranean food I have ever had, and I know a bit or two about Lebanese food, having family from that side of the world. The hummus and the tabule are amazing, my dad ordered a shawarma and it was just as good. Plus, as other reviewers have previously stated, the attention is top notch and the owner himself is always making sure everything is working properly. During our visit he went beyond: my husband lost the car keys and he helped us a lot finding them. We will definitely return.
(5)Tash L.
Best Mediterranean restaurant in town, hands down. I've only had takeout from here but I have zero complaints. The hummus (regular and spicy black bean) are perfectly delicious, especially with the homemade bread. I love their lentil soup - well seasoned and tons of garlic! Their sandwiches are great too - if you like a little spice, go with the kefta. If not, I highly recommend the schwarma. Make sure to get the lavash wrap bread with the sandwiches. Yum!!
(5)Sharmeela S.
Casual environment w excellent food. Order at the counter, no waiters. Service was fast even on a Saturday evening. Parking behind the restaurant though i had to wait a bit to get a spot. Staff friendly. The food was good and from the casual environment wouldnt expect this quality. Lamb chops, lamb kebab sandwich, hummus and mujhadara plate were all great. Not the best mediterranean food I've ever had but definitely a great casual find w nutritious and delicious cuisine.
(4)Adam C.
Great place. you order at the counter from a large menu posted above the counter. The menu is great for vegitarians and meet lovers. The food was excellent and everyone liked their meal. The only problem was the soup while excellent was not hot.
(4)Zeina E.
Disappointed. Food tasted off. I'm a little more critical with mediterranean restaurants because I grew up eating this food. I wouldn't come here again. The reason I gave it two stars is that the kebab meat was tender and alright. However, everything else below average.
(2)Joey H.
Friendly service, great cooks, clean tables, different food with lots of options. $16 for a chicken kabob salad. A bit pricey!
(4)Alex S.
Lavash is AMAZING! My personal favorite is the chicken shawarma, which comes with garlic sauce. I've never tried something that wasn't pretty darn good! French fries are made fresh with every order, black bean hummus is the best hummus I've ever had, lentil soup is delicious! If the food wasn't enough, the people who work there are super friendly and efficient. Overall great restaurant!
(5)Maureen O.
I ordered the Lebanese moussaka but ended up getting the okra stew in error. it was great! I've never been disappointed with a visit to lavash. great atmosphere and attentive service and even when they 'mess up' their flavorful dishes still kill it!
(4)Laura W.
Lavash is a great little Mediterranean place in Clintonville. I usually stick to my usual which is either the Vegetarian combo on lavash bread or the lamp chops with rice pilaf. Sometimes the rice is a little greasy feeling but its really yummy. I got a chopped salad once and was underwhelmed but my other choices are better. When we have our large families over to our house, we get the family platter which is a really good deal for a large crowd. Every time we serve it, our family members also give rave reviews. When dining in the restaurant, you order at the counter and they call your name when your food is ready for you to pick it up. Patrons are to clear their own tables but the bus staff is always attentive and are cleaning off tables frequently. If you use your SBB card, you get a 10% discount...we use it all the time.
(4)Natalia P.
This restaurant has awesome food. The meat selections here are really juicy with flavorful spices and aroma. The hummus and baba ganoush appetizer is homemade delicious-ness. We got the meal served with small salads with balsamic vinaigrette. Everything came with fresh pita bread. I never made it to dessert. Make sure that you don't leave without trying the baklava! This Mediterranean restaurant has the widest dessert selection. I got take out of 3 different types of baklava for breakfast the next morning. Sweetest breakfast ever, baklava with rose water and pistachios! The decor on the outside patio is beautiful. They even light up the roof to give you a more intimate effect. Indoors the seating is more like a cafeteria. The fact that waiters do not serve your meals helps to keep meal costs at $8. You get your food directly from the chefs on trays. I need to try the Turkish coffee. Other than that, there is a parking lot out back.
(4)Zain K.
There's a lot more I'd like to try from the fairly extensive menu, but the beef kebab wrap I had was delicious (though the wrap itself seemed more like a whole wheat tortilla than a lavash; next time I'll try the pita...). Service is friendly and efficient, and the place itself is comfortable if utilitarian. Prices are good for sandwiches, soups, and salads, but it feels like some of the entrees (I say this without having had one, mind you) may be priced a little dear.
(4)Nick A.
Lavash is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in all of Columbus. Lavash delivers high quality, great tasting food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is "fast casual" so come as you are. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming. The vine covered outdoor patio is also fun to enjoy in the Summer months. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Many options for both vegetarians and carnivores alike.
(5)Sirisha S.
Dropped in here unexpectedly on the weekend after being kicked out of Cafe Bella for not having a reservation :). No complaints, though! Lavash Cafe made the 30 mn trip to N High St worthwhile. It's got both indoor and outdoor seating and a great selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. We ordered the Vegetable mousaka. You get a plate of rice with some chickpea and eggplant curry and a salad on the side. It was pleasantly different from the other Mediterranean places we've been to in terms of what it had to offer. Prices are a bit steeper than similar places but hey, I am all in for the variety. There are the usual hummus, falafel dishes along with plenty of lamb dishes. Don't forget to leave some space in your stomach for the dessert. They got both home made baklava and the standard baklava variations. The choc almond baklava made the night a little more sweeter...
(4)Rebhi H.
Yesterday, I went to columbus and my cousin invited us there. We ordered the family plate.at the end they brought us tea without us asking for it. It was a great experience. Indefinitely coming back.
(5)Amelia S.
Delicious food! Very authentic.
(4)Samantha A.
Outstanding service and amazing food. The hummus is out of this world and the falafel sandwich is incredible. The desserts are also amazing.
(5)Madison M.
This place was great. The owner is wonderful and really cares about the customers. I've never really had this style of food so I was a little apprehensive at first, but it was amazing. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had and my sandwich was amazing. Everyone is really friendly and I was recommend it for sure.
(5)Joe P.
Very disappointing. Over priced and underwhelming. Our order was incorrect and the pita bread was basically wonder bread. This restaurant is the middle eastern equivalent of McDonalds. The whole experience was a giant let down.
(2)Nijole T.
I would give my dinner at Lawash 5+ stars for having the best salad of all times, the Fatoush (Thank you Christina!) truely the biggest and most flavorful bowl of goodness I have ever tasted! So complex in flavor, so much going on in my mouth, paired with an order of falafel and a bowl of hummus I was in veggie heaven and could go here and eat this every day! The service is great, the girl working there is awesome, service is slow though, we waited almost an hour for my food and 2 shawarmas for the guys but oh well it was packed there. The shawarma however was not all that, looking at the 3 meats offered the beef/lamb mix definetly looked the best/crunchiest so the guys got that but the taste was off, it wasnt much meat and again practically living off of gyros/doener/shawarma for years I do not want it wrapped in a tortilla, it just doesn't work. I'll be back for sure, I couldn't stop staring at the Kibbe the guy had next to me which looked like my falafel on steriods filled with bulgur and lamb, had I not been so stuffed, I'd have gotten one, same goes for the desserts, I have a feeling I'll be getting a big box of those next time as well.
(4)Sara E.
Best Middle Eastern food in Columbus! Authentic shawarma- crispy on the sides but tender and juicy. Baba ghannouj is fantastic and clearly made from scratch. Everything is prepared with care and the food is always fresh. I never know what to order because I want it all! Great customer service as well. They've never done me wrong.
(5)Colleen R.
I have to admit - I'm not a huge fan of Mediterranean food. My sister recommended going to Lavash for lunch, and I am always up for trying new places, so I agreed. The smell and sight when you walk in is wonderful. The meat is cooking right behind the counter and there is a huge display of baked goods when you first walk in. The smell is a wonderful mix of lamb, chicken and baked goods. I got the regular gyro and my sister got falafel. My gyro was delicious. The lamb was tender, the sauce was good and our food came out fast. The only reason I gave a 3 and not 4 star is due to price. The gyro with a drink ended up being $11. I just felt the price was a little bit much for what I received. I would be willing to go back though and try it again. Everything else was really delicious.
(3)Dan M.
Excellent! We had the lamb moussaka and the shawarma plates and they were fantastic. And to hummus on the fresh homemade bread was incredible. If we lived on this side of the continent we would come back more often.
(5)Annette M.
Lovely Lavash. So very yummy and fresh. I plan to go back often. I can't say enough about this place. A must for Columbus foodies.
(5)Gary L.
Recommended by a friend and I went there with expectations. My friend told me that they had excellent pastries and I ordered four of them. I had a rolet later the night and I'm definitely going to get more!! Hope the Napoleon won't let me down.
(5)Jamilah A.
To be honest I was not impressed with Lavash Cafe. Like i've said before I am Lebanese so I am big on authentic middle eastern food. While the food is authentic I was not impressed with the taste. The seasoning was lacking. I ordered the Lentils and rice which is my favorite, however here I was not impressed. also their Taziki sauce is more of a paste as opposed to a sauce which I really did not care for at all. I might just need to try this place again because from what i'm reading the hummus is worth a try, however my first impressions was not great.
(2)David W.
I'm not super keen on all of Lavash's food (enjoyed the falafel "sandwich," but thought the Lavash Salad was little more than a pile of tomatoes and cucumber). That said, they make a mean pot of Turkish coffee. Served in an ornate cezve, this double whammy of finely ground coffee and cardamom is heaven in a miniature teacup and provides a week's worth of caffeine. Additionally, the dessert counter always looks scrumptious and I loved their almond baklava on my last visit. Staff is generally courteous, though I don't always enjoy managerial inquiries when I'm seated. But really, that Turkish coffee...
(4)H K.
Amazing food. Authentic and delicious. Amazing service. Everyone is so friendly and happy. I first met the owner back in 1986 when he was 1 of maybe 3 Middle Eastern restaurants in town. He was good back then and has only gotten better with time. All the food is freshly prepared and is extremely authentic. Just like grandma used to make.... Best of all are the kabobs. There is a huge case of different meat on skewers . Just tell them what you want and they throw it on the grill. The meat is high quality. Chicken is cooked just right. Beef is good quality steak and cooked perfectly. Get the platter to sample a few different kabobs. The kabob is served on rice, and by the time you finish, the meat juice is soaked into the rice. So yummy. They also have a large case of desserts (baklava and cakes). The baklava is really good and i prefer the homemade ones (I had a walnut and a cheese). This is 100% authentic middle eastern. As for the restaurant, you order at the counter and take your food to the table. It's not a fancy sit down place. Don't let that stop you. The people behind the counter are the most helpful and friendly you can find. It's so nice to walk into a place where everyone behind the counter is cheery and friendly. You are not rushed to order - they will explain everything to you and help you choose something delicious for your taste buds. Try it. You'll be back for more.
(5)Gettin M.
Ayo, this a reliable joint for sure man. They doin' it. I been here dozens of times since it's near my hood. Nasir been in the biz for a minute and dude should be proud, feel me? This is his baby and he treat everybody like they coming in his house. Tell me another joint got better lentil soup. I'll laugh in your face man. Some place got better Baba Ganoush? Do tell. Oh, you forgot the name? Aight you lyin' ass. Tell me you don't have to talk yourself out of eatin even the bones from the lamb chops - I DON'T BELIEVE YOU. Tell me my man don't marinate them chicken kebabs for at least 8 hours in some yogurt, lemon juice and spices. That's why every other chicken kebab you ever had was some dried out bullsh*t that convinced you you didn't like chicken kebabs. Try again, at Lavash. They doin' it and they doin' it right. That whipped garlic condiment is my slam too, but low key, stays on the breath so watch out. This a good place to get that veggie swag on too. Lot of meatless Arab staples like tabbouleh, felafel, etc. They always got at least one veg special too - peep the okra stew if they got that. It's on point. They got fresh juices and coffees, all that. One time, the boy Nasir hooked it up - just straight grabbed a sprig of mint from a planter box, tossed it in a blender with fresh lemonade and ice. Sh*t was hard. Not even on the menu, I don't think, he just do it like that cuz he nice. I actually give Lavash 4.5 stars. Would be 5 but they messed up my orders more than a couple times yo. No biggie though, I ain't mad. They doin it. Go.
(4)John K.
One of my favorite places in Clintonville! The Lavash bread is my favorite way to have a Gyro. Friendly service, great food, clean and inviting. I will be back again and again!
(4)Carla D.
I love this place! A good friend introduced me to it a few months ago and I have been back several times since then. The food is always fresh and consistent and the staff is super friendly and helpful. I love their hummus (delicious!), and the pita that accompanies it is fresh, puffy and wonderful. I'm also a huge fan of their chicken shawarma sandwich, rolled in a lavash with that lovely garlic sauce....I always order extra on the side and spread it on everything in sight. :) I've also had the baba ganoush, which was flavorful and tangy. I'd highly recommend it. The stuffed grape leaves weren't the best I've had, I prefer a more lemony tang, but they were good nonetheless. Always a ton of food for a good price in a nice atmosphere with great staff. What more could you ask for? ;)
(4)Andy F.
Excellent lamb shawarma. Perfectly seasoned meat and the rice served on the side was no flavorless pile. It was really delicious and very flavorful. What was really impressive was the falafel. They absolutely nailed it. The falafel plate was awesome and it came with some vinegar based sauce on the side that was amazing. Wonderfully spiced and flavorful. I am going to ask 1) what it is and 2) for more on the side next time I go.
(4)John N.
I ate at Lavash Cafe today with my family. I had the "Shawarma dinner". Hummus and lavash "bread" as appetizer and pistachio baklava for dessert. Everything was excellent and I will return to try different desserts next time (they ALL looked very good) and I'll try something more adventurous as my main dish. Several tables order the family platters and they looked and smelled delicious. Price of meals were average but quality was above average.
(4)Maria S.
I love Mediterranean food, and after hearing a bunch of great things about Lavash, I finally had an opportunity to go this week for my sister's birthday. I went for a Falafel sandwich on lavash flatbread and found it completely to my liking. I haven't had good falafel in a while, and this was such a relief! I wasn't going to get a side for myself (the sandwiches don't include sides), but I was paying for my sister and she wanted a Lamb Shawarma sandwich on pita and a side of fries. Easily shared between two or three people. Glad I didn't order two sides. We got a piece of both the Black Forest cake and Napoleon to share. They weren't overly sweet, which I liked, though I was partial to the Black Forest cake. Unlike the Napoleon pastries I've had before, theirs was a bit more crumbly and messy, not neat little stacks and layers. It was more like cake. I don't know enough about pastry to know if this is a regional difference, or if this was supposed to be more like a cake that is based on the French pastry, or something else. Whatever. It was still pretty good. I'm not complaining when you put puff pastry in front of me. Anyway, this is a really fun lunch place, family friendly (my sister had her one year old son with her, and several other families with small children were there), and I look forward to returning!
(4)Jason R.
I must admit... I wish it looked more like a Greek restaurant. Other than my pety complaints of themed furnishings and pictures of home I must say that this greek restaurant makes a mean lamb! Desserts are all top notch, appetizers are good, skewers are good, and the lamb is absolutely perfect! Marinade running off into my rice, generous portions of pita and other sides, who could ask for anything more! Well, besides Greek tunes and a few photographs...
(4)Matt W.
Finally stopped in here - really enjoyed the food and the price - portions are huge and very solid quality. I'm almost a little intimidated by how much bread they give you, though. We ordered a meal for three people and got heapingly loaded bread baskets for each person - even with taking some home it feels like they're wasting the food. Also, it feels a little weird to have massive trays and serving plates for fairly small tables that you have to bus yourself. The lamb & beef shawarma platter had a TON of rice and not as much meat, and I found the meat a bit dry, but the included tahini sauce helped. Both the regular and black bean hummus was very good, and a taste of their kebabs left me thinking I wanted more. I also tried the Lavash salad and thought it was a really refreshing way to start the meal. It's OK, and if I'm in the area they're a good stop, but honestly, if I'm closer to home there are other options that are less of a drive that I like just as much or more.
(3)Irene M.
Cute neighborhood place. Very friendly service. The owner even came out to greet and ask after all the customers. I got the beef and lamb shawarma sandwich in a lavash. It was like a thin tortilla. The meat was good but not like shaved meat off the big chunk. My husband liked the falafel and hummus.
(4)Sydnee F.
Lavash is great! A friend repeatedly insisted I give it a shot, and we finally went with a few other lovely ladies. It's not a huge place and if the weather's nice, go for the patio. It's not super fancy, but large bushes and overhanging grape vines make it feel secluded. The food's definitely tasty. I've never liked falafel, not at all, but I love Lavash's. It's flavorful and fresh with a perfect crispy exterior; I usually order a vegetarian platter that includes it, but the name escapes me (it's probably called the Falafel Platter and I am a moron). The hummus is delicious as well, but the Spicy Black Bean version is by far the best, and either comes with pita that's to-die-for. The portions are pretty generous too; I always go home with leftovers. The prices are reasonable and drinks are self-serve, which I happen to like. There's generally parking available in the back, too; always a plus on High Street.
(5)Danielle L.
This is some of the best Lebanese food I've had at a restaurant! Tasted just like my friend's moms homemade cooking! I got stuffed grape leaves, taboulah, and spicy black bean hummus and my fiancé got a lamb dish. The lamb was so tender and delicious! If you like Lebanese food this place is a must try!
(5)Lea P.
I somehow overlooked Lavash until my mother, who was visiting from out of town, picked it out from a list of Clintonville restaurants and said, "That sounds good." And it did, too. It fit the bill for us as a place for a pre-movie bite. You know how table service restaurants are always wild cards when you need to be someplace afterward? Well, this solved that dilemma without sacrificing the food quality. Order at the counter, eat at your leisure, leave when it's time... and have a fulfilling meal in the process. That said, it is a strange blend of casual and less so. The interior looks plasticky and fast foody, but we got our dishes on, well, dishes. With silverwear. A sign thanked us for bussing our own table, but we didn't see anyone actually doing that, and the employees were quick to clean up. An important-looking gentleman in a chef's coat (The chef? Owner? Manager? We weren't sure which he was, but probably one of those.) came out to ask us how our meal was. Though he had an air of "I'm just rushing through," it's rare to get that attention from a higher-up at such a casual establishment. The menu has enough variety for a range of dietary needs. I had the Lavash Plate (all veggie) and my mom had a Kefta Sandwich (totally the opposite), and we both enjoyed it. I don't know that I'll be hit by a Lavash craving at some random moment or anything, but it was a good dinner. Oh actually I might get hit by a craving for that pita bread. That was good stuff.
(4)Joseph A.
My wife and I have been going here for several years now. The food is excellent. It is well prepared and spiced just right. They're very consistent with quality. We've never had a bad experience or even a mediocre one...just very good food.
(5)Tom E.
Since my first visit I have been back half a dozen times at least. The owner treats me like we have been friends of the family for years. Every lunch is top notch. You can't beat this place for a great Mediterranean/Greek lunch. Period.
(5)Angie K.
Hands down my favorite for tabouli and everything else. Owner is sweet and sincere staff is kind place is clean and they have outdoor seating. I have a chickpea intolerance so I don't get to enjoy hummus :( BUT I discovered last week they have a black bean hummus that beats up all other hummuses _ even theirs. Love the lamb wraps and mango smoothy too. A Must go!
(5)Tolga T.
We ate here for the first time tonight and it was excellent. After moving to Columbus from Chicago, we're always looking for good ethnic food. This place is a hit. I had the beef schwarma, which is made in house. Most of the ones around town are made from processed meat. My wife had the chicken schwarma sandwich, which she loved too. When we went up to order dessert and mint tea, the cashier said the desserts were on the house because he felt bad we had to wait a while for our dinner order. We didn't notice that the wait was long. Great customer service!! We'll definitely be back again!
(5)Patrick P.
I was in town for business and decided to follow Yelp Nation on a restaurant recommendation. To no surprise the place had great food! I arrived right after they opened and got my schwarma on... I ordered the lamb shwarma meal with rice. It was very yummy. The deserts (baklava) looked good but i just did not have room. I will definitely go back there again when in town.
(4)Christina C.
AH! I've found my new favorite salad - and a new found deep love and appreciation for Lavash. Thanks to the lovely employee (err, best saleswoman ever!) who directed me to try her - now my - favorite: The Fatoush salad. Crisp greens, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, parsley and more, all tossed in a spiced vinaigrette with fried pita strips. It was so full of flavor and not to mention huge! Best part is it was only $6.95. I didn't give Lavash enough credit the first time around. It's a Clintonville staple, with more than amazing food, and a destination I should probably frequent more based on my experience today. Plus the wifi is free! :) Did you say great place to work? The Turkish coffee is the bomb as well.
(4)Hilary M.
The only craving I had while I was pregnant was for food from Lavash... especially their stuffed grape leaves. This place is one of my favorites in Columbus because they have a lot of vegan options. I've been there dozens of times and every time the manager has come by the table to personally check on us. I have never had a bad meal here and I love going back!
(5)Stephen K.
Had the lamb shish kabob. It was great, definitely full afterwards. Restaurant has a friendly environment and great service. This middle eastern place was better than a very popular chain restaurant in Chicago.
(5)ケリー
I lived in Columbus for three years, and ate at Lavash at LEAST twice a week. It's in my top 5 things I miss about Columbus and, I'd say 90% of the time it's the number one thing. Los Angeles has some of the best food in the world, but I've yet to find anything that compares when it comes to Mediterranean. All of the employees are incredibly friendly, the food is consistently good, there are always good specials, and the prices are great. I can't say enough about how good it is-- Definitely the best in Columbus for Mediterranean. What puts them over the top in my book is I was in Ohio for business and stopped into Lavash before flying back to the west coast armed with a Tupperware container and soft-cooler, and they were awesome enough to fill it extra full of rice and shawarma so I could surprise my boyfriend with one of his favorite meals.
(5)Brian S.
Simply amazing! Food is fresh and full of flavor. The owners were very courteous and attended to our needs. I highly recommend eating at Lavash.
(5)Anna H.
I dined here for the first time last night, with my husband and another couple. I read other reviews about how good the falafel is and they were right...it was the best I've ever had. I had the Falafel Plate, which included falafel, hummus/bread, tabouleh, and a salad. My husband had the Gyro entree with rice, and we split an order of fries. We all enjoyed our food very much, although my husband thought it was overpriced. I would definitely go back to try other veg-friendly dishes. The guy who took our order and cashed us out was very friendly. Two things: they do not serve alcohol, and it is a casual, order at the counter, and pick up your food when your name is called kind of place.
(4)Steve C.
Best moussaka in town! Love everything, usually get lamb kabob, kefta kabob sandwich, moussaka, and their excellent baba ganoush.
(4)Lauren H.
This place is great, and for anybody. It is comfortable with indoor and outdoor seating, great food and friendly staff. I went here with my son and he refused to eat the hummus that I ordered him, so one of the cooks came out and gave him different small plates of food until he finally settled on a cupcake. They were so kind, and also brought me Arabic coffee after our meal even though I didn't order or pay for it. As we left the owner asked my name and welcomed me to his restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon to get my Mediterranean food fix.
(5)Mischa B.
Love this place. Fast and friendly. Never had bad meal here- but my go to is the falafel sandwich, yum!
(4)Gavin D.
We originally came here because we were told that they have good gyros. But we've been told plenty of times that this is a great place by people in the neighborhood as we've begged people to tell us about good food in Clintonville. We've only gone once, and gyros are definitely not their specialty, so I'm going to start with 3 stars and hope that I'm happily surprised in the future. You order up front and then they bring your food out to the table - I'd like to go and try sitting outside in the pergola-ed area some time, but we ate inside on a hot summer day. My guess is that the kabobs are the way to go, given their prominence on the menu and in the display case. But, we had some hummus (fine), dolma (awfully mushy), gyro (bland), and something else that I can't remember now (I was really going for the gyro) but I recall was the best thing we had. All of it added up to just OK - fresh ingredients it seemed, but missing the boat on the flavors. As far as Clintonville goes, this seems to be a great restaurant, but I'm hopeful a) I'll be more taken in the future and b) I find other better restaurants. I should also note that it struck me as on the pricey side. Not crazy expensive, but if I'm going to pay $15/person, I'd probably rather sit down and be served (but then I guess there'd be tip, so it'd be more). I had a sampling of stuff from here at a party that was catered as well, but I won't count that (kibbeh, spanikopita, etc.), except to say it didn't leave me with a significantly different opinion.
(3)Frank S.
Full disclosure: I've only had take-out from Lavash, so this review is based on the food alone. The truth is, I've only ever had the combo plate. It's a great sampling of their food and it is excellent. I think it holds its own against Dearborn, MI, which is saying something. The combo plate is more than enough to feed 4 people (although they say 2 - 3), so it's an excellent value too. Do yourself a favor and go eat there.
(4)Troy S.
Great food at this location but my warning is that they can be busy and it can be hard to find a a seat. I tried to go here the other night and the place was just too busy on a Wednesday night around 7. The food is well worth the wait if you are willing to wait a little or go at a better time then I did. The waitstaff are also very friendly. I hope to review this again once I eat here again and have a better memory of everything I ate
(3)TM M.
I am from Cincinnati with family in Columbus. My husband and I make a point to come here every time we are in town. The food and service are flawless. The owner frequently comes out to say hi and check on things. I would recommend this to everyone, old or young. The dining area is very casual but the quality is phenomenal.
(5)Patrick J.
Great food for any price and consistently prepared well. The owner is affable and attentive, too.
(5)Fancy K.
Order at the counter and pick it up when they call your name. On perfect nights for eating outdoors, eating out on the patio under the grapevines, there can be a bit of a wait for your food. On a chilly night with only indoor seating, it's a lot faster. Great for our vegetarian/vegan family.
(5)LeAnn D.
I have had several friends tell me how wonderful Lavash Café. So, last night my partner went there. WOW! The FOOD the employees were wonderful. The chef came out once we were seated and eating our hummus. Asked how we were doing? I told him this was our first time. He joked with me, left then returned with a small bowl of the spicy black bean hummus. WOW! Even some customers sitting by side me answered a few questions about what they were eating. Then they offered to let me taste some of their dishes. Awesome. I thanked the chef (could be the owner) for the wonderful food. I left with leftovers and some pickled cabbage from the chef. I will definitely be back again and again. A great Mediterranean place in Clintonville and I will be telling ALL of my friends and family members! Thanks Lavash Café!
(5)barb s.
When I lived in Germany there was a large Turkish population and that is where I learned to love the food and coffee, I was an absolute fiend for it! I had the chicken curry with rice n salad. The chicken was kinda dry,and there were only 4 small pieces of potato but the curry sauce redeemed it all nicely. Got lavash instead of pita. Endless green tea always a win! If you're a coffee lover, try the Turkish coffee, strong as all get out and you won't sleep for the next two nights, but omg is it good! I have had most of the menu items here and for what it is, it is very good. And I appreciate the consistancy of the dishes. For the money, this is a much healthier way to eat. For a dollar or so more you can make better choices than fast food. You can call ahead and get it to go if you're crunched for time. The deserts are awesome, try the baklava, just the right amount of not-too-sweet goodness with your coffee. There is a side patio to people and traffic watch while you enjoy your meal. Use your SBB card here :)
(4)Edy D.
I had the special of the day which was the Lamb Shank, it was wonderful. It was tender, moist, well seasoned. The rice was different from all the other dishes, it had a touch of cinnamon & sweetness. The portion was big enough for 3 meals, I'm not kidding. The Baba Ganoush was scrumptious with the fresh bread. We finished up w/ a Turkish coffee and a couple shared pastries....we were happy & STUFFED. This is one of my all time favorite neighborhood places year round!
(4)QQ J.
Neat and nice place with different choices. I personally love the rice pudding there. Also they have fried fish, which was a big surprise for me when my husband first took me there.
(4)Amber H.
This place is fantastic. The first time i had it was at an event they catered, and fell in love with their bread. Like, some of the best bread I've ever tasted, and I like bread. Then I went to the actually store, and now I like it even more! The decor is almost Mediterranean, if they added a little more to what they have it would be really cool. It was kinda weird that there was no music playing, but then again it would probably be too loud, since it's a smallish dining area, and it was hoppin. My Indian friend mentioned it had the feel of restaurants in India with the clatter of dishes and people everywhere. So, almost same geographic region, right? The food was again, delicious. I'm not a big meat eater, but the lamb kefta I had was phenomenal. And when I can get soda water fo free, I am a happy camper. I didn't try the Turkish coffee, that is for next time. The pricing for the sandwiches aren't bad, considering they're very big. But the pastries were $2 each for these less than 4cm things, waaaay too expensive in my opinion. Wide variety that all looked great though, if you don't mind to pay. $3 large bags of their famed bread though, not bad.
(5)Peter D.
Con's: Parking Pro's: Just about everything else. The place is beautiful inside, very clean and it has ample seating. The menu is very colorful and i've yet to get anything from them that hasn't been excellent. They even use my personal favorite Luzianne Iced Tea. I think the pita tends to be a little dry, but thats the only real complaint i can come up with. The lamb is some of the best i've ever had, food presentation is spot on and generally it is always worth the money.
(5)Amy H.
This place is great! The spicy black bean hummus with their homemade pita bread is the BEST. There are two things that I don't love about this place: 1. Sometimes there is no place to sit, yet they always have large empty tables marked as "reserved". I have never gone during a time when their largest tables aren't reserved for someone. 2. Under the "sandwiches" section of their menu, they have chicken shawarmas and it says they also have chicken kabobs (I swear - you can look it up online, I'm not crazy!). The shawarma comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce; the kabob comes with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tahini sauce. I always order a chicken kabob with the tahini on the side, and an extra side of the garlic sauce. I like both sauces, and like to be able to ration out the amount of sauce in each bite (I'm picky). The last three times I've gone in, they've told me that the kabob sandwiches don't come with chicken, only the shawarmas do. The only difference is that one has onions, so its not such a big deal, but says right on the menu that they DO have chicken kabob sandwiches. Just a pet peeve. But anyway, those two items are the only thing preventing me from giving this place a 5-star rating. The food is delicious, and despite my qualms with the seating and menu, I still love this place! The employees are always friendly, and the first time I ever went they sent me home with a free order of their pita bread to use with my leftover hummus. Seriously, the black bean hummus is so good I've stopped in to get a to-go order and eaten it for dinner on its own. Added bonus: you can use your Member Card there if you happen to support WOSU for a one-time bogo sandwich.
(4)Janna B.
I can't say enough good things about lavash. The food is wonderful, I highly recommend the grape leaves and lentil soup! The chicken kabobs are also great and of course my absolute favorite is their hummus. They will always give you pita bread for free if you ask, and the staff has always been friendly. I am a frequent lunch visitor.
(5)Gail G.
I have been several times and each time the employees have been friendly, respectful and helpful. They have assisted me when needed, as times I have been there with people who have special needs and they have been there to provide assistance. The food is always good and the amount is generous compared to other Mediterranean restaurants in this area. The Turkish coffee was exceptional and repeatedly the wait staff asked if I were familiar with it. I thought that was very funny but again it showed how helpful the staff is to its customers. I loved the fatoush salad, but my husband said mine was better. Theirs was fabulous. I will repeat going there. In fact, I will be there in 2 days. Twice in one week. I think that says it all.
(4)Tarey H.
I love the food. The lamb and beef shwarma is delightful. The spicey black bean hummus is a must.
(4)Kelly L.
I tried this restaurant for the first time a few days ago and it is a new favorite. I ordered lamb shawarma and spicy black bean hummus. My meal came with a small salad and a basket of warm pita bread. The large portions are fairly priced and everything tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. This restaurant has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful patio area. The owner and staff are very friendly and welcoming.
(5)Amber C.
This place is absolutely amazing. The food is fantastic and everyone working is always friendly. It's clean and a great atmosphere. The owner is there most of the time and he gave us free baklava our first time there. Some of the food is a little bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it, and there are less expensive options as well.
(5)Kyle D.
My girlfriend insisted I try this place and I was not disappointed. the owner was there- making sure everybody was satisfied and I was definitely satisfied. The smoothies are great the lamb is great.The hummus is great. Best Mediterranean food that I've had.
(4)Laura C.
Great food. Good casual atmosphere. I love their hummus and the desserts are amazing.
(4)Tony B.
Great food with quick service, quite possibly the best Shawarma I have ever had. I will certainly go back again.
(4)Seth D.
I am so happy this guy is back in the restaurant business where he belongs! I have been eating at his restaurants since I was a wee lad and his food was definitely the first to expand my horizons. There is so much pride in everything he does and he always makes you feel welcome and relaxed while also keeping a smile on your face with his sarcastic sense of humor. Such a great guy to be around. Everything was perfect as expected, from the hummus to the tabbouleh to the gyros. I wish I could have tried more! But I know I'll be back :-)
(5)Sandy W.
This restaurant has a decent atmosphere, good food, and great service. I come here on a regular basis for chicken shawarma, lentil soup, hummus, fatoush salad, and baklava. If you are a salad fan, you will not be disappointed with the fatoush salad. The portion size you get when you dine in is HUGE. It's enough for two. (It's not as impressive in a to-go box.) If you're dining with a friend, I would recommend splitting the salad and another item on the menu. I've also tried the entrees a couple of times, and while they are tasty, they are on the expensive side compared to the sandwich options, and they fill you up just as equally. Lavash is also a great place to snack and do some work on the laptop during the dead mid-afternoon hours between lunch and dinner. A baklava (and Lavash always has a few different kinds!) accompanied with turkish coffee is a divine combination.
(5)Alex C.
BEST Greek food in town! I actually worked there for a while in college, and I can vouch for the commitment to freshness and quality ingredients. My favorites are the hummus, the lentil soup, the Okrah Stew (a special they have a couple of times a week, if you like okrah you will LOVE it), and the Harrira soup. But really, ANYTHING is good. And definitely save room for Turkish coffee and a baklava. :) Also has a nice, open eating area. It can get a little noisy, so if you like a quieter atmosphere I suggest carry-out. Or, they have a great patio for the warmer months.
(5)Elizabeth N.
Don't know how I haven't reviewed this yet since I'm there all the time. Lavash is like the restaurant version of Cheers--everyone knows your name and is incredibly friendly. Of course, it got to the point where people knew my name because I couldn't keep away from the food. The hummus is the best in the city and the grape leaves are out of this world. I also love the different specials--lemon cauliflower stew and lebanese moussaka are my favorites. It's a fairly large portion, but I somehow manage to make my way through. My meat-eating family loves it too. They to graduation and stayed for four nights. We went to Lavash for two of the four--they needed another taste of of the chicken kabob meal.
(5)Justin B.
I've yet to have a bad meal here. The tabolueh and house "Lavash" salad are always very fresh. The hummus and baba ghanoush are terrific. I love their turkish coffee. The portions are huge and the prices reasonable. Here's the big one for me.... the owner has been there every time I have. A very good sign.
(4)Steve K.
Lavash cafe is my usual choice for quick and delicious Eastern Mediterranean dining in Clintonville. The menu is extensive but very easy to follow. They serve Middle Eastern pita sandwiches, fish, vegetarian and gluten free selections-it's always fresh and well presented. My personal favorites are the hummus, falafel, tabouleh, lentil soup, and even french fries. The dining area is colorful, warm and very comfortable. The outside patio is charming, offering plenty of sun and shade seating now with the added grape arbor. As an added benefit, the entire restaurant is spotless, the staff is friendly, and the owner is almost always present and very hands-on to ensure the best experience possible. Lavash Cafe even has an extensive dessert, coffee, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juice menu to top it all off.
(4)Heather M.
I really can't help but give this place 5 stars for an incredible showing in all the categories that matter to me. From the flavor and value of food, diverse menu options, decor, comfort, and friendliness, I was blown away at every turn. I'm not a vegetarian, but I ordered the lavash combo full of meatless dishes like dolmas, tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel, all served with a side of hot, freshly baked bread. I was in heaven and savored every bite. These flavors extinguished immediately the ever so slight tinge of regret that washed over my post order calm when I saw the kebabs prepared and lain out under glass like sparkling crown jewels. Next time my sweet kebabs, next time. Did I mention they had hand sanitizer available at the door? They do, and I think that means they really care.
(5)Kent K.
The main thing I have to say here is that the food is The Taste!! I got the Lamb Mousaka, some kind of lasagna type dish with ground lamb, cheese and fried eggplant instead of pasta, and rice on the side. Plus meals come with a salad and a plate of hummus and pita bread. Unfortunately there is some bad I must add. The food is overpriced, in my opinion. If this is a high class sit down and order type of restaurant it would be ok. But it not. So you see the price and expect more out of the place. Or maybe you see the place first and expect lower prices, but whatever. Plus they had some food pre-made, which is great for take-out, but it makes me question the quality. And I must mention the Turkish coffee! C'mon, coffee is meant to be consumed alone, not with 30 added spices! I realize though, Turkey is a foreign country and that's fine if they want to make it like that. It's good for 1 or 2 demitasse full. Anyways, it is good food which is hard to argue with. Overall I was impressed.
(4)Gus W.
I finally got a chance to head to Lavash, and it only took four years! It's been on my radar ever since I lived behind it at Olentangy Village, but I think I took its location for granted and then never ended up going. So much has been written about this place already that I won't be contributing anything too new to the conversation, so I'll try to keep it short. First off, this place has plenty of parking with a large private lot in the back plus plenty of street parking along High St. The inside is not very big, so I'd be wary of bringing large groups in. You order at the counter, and they call your name once your order's up to grab it. I went with the beef and lamb shawarma on the Lavash bread which is like a wheat wrap, and my girlfriend tried the chicken shawarma on the regular Greek (Mediterranean?) style bread. I also went with hummus and fries and a chocolate and almond baklava. The food was out quickly, and my shawarma was pretty tasty, but I think I like Pita House's shawarma a little better. The Lavash bread was just okay for me. The meat was tasty and had lots of flavor, but I'm not sure if the rest of the ingredients added much to the dish. My girlfriend's chicken shawarma was very good, however. It was definitely the garlic sauce that came with it, and the bread was much better in my opinion. The hummus was tasty, but the pita bread was a bit burnt. I really loved the fries and the seasoning that was on them. It's a pretty big order and could definitely be split between two people. The baklava was great as well, and I probably could have stuffed down more of those, but I managed some self control. Overall, probably not my favorite Mediterranean spot in Columbus, but I do want to try some of their other non-sandwich dishes, because they look delicious. I definitely won't write them off based on the other reviews, but if I'm looking for a lamb shawarma sandwich, I'll definitely be sticking to Pita House.
(4)Beth S.
If I had to design a restaurant for the Columbus market and palate, this would be it. Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was pleasant. Upon entering, you're greeted with half a dozen frames holding newspaper reviews; always a good sign that the owners know how to work and and know how to show it off. The display case that you choose your food form is brightly lit and makes the food look enticing. You order, pay, sit down, and wait for them to call your name with your hot food. My table and I ordered whole fried grouper and red snapper, as well as some lavash leg of lamb wraps. The lavash bread is flatter and more cracker like, if you will, than its cousin the pita bread. Service was prompt and friendly. The only negative i found was the lack of background music... is it just me or does this just kill the mood? I love ambient music... too bad there was none today. Didn't ruin the flavors of the baklava, though. Sweet enough to give me cavities, but i ate it any way
(4)Nick S.
Lavash serves solid Mediterranean food in a modern cafe setting. Everything I've ever had here has been top-notch. The baba is the best I've ever had: smoky and delicious. Tonight I had the Kefta Kebab entree. It was everything I could ever want out of a meal: A nice, fresh little salad, rice, and ground meat, wrapped around a stick, and cooked over an open flame. (I can't think of anything else you could possibly do to make meat more delicious.) Is Lavash so good that I would travel across town for it? Probably not. It's good, but there's a lot of good Mediterranean in Columbus. However, if you're in the area you won't be disappointed.
(4)Amanda A.
Everything at Lavash is delicious, and if you ever go and they have the WHOLE Fried Red Snapper special you have to get it! The staff has always been super friendly! Highly recommended!
(5)Joe B.
Lavash Cafe is an excellent restaurant. The food is excellent, super tasty, complex and complete. It was described to me as a "mediterranean Northstar" and that sums it up well. Not to mention Lavash is spotlessly clean. I ordered a chicken special, turkish coffee, and sampled some of their incredible pastries. Out of this world. I will be back and recommend Lavash Cafe to all.
(5)Randy M.
Since moving to Columbus, I've been eager to try some Greek food, since the city's residents tend to tote the vast selection and quality when it comes to this category. Hearing good things about this place, I was skeptical when I drove into the little back parking lot. It didn't seem like anything special, but maybe that was Hungry Howie's fault. Walking in instantly changed my mind. There's a glass case filled with desserts and pastries, as well as one showcasing meat on kabobs. On the back wall, a colorful wall makes this place really pop with color. I ordered the beef shwarma wrap, and it was excellent, albeit a bit messy toward the end with all the juices dripping out of my wrapper. I guess that's a sign of good greek food. My only complaint is that at times this place can get crazy crowded, but the owner makes every effort possible to make sure people can find a seat and enjoy their food.
(4)Julie P.
I just don't it. The food is bland and boring. Their gyros could be better used as doorstops. Maybe bookends. On the upside, the salads are nice and fresh. Yawn...
(2)Sarah B.
I love this place, and am so happy it's only a few blocks from my house. The walls are pretty, everything is clean, but sometimes it can get a little crowded around lunchtime... I guess that's a good thing. I've been there 4 times, twice I got the vegetarian lavash platter (dolma, tabouleh, hummus, and falafel) . Delish. The hummus is probably the best I've ever had (yeah, whatever, haven't been to Greece, maybe it's not the best for everyone but I love it). The dolma are fairly average, but still yummy, and the tabouleh is very fresh and fabulous. Last time, I got the roasted chicken entree, which is half of a roast chicken, a serving of rice, and a little green salad. I think it was the best roast chicken I've ever bought from a restaurant. I loved it, ate it down to the bone, and had enough leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day. Yum. The baklava is good, although maybe a bit over-priced.
(5)John D.
Mediterranean for the Yuppie in You Huge menu, casual format, and freshly prepared, healthful food. Avoid peak hours--the place can get a little crowded. This place destroys Aladdin's in every possible way.
(5)Sam B.
This place has very good Mediterranean food. We almost always get a kebob of some sort, it comes with a heaping of rice and a side salad. The hummus is fresh and so is the pita bread. Sometimes it comes warm straight out of the oven. Yum.
(4)Angela S.
Fiance wanted to take me here on my most recent Columbus visit. I was very impressed by the vast selection of desserts on display as I walked in - definitely want to try those the next time I stop by. The staff themselves are one of the highlights of Lavash - incredibly friendly and helpful. This is not a full service restaurant, yet they offered to box my leftovers for me and gave me extra sauce to go. Also, one of the cooks asked me how I was doing when I went up to get my food, which is a little touch that for me makes a big difference. The food itself is great - I got some extremely flavorful lamb/beef kabobs with great tasting rice and a nice side salad (great touch). Well done!
(5)Ian K.
Lavash is a wonderful cafe hidden in plain sight. Bright colors and amazing smells greet you upon entering and that's only the beginning. My girlfriend had the Lebanese Mousaka, which is sort of a deconstructed take on the Greek version (more like lasagna), with the typical eggplant but added chickpeas and a side of rice. I went for the falafel appetizer and the Mojadara entree, a flavorful heap of rice, lentils, and other vegetables. Aside from our choices, they have a variety of meat dishes, many of which can be seen in the display case up front. Mouth-watering to say the least.
(4)Jenny B.
I love fast casual and Lavash is a great example of how it can be done well. Everything that I have had here has always tasted great, from there apps like hummus, sandwiches like their chicken shwarma, to their entrees like their roasted chicken. I guess I would say that my only complaint would be the oil that drips to the bottom of my chicken shwarma. I don't know how it could have so much oil since the chicken is spinning around on the spit and the oil should be dripping out. I do love the garlic sauce that they put on it. I think I could eat that with everything!! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. And if you are ever need a chocolate hit, their chocolate cupcakes will really hit the spot!
(4)Brandon M.
This place had been on my list of places to check out for quite a while now and finally bit the bullet the other evening. After eating there I had to wonder what took me so long? Lavash has rocketed toward the top of my low price high quality restuarants. For $20 the significant other and I had soup, falafel appetizer, hummus, gyro plate and drinks. I can understand why they are always busy.
(4)Fozz M.
This place was amazing. Definitely some of the best middle-eastern food I have had in ages. The atmosphere was nice, the staff was helpful and the food was amazingly tasty. I had a shrimp special and the portion was quite sizable with a nice side salad. I also ordered the hummus which was one of the better ones that i've had. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)Marit S.
I have been to Lavash twice in the last week, so that should tell you something. On my first visit, I had the Lamb Kabob with a side of hummus--I got a coupon for a free one in the mail, which lured me in. I would have ventured in regardless, but I am a sucker for anything "free!" The kabob came with saffron rice with slivered almonds. YUM. I could have eaten a plate of the rice alone. It was perfect. The lamb was cooked just right and came nice and hot. My second time, I ordered the spinach and cheese fatayer and hummus for my meal. The fatayer was awesome. Most of them I've had are really flaky, but this one was nice and soft--I highly recommend it. They are made to order. I know there isn't anything too fancy about pita bread--but theirs is so warm and FLUFFY. And if you go through your basket, they'll gladly give you more! The dessert case was VERY tempting. I was able to pass it up on my first visit--but had to give in on the second time around. Rather than go with a standard baklava, I went with homemade carrot cake--which was AMAZING. I will definitely be hitting up Lavash again!
(4)Nbdy U.
My favorite middle eastern place in the city. I basically stick to two things, the vege lavash (I always recommend the tortilla like lavash over the pita when you have the choice) - it has baba ghanouj, humus, and tabouli and some other stuff wrapped up, super delish; and when I was doing no carbs, they have an EXCELLENT salad with a kebab spread out over it, yummy pieces of filet/tenderloin. Also, their french fries are my favorite in the city. Reasonably priced too, the wrap is $4.50 or $4.96 and the salad is $10. I am so happy that when I moved I am now closer to Lavash.
(5)Meg O.
I feel like I've experienced quite a few mediterranean/Middle Eastern-style food joints throughout Columbus and Ohio, and Lavash just doesn't measure up. I liked the open feeling of the place, and the color scheme and set up of the counter where one orders is quite nice, but that's pretty much it. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma entree, and we also got hummus for an appetizer. You get a lot of food, but it's not really worth what they charge for it. The hummus was SUPER bland, and seemed to consist of 75% olive oil drizzled over the top. I mean, WTF? I didn't order olive oil with a side of hummus. The "pita" bread that came with it was like eating cardboard. Very, very bland. My chicken shawarma was...well, let's just say it could have given the Mojave Desert a run for its money. Suuuper dry, and again, not flavorful. Same with the rice concoction that came with it. HOWEVER, the one redeeming factor was the "garlic crack" (my terminology, not Lavash's) that was in a little cup off to the side, I think to make the shawarma a little tastier. Word to the wise: if you don't like garlic, this concoction is not for you. It's like pure garlic ambrosia. I like to laugh at people who bitch and moan and complain about the tiniest problems when it comes to food, but I don't make a complaint to this degree unless I'm really dissatisfied. And as far as Lavash goes, I think I'm going to go elsewhere to appease my mediterranean food fetish.
(2)Lisa S.
A friend that lives near Lavash Cafe has been telling me for weeks that I need to try it. He spoke of display cases filled with lushes goods. So it was on this recommendation that I stopped in to Lavash the other day. I so terribly wish that I would have brought my camera with me. My friend that described to me the beautiful displays completely understated how gorgeous and delicious everything actually looked. Lavash Cafe's strongest point would be their design, color scheme, and atmosphere. These things go a long way in enjoying a delicious meal. The color scheme consists mostly of warm cream yellows and sea foam greens and blues. One wall is covered in fabric panels in complimentary colors. There's a decent amount of seating, and a raised platform with two long dinner tables that could seat 8 people each. Everything felt clean and fresh. The food, which is ordered at the counter, was a reflection of the atmosphere. I had the Shawarma on Pita Bread with a side of French Fries. The meat was good, not greasy like my campus favorite. The tahini sauce was a little off putting because I'm not used to tahini, but towards the end of my meal I had gotten used to the creamy sauce. The pita was grilled and crispy. The fries were seasoned and generously portioned. My mom ordered the Mojadara which consists of Rice and Lentils and served with a Lavash Salad. A Lavash Salad is comprised of diced Tomatoes, Garlic, Cucumbers, Parsley, Mint and Tahini Sauce. I found the Rice and Lentils to be a little dry, but the Lavash Salad was incredibly refreshing. Sandwiches are reasonably priced at under $6, and not a single entree surpasses $10. And of course what would a proper review be without a little dessert. Or in this case, baklava. I made sure to take some home with me for Matthew B. I need to make another trip to Lavash, to try more menu items and to bring along my camera and capture some of the beauty of the inside of this tiny Cafe.
(5)Steve B.
First time here and a rookie with this type of food but it was terrific.
(5)Big Baby Jesus C.
OK, so here's the deal, you may find the food bland, but no one has said it wasn't fresh. The food is always fresh at Lavash, and everyone is friendly. I am no expert on Palestinian food, or Mediterranean food as it's called now to not alarm the bovine masses and make them think they are supporting terrorism by buying some dinner here, but I like everything I have tried here EXCEPT the baba ghanoush. The owner (guess one person thinks he's "self important") is the nicest guy ever, although I don't know his name. He is always asking if you like your food, and if everything is tasty. In fact, the one time I had the baba ghanoush, he overheard me tell my companion I didn't like it, and asked if everything was ok. I just didn't have the guts to say I didn't like it, because he looked borderline hurt by hearing I didn't like it. Seldom do owners/managers/employees/servers give a sh!t whether I am happy about things, much less earnestly care. As far as what to order, it's easy, whatever is on special. The plates are sitting saran wrapped on the counter to the left of the cash register. Pick whatever sounds good, and wait for them to call your name. When I say pick what you want to eat, I mean lamb, okra, don't be annoying and fuss over what's in chicken biryani. You'll get salad (dressing's always on the side, not sure what someone was complaining about) and bread (pita or lavash or a mix) and a heaping plate of whatever you ordered and some seasoned rice. I have lost count of the dinner specials I have ate here, all $8.95 or so. If you order to-go near closing time (9 m-th, 10 f&s) they hook you up with extra because it all gets tossed out anyhow (because they make it all fresh everyday :) ) I have also had the hummus here (great), dolmas (Like Aladdin's better, although Aladdin's [Dublin location] has really burnt me with old food before. 3 day old salad and it was carry out after work. I didn't realize it till I got home), kibbeh (alien yet tasty), gyro's (not my favorite), and a bunch of other stuff I forget the name of, all tasty. Oh, I forgot, the dessert case. I try and dodge this thing, but it's right by the door. Most confections are varied combinations of phyllo dough, honey, and some type of nut. There are also decadent looking cheesecake slices, and I had a pink lemonade cupcake one day when I was weak, and it was great. One more thing, the Turkish coffee. Amazing. If you haven't had Turkish coffee before, it takes awhile to make, so don't expect to walk away from the cash register with it after paying, and it has the finely ground coffee grounds still in it, so be aware of the sludge at the bottom of the pot.
(5)James F.
My family and I took our first trip to Lavash Cafe last night and we were very impressed. First, the food itself was excellent. I had the leg of lamb plate and the meat was tender, flavorful, and plentiful, but not so much that you felt like a glutton. The pilaf was tender but not mushy. My wife had the gyro plate - a similar experience awaited her. The gyro sauce on top complemented but didn't overpower the meat. They had both traditional middle eastern desserts and some American desserts, both of which were excellent. The baklava was flaky and tasty but not overpoweringly sweet. Beverages were excellent as well. My son had a Mango smoothie and enjoyed it all. I had the Turkish coffee and it was very tasty, strong, and sweet. My wife enjoyed the mint tea. My kids shared with us, and also split some hummus and falafel. My son loved the falafel... my daughter almost didn't get any. :) I didn't get a chance to try it myself, due to his speed eating. The service was friendly and accommodating. I had my hands full getting three trays to the table and one of the employees helped me with the third immediately. They brought our drinks to our table as soon as they were ready as well. The decor was colorful but not overwhelming. The restaurant was clean and well-laid out. Restrooms were kept very clean. Only criticism is that the restaurant is a little light on amenities for kids. A kids' menu would be nice, and though they had high chairs, they could also stand to have a couple of booster chairs for kids who are too big for high chairs but not quite big enough for regular chairs. Edit - the last time we went in they had some high chairs available. So that problem is gone.
(4)Mindy W.
I love the food and service at Lavash. I wish they offered full-service and booze, but it cuts down on cost. I have never had a bad meal here! The gyro meat is always delicious (I try to avoid eating lamb as a rule of thumb, but I sneak a few bites of my boyfriend's when he gets it), and all of the kebabs are tasty. I get really excited when they have Indian-inspired dishes. Their chicken curry is one of the best I have ever tasted. I love that entrees come with salad, bread and rice. The rice is awesome with the nuts and fresh herbs. It's my favorite side dish. I would never consider their food bland. It's some of the most flavorful food I have had in Columbus. On top of that, it IS always so fresh! The salads are always green and crisp. Last year, during Ramadan, they had samosas that were to die for. They were huge, moist, and made with the perfect amount of dough. I was really sad to hear that they really only make these treats during holidays. Their Baklavah is also really good. I try to avoid getting cupcakes or anything, but they always look tasty.
(5)Mark F.
We have only had Lavash carryout, but every experience has been great. Friendly, knowledgeable service over the phone, friendly service at the restaurant, and the food is tremendous. Desserts are to die for and the mains are reasonably priced and incredibly big. The shwarmas are huge and awesome. Can't give this place high enough marks. In Clintonville, we are hurting for neighborhood joints with good grub. In Lavash, we finally have a place we can hang our hats.
(5)Erin R.
Since this is really their first week being open, I definitely had to cut Lavash Cafe some slack in working out the kinks. Last night I got home from a business trip and was starving, so my boyfriend and I decided to walk around the corner to try this place out since we saw a lot of people dining throughout the past few days. The cafe is very bright and laid back, you order at the counter and then pick your food up once its ready. The menu has a variety of entrees, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and soup. There is also a large bakery case with 15 kinds of baklava and other mediterranean desserts. I had the lamb kabob sandwich on lavash bread, but there was also a choice of pita, and baba ghannouj. My boyfriend had the lamb kefta sandwich on lavash and french fries. The food was prepared fairly quickly and tasted fresh, and besides a few mixups with people's takeout orders, everything seemed to be running smoothly. The kabob sandwich was great and had just been grilled. Both sandwiches also came with a small side salad of tomato, lettuce and cucumber. The french fries were seasoned and very hot, which is something i appreciate even if i almost burn my mouth trying to eat them. My boyfriend wasn't as big of a fan of his sandwich as i was of mine, but he tried mine and agreed it was very good. He works at another notorious greek restaurant in town, so he is a little biased. The baba was excellent, and came with plenty of fresh pita. I devoured it. The staff was very friendly and came around to every table it seemed to ask how everything was. They were also helpful in explaining anything on the menu. My one complaint would be that the menu is posted high up and is kind of difficult to read, but overall it was a good experience at a place that is just starting out. Over time I'm sure the kinks will be worked out. I think Lavash Cafe is a great casual mediterranean restaurant for takeout or to dine in as an alternative to Alladin's or other sit down table service mediterranean restaurants in town. Both of us were able to eat for less than $20, and by the time I got up to leave I no longer felt starved. Everything was fresh and well-prepared, and the laid-back atmosphere was just what I needed at the end of a hectic day.
(4)Diana U.
I love love LOVE Lavash. Very clean looking place with extremely friendly staff. The owner's always out and about on the floor to greet customers and see that everybody is happy. Food tastes fresh and there's a very good variety. I'd suggest getting the sandwich rather than an entree if you are not a big eater like me because the entree servings are huge. I enjoyed the shwarma very much and I've had a lot of other great things that I can't remember. Pastry selection is so fun - huge cupcakes, different kinds of baklava, and more. Great place. Go now.
(4)Rich S.
New school Middle Eastern joint with awesome garlic sauce. All the food is delicious and they make my favorite chicken shawarma in Columbus.
(4)Monaco C.
Food and service is great. Chicken can be a little tough once in awhile but I love this place!
(4)Kris K.
The last time I was there, I placed an order, sat down and the owner told me I could not sit down because I was by myself and he needed the tables for customers. I'll never go there again. (In regards to the food, it's just okay, way overpriced.)
(1)J D.
Went there tonight for dinner and was mighty impressed. I know Nasir from his days at Firdous on campus and then in the North Market, so expected good stuff, and not disappointed. I ordered the babganoush app and the 'special' of lamb chops w/potates/veggies/rice. The babaganoush was awesome: it had a good smokey char thing going on, with plenty of good garlic, tahini and cumin, too. With a drizzle of olive oil-damn fine. The chops were good, too, though a little over done for my taste (I prefer lamb medium-rare) but still tender and well seasoned, with no too much fat, either. The rice was gently perfumed, tender and delicious, while the potates were moist and delicious with a garlic dipping sauce. For dessert, Nasir brought out two small baklava that were spot on. They are made in middle eastern bakery in Detroit for him with real honey (rather than molasses or corn syrup-eck, like some). With a capuccino, what a great end to a great meal. All in all, very please for a fairly inexpensive meal. Glad to have Nasir back after a few years away, and even more glad to have him here in Clintonville-lord knows we need more restaurants with his fervor and attention to the food. Bon appetito!
(4)Perry L.
Friendly staff, delicious food, convenient location. What more could you want ^_^
(5)anne h.
Love this place. The lentil soup is outstanding, simple, hearty, and healthy! The lamb is always cooked to order and rare is rare, mid rare is mid-rare unlike other places with similar menus that serve lamb well no matter how you order it. Can't comment on the desserts as I'm not a sweet tooth. Spicy black bean hummus is awesome and the baba ganoush is delightful, smoky and complex. The food is never over salted so I add a little salt or lemon to bring out the complexity of some dishes - that's how I prefer it - you can't correct over salted. If you happen in on an evening when they are serving muncef, order it... The owner is charming and genuinely interested in making your experience as wonderful as possible. Thank you, Narsir!! Oh, and try the hot sauce - he excels at wonderful hot sauce.
(5)Sanmit B.
decent med fare, fairly standard prices, good service = ok to good (more 3.5 stars than 3)
(3)Ka T.
This food was great and reasonably priced. The cashier was able to definitely spend the time explaining each dish to me so that i can make the best decision. The food came out great and even though it says no waiter service its not completely true. They come out behind the counter and take care of each and ever customer. Even the chef came out. Very impressed.
(5)Shannon W.
I went here with a friend for a "farewell" lunch. The food is great and good portions for the price. I recommend the Gyro plate and hot mint tea! The staff is friendly and fast. Quaint and simplistic decor complete the experience. I highly recommend you give it a try!
(5)Jason S.
Lavash tent at arts festival. F-ing terrible. What makes people think an $8 gyro can taste that bad? Yes. I was hungry and didn't expect much but holy crap did Lavash underdeliver. Worst. Gyro. Ever. Ate two bites and threw it away.
(1)Drew C.
BOTTOM LINE: Lavash is just fine. On food alone I might have given it 3 stars, but I have a soft spot for hard-working entrepreneurial types. And the chef/owner went out his way to make sure his customers were comfortable and happy - for me, that's worth an extra star. Some things were great, some were average. Nothing was bad. THE FOOD: As with with any ethnic restaurant, seeing natives eating in the place gave me comfort. There were middle-eastern people throughout the restaurant so I felt like I was gonna get a traditional meal. I was right. In the tradition of ACTUAL middle eastern food, the fare is uncomplicated. Meat, veggies, wrap, a lil hummus - done. It's cooked with care and not overly seasoned. The chicken shwarma was especially good. Beef/lamb shwarma was refreshingly meaty - not swimming in oil or seasoning. I felt like I was tasting the flavor of the flesh, which many chefs are afraid to do. The hummus was a let down. Just average. I can get that anywhere. The bread, however, is wonderful. I mean, really effin' good. The fallafel is above average, and pretty good for Columbus, but I have had better in other large, metropolitan cities. The Baklava was good though clearly pre-made offsite. THE ATMOSPHERE: Quaint and clean. The chef checked in on tables personally. I liked it. Has a small, NY counter deli kind of feel. DISCLAIMER: The menu is HUGE. We got chicken shwarma, beef/lamb shwarma, hummus,falaffel and baklava. I do plan on going back and trying more things and I'd be happy to amend this review should I get my socks knocked off WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: It's good food. You'll be pleased but you probably won't be raving for days. You'll get a good, traditional-esque middle-eastern meal and you won't have many complaints. Oh, and the price is nice.
(4)Meredith H.
Recently moved to Columbus and this place has already become a regular in my restaurant rotation. The food is always good, whether it's lamb, chicken or shrimp. Have eaten in the restaurant and to-go and the orders are always correct. Solid choice for middle-eastern food and (pretty sure?) locally owned/not a chain. Would definitely recommend to others and take friends there!
(4)Melanie M.
Pretty decent! I was assured that everything listed on the vegetarian menu was also vegan. Honestly, it wasn't the most flavorful food of this genre that I've ever had, but it wasn't the blandest either. Pretty good though. Definitely friendly staff as well.
(3)John Q.
I first found out about this place through their groupon promotion last year. The parking lot is pretty small in the back and the inside is also kind of small but the food is delicious and service is pretty fast (5-10 minute wait). I enjoy this place and can not wait to return. I tried the Fatoush salad (mentioned in Christina C.'s review) and was not too impressed but to each their own. I like their gyros.
(5)Heather D.
I like Lavash most of the time. I ate there a lot recently and feel a little burnt out by the menu but the 1/2 roasted chicken dinner is killer. Be sure to ask for their homemade hot sauce (don't be a wuss)--it's delicious and full of spicy tangy flavor. I am also a big fan of the Low-Carb Salad--don't judge an entrée by its name--bascially a big cruncy lettuce salad, with tomato, Mediterranean olives, feta, and grilled meat of your choice. I usually get the beef although their chicken is lovely. They have lovely desserts, coffees, and teas. Try it.
(4)punning l.
I ordered the lentil soup, the Lavash salad, and the baba ghanoush. I would say that, overall, this meal was mediocre at best. The Lavash salad was the worst part: as much dressing as vegetables, it was entirely inedible. The baba ghanoush was bland and left much to be desired. The soup was good, but not enough so to validate my dining experience. To add insult to injury, my companion and I tried to clear our table but could not find the spot in which to put our trays. Leaving them on our table, the self-important owner chastised us. Overall, I'd have rather spent my money elsewhere and I do not think that I will be going back. There are a number of (much) better Mediterranean restaurants in town.
(2)Megan H.
Delicious. Great Mediterranean food!
(5)Melanie B.
Just wanted to say, I still love Lavash. The turkish coffee is Amazing, and my favourite dish is the lamb shawarma on lavash - I've even taken it to some friends so they could try it. Today I also tried to hummus, which is excellent and unlike the super authentic hole in the wall places in my old 'hood in Chicago, Lavash doesn't drown their hummus in olive oil - just a drizzle, which is perfect. Also, I split the coconut cupcake with a friend the other day - to die for! And now that Lavash has opened that little side outside patio, WATCH OUT! I sense a truly amazing summer in the cville.
(5)Bryan H.
Wow, this food is incredible. Nasir cooked up some incredible food at Firdous, but he's taken it to the next level. The interior is very cool, and you can pick your meal out of the glass cases when you walk-in. I tried the Lamb Schawarma with fries and hummus, all three were incredible. My friend Jon had the beef kabob with rice - looked tasty - he was eating it so quickly, I didn't have a chance to ask him for a taste. Portions were good and the food was very fresh. Quick, great price in a relaxed atmosphere. I have a new favorite restaurant!
(5)Chad B.
Fantastic and unique Mediterranean food in Clintonville. One of our favorite places for a quick bite.
(5)Allen W.
Lavash is super-clean always, the people are friendly and clean your table shortly after you're finished and the prices are very reasonable for the level of freshness offered! My wife and I spent $25 for two large meals and took left overs home. I would recommend this cafe to anyone who loves fresh and tasty mediterranean food!
(4)Matthew G.
good not great; good prices for nice serving portions. amazing kefta, decent hummus; great grape leaves, good fries, meh baba ghanouj. thats as far as the dine in. the baklava is amazing through and through and not overly expensive.
(3)Nathan S.
Solid but not quite "authentic" mediterranean food. The salad, lamb kabob, and rice were reasonably good and the fries were killer, way better than expected, but you have to order them a la carte. The "Pita", on the other hand, was like doughy Ponderosa dinner rolls that were cut up into triangles. C'mon guys, you're better than that. Would also be nice if they had some sort of mixed grill options, and hummus with the entrees, instead of having to order it separately. I liked it, but I think I'd put it a notch below Aladdin's or Happy Greek. One last suggestion, I ordered pick up over the phone, and still had to wait in the cashier's line for 10 minutes when I got there, so it would be nice to have a separate pickup order line.
(3)Michelle M.
This place is great. Delicious food - check. Good prices - check. Friendly service - check. The owner is there every day and really cares about the food. The atmosphere could use a little face lift though.
(4)Carl S.
This place is one of my favorites. On the occassions that I am in the area during the lunch or dinner hour, I get excited and head on over. My favorite is a gyro on lavash bread. Try the coffee. It is excelelnt and they will give you free refills.
(5)Kurtis B.
My food here has always been incredible. Ive only ever had kabobs but their sooo good i never try anything else. Love it!
(5)Steven H.
This place is fantastic! Everything I tried was absolutely delicious. The saffron-flavored rice was phenomenal, the lentil soup couldn't have been better, the lamb was perfectly seasoned and tasty and the customer service was attentive and friendly. Will definitely be back! Two thumbs way up. Highly recommended!
(5)Lance N.
Had their Beef/Lamb Kabob, Lamb Chops, Snapper - all very good!
(5)Julia C.
If you haven't tried Lavash Cafe, you should make a point to get there. The food is made from scratch every day. We have eaten at Lavash Cafe several times a week since they opened, and have yet to have a disappointing dish. They excel at lamb dishes, especially the roasted lamb special. The grape leaves are delicious (and are served with an equally delicious tahini sauce). There are always vegetarian options, including on the daily specials list. The owner is often on the dining room floor checking on your meal or giving you a friendly ribbing (he's got a great sense of humor). And don't forget to try out the house made baklava for dessert when they have it!
(5)Sea K.
For the price, you won't find anything better in Columbus. Fresh ingredients, simple dishes, full flavors - all reasonably priced and healthy! Staff was super friendly, space was clean, no loud music/TVs and friendly setting for kids (had my 1 year old with me), hipsters, and seniors alike. Loved hearing at least 3 different languages being spoken by my fellow patrons. Sad I didn't get to try any of the scrumptious looking desserts (sampler platter was way too filling) but will surely be back! A neighborhood gem.
(5)Ricardo B.
A friend recommended Lavash to me. I have eaten Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in many cities - some excellent. Lavash Cafe is now top on my list! This place on High street is clean and spacious. The food is of very good quality and so tasty. Prepared skewered meats of different kinds are beautifully displayed in an immaculate refrigerated case for your viewing enjoyment making it hard to decide which ones you have to miss once you make your decision... oh well, there's next time. The Shawarma is outstanding - you have choices of beef, chicken or lamb and they even let you have a combination. The tabouli is the freshest in Columbus... (I would add a touch of olive oil). Best humus in town (hands down!).Good baklava and other pastries and dessetrs of the kind with even espresso to go along. Everything is fairly priced and portions are quite generous. The owner, Nassir, is very well known in Columbus as a friendly, hard working man who knows his business well and really cares about quality and customer service -- he will come to your table to ensure your satisfaction. It's good to see he is back in business after a short hiatus. Oh, did I mention he caters? ... he's a sure hire for my next event. Try Lavash.. you will be glad you did.
(5)John O.
i used to live across the street from this place. really really delicious food. always a good idea to check the specials before you order but, from my experience, you really can't go wrong here. the shrimp skewers, like most other items, are served with delicious mediterranean rice and a simple, tasty salad. along with pita hut on morse rd (and it's sister, ali baba near osu's campus) lavash makes quality mediterranean food seem so simple. fresh ingredients, diligent preperation - so easy to do if you just put a little CARE into it.
(4)Adam R.
Oh my, Lavash has become our neighborhood go to. Good for dine-in, good for carry-out, good for when friends and family come into town. We're gradually exploring the menu and I have pretty enjoyed everything. Love their Lavash Combo (Hummus, tabouleh, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves) and the Lentil Soup, we order these two items about every time and many times this can be enough if it's just the two of us, but then no leftovers. Dining in is simply a delight, good atmosphere, wonderful staff, and an attentive owner who is often in the dining area.
(5)May S.
Best Arabic food i ever had in the states , loved everything , hummus , grape leaves, shish cabab, baklava , i strongly suggest this place , people are very nice and the place is super clean :)
(5)Jessica R.
I love Lavash! It is home to the BEST falafel in Columbus. It also has my favorite hummus. I wake up at night craving their hummus. Every time I go, service is prompt and accommodating, and the staff is excellent about answering questions. The decor is good for the casual vibe of the restaurant, but they do not have nearly enough seating during peak times. I like to carry-out many of my orders just to prevent waiting for a table. If you are trying Lavash for the first time, I would definitely recommend the Falafel platter.
(5)Sarah H.
I am so tempted to give this place one star solely based on the fact that they are called Lavash and they DO NOT USE LAVASH BREAD. Please do not insult my intelligence and give me a f'ing sticky-texture falling-apart nasty-ass American wrap purchased from Kroger and call it Lavash. Seriously? What is this shit? I used to buy Lavash from an Armenian store near my office in MA, and let me tell you, wraps are DEFINITELY not the same. Okay, I know it's just a wrap, but I have been desperately searching for the perfect falafel and schwarma in this town and have been failing to find The Grail Of Middle Eastern. The thing about wraps is that they're just not substantial enough, and as soon as they get wet from the tahini sauce they basically turn into a gooey sticky mess. Real Lavash is tougher and can hold up to the abuses of drippy, greasy, delicious schwarma. Maybe I wouldn't be so annoyed with the wrap if the innards had been equally disappointing. But the thing is, the beef/lamb schwarma was PERFECT. It was spicy, tender, warm, and delicious. Exactly what I've been looking for. It came with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and tahini sauce, which were all pretty well-proportioned and definitely fresh. Could have used more tomatoes, but whatever. Maybe a little more sauce, but the wrap probably would have dissolved completely if that were the case. And of course, it came with pickles. Hooray!!! They were on the plate, so next time I'll specify that I want them in the sandwich. We had a bit of a mishap with our orders because of our own stupidity, and the cashier gladly helped us correct our order and get an extra side since we'd paid with a credit card (difficult to refund). Their desserts looked awesome, but I didn't actually try anything. There was a large group nearby that ordered the meat family platter. Oh my goodness gracious it looked amazing... I'm happy to say I have plans with a large group to return in a few weeks to get it! Anyway, I'll happily go back, but I'm going to beg the management to get real lavash or change their bread name, because right now it's just downright misleading.
(4)Vin R.
Excellent food and great service (Nasir really makes dining there an event, even on a Monday afternoon.) The hummus and pita are excellent, and the falafel was outstanding. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)A P.
Got the lentil soup, falafel, and hummus. All three were great and the prices were awesome!!!
(4)Mike E.
I judge how many stars each of my reviews will get based on how eager I am to return to the place I am reviewing. There really wasn't anything bad about Lavash Cafe. In fact, the staff was friendly, the place was clean, and the food was very tasty. It's just I was not so blown away that I am itching to return (this, however, could be personal preference. I enjoy Mediterranean food, but it's not in my favorite cuisines). I had shrimp kabobs, which were HUGE (major plus) but weren't as flavorful as I would have hoped (where's the spice?). The hummus, however, was fantastic. I am picky about my hummus, and this was very good...not too garlicky, and very great texture. The sides, including the rice, were average. There's no reason not to try Lavash, especially if you want something a little different than your run-of-the-mill burger joint or pizza shop. Lavash Cafe offers unique cuisine and a good variety of choices. It also has pretty good prices (it is a walk-to-the-counter-and-order type of place). Give it a shot!
(3)Erin M.
I don't know what it is about this place, but I love it. After coming here the first time, I sat at home in Boston completely craving Lavash's food. When I came to Columbus again I knew I was going to eat here again without question. The staff here is friendly and willing to answer questions (like what the differences between the different types of baklava are) or wait it out while you peruse the menu for a ridiculous amount of time. They are also happy when handing your meal off to you, making you excited. But really, the most important thing is the food. Each time I have been here I have had the same thing: the Lavash combo, which is a sampler of big portions of standard Mediterranean fare (hummus, grape leaves, tabouli, falafel). It's so hard to stray from the combo, it's just so good. The hummus is smooth and packed with chickpea flavor. It is made in a traditional style and comes drizzled with oil on top. Mix that up and pile it onto the plentiful amount of pita that is included with your order. The two grape leaves included with the combo are big, stuffed with rice and veggies, and are just sour enough to taste fresh and not like they have been sitting around preserving for hours on end. The same goes for the tabouli, which is loaded with parsley, and mixes with the hummus nicely. The combo includes three or four (I can't recall) falafel balls. They are about the size of golf balls and are extremely crispy, indicating freshness. The inside is warm, slightly mushy, and straight up delicious fried chickpeas. My only criticism is that the falafel could be slightly more seasoned, but having something a little underseasoned is better than too much, in my opinion. Accompany your meal with the mint iced tea. It comes with a mint leaf in it. No artificial nonsense here. As someone who did not really know what baklava was until coming here, I appreciated the description from the staff about the 32 different kinds that Lavash carries. The woman at the counter who has been there when I come, perhaps a manager or maybe even an owner based on her friendly, "in charge" demeanor with patrons and staff, is awesome. She'll tell you everything. I have had the traditional, sweet, kind and a rose water kind. Personally, I think baklava is simply too sweet for my taste but judging from how Lavash's held together and the richness of the flavors, as well as a co-worker's reaction to her baklava selection, I'd say Lavash's is toward the top of the baklava quality chain. Seating has been ample on Friday nights when I have stopped in. There is rarely a wait aside from waiting for your food to be prepared and if the weather is nice, there is a small patio that provides additional seating. They take credit cards and have delicious food. Need I say more? Go...and if you're traveling from Columbus to Boston, please bring some Lavash with you!
(5)Jeff P.
Wow! What a great find. Definitely the best Med. joint I've found in the city. I don't think I've ever had such flavorful and tender lamb meat...anywhere. The lentil soup was awesome. If I wasn't so stuffed, I would have had some of their delicious-looking desserts. The service was fantastic as well.
(5)Pony B.
Lavash is great. Food is really good and fairly priced. Lots of times I order sides and soup, filling, affordable, and tasty. Workers are friendly but sometimes feel as though they're rushing you out - over bussing the tables before you're finished, kind of imposing. Otherwise, I love this place.
(4)Frankie C.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and had been looking forward to trying this place for a long time. I am an regular patron of Aladdin's and wanted to try another option. I never like to leave bad reviews, but I was so upset with this restaurant I had to share. First, I am a vegetarian and gluten free. I had hear they had options there, so again, eager to try. I had three vegetarian options, none of which were gluten free. It was much more expensive than Aladdin's, which threw me off. Our food was served in styrofoam, which was a huge turn off. Then I saw my food. For $10 I paid for four bite sized falafel and two small grape leaves, and two small scoops of couscous and hummus. I was very upset. My husband's chicken dish was over cooked and completely unappetizing. The second we left I had to go home and eat something else. As a couple who does not eat out much due to funds, spending $30 on bad food is upsetting. We will never return.
(1)Kate Q.
I've only been there once for takeout, but so far so good! The hummus is DEE-LISH - definitely recommend. The staff was friendly and helpful and we barely waited for our food. My husband got the schwarma plate and I got the Mojadara which was lovely. I can't wait to come back and actually eat here!
(4)Heather G.
If you're in the mood for Mediterranean, Lavash is a great spot for lunch. The staff is friendly and helped our group make our selections. After ordering at the counter you grab your drinks and pick a seat. I agree with Lisa S., the color scheme gets extra points and I liked sitting next to the large windows. I highly recommend the black bean hummus. It has a great flavor with a little kick. The chicken shawarma was good, but the tahini sauce was a little too strong for me. The fries are tasty, be prepared to share-you get a lot. As we were finishing the owner came to chat which I loved. I'll definitely be back to try more, especially since the baklava was calling my name.
(4)steve a.
Kibbeh + Lamb Chops = awesome. Was in the mood for something good/fresh, and looked at places surrounding my hotel. Saw Lavash's reviews and thought it was worth a shot. Everything was great, and prepared just like I'd want it... the Kibbeh was steaming hot, but had a nice crisp "shell". The Lamb Chops were also cooked perfectly... very tender & juicy. I got my order to go, but looks like a clean/decent place if you want to eat in. Will definitely stop back in the next time I'm in Columbus!
(5)Shanna L.
Love the chicken shawarma sandwich and their french fries. I have no idea why french fries are always a staple at Mediterranean places, wouldn't a side of hummus make more sense? My only pet peeve is Pepsi products, yuck! Staff is always very nice and even gave us a freebie last week.
(4)Carrie M.
All I really wanted was stuffed grape leaves - which came loosely wrapped and falling apart, incredibly oily and greasy, and with a bad sour taste.
(2)Jennie M.
I've eaten in here once with some friends and my husband and I have ordered take out twice. Overall, I'd rather go a few doors down to Aladdin's. Perhaps it is personal preference but I enjoy the combination of ingredients and spices much more at Aladdin's: the first two items that come to mind are the hummus and fattoush salad...I just plain like them better at Aladdin's. I've ordered chicken at Lavash twice and both times it was exceptionally dry...as was the lamb shish kabab. When I dined in with my group of friends (about 8 of us), after we all ordered at the counter, the first and second people that ordered were long since finished with their meals by the time the last few people had theirs. I haven't been back in awhile so maybe they've tweaked the ordering process but it seems a little chaotic: you order at the counter and then go get your drink and find a table. Then they shout out your name for you to come back to the counter. It's very hard to hear when it's busy so a lot of people were hovering at the counter trying to hear if their name was called. Unfortunately, I accidentally grabbed someone else's lunch because I thought I heard my name but it wasn't actually mine. Thankfully, I realized the error before I started eating their food! That said, I have to comment on how impeccably clean and bright Lavash is inside. They also serve huge portion sizes, if I had enjoyed my food, I definitely could have made two meals out of it. The owner was walking around the restaurant and chatting up the customers and seemed very kind and proud of his restaurant. Perhaps I should give this place another try to see if anything has changed but since I already love Aladdin's, I'll probably just keep going there and stick to the "if it's not broken, don't fix it" train of thought.
(2)Nicole M.
I ordered hummus with pita bread and cucumber and carrot slices. The bread was really good but I didn't really like the hummus. Their cucumber slices tasted weird. Staff need to work on customer service too.
(2)Amy A.
Bread is good. Food is overpriced and I've had much better from hole in the wall middle eastern restaurants. Seems too trendy anyway, so crowded. I married into Palestine, so not even close - food is subpar.
(2)Robbie M.
Great vegetarian options accompanied by a modern interior and excellent service. I had the Veggie Combo Wrap with Lentil Soup. The food tasted flavorful and fresh. Lavash Cafe easily gets a 5 star rating from me, and I hope to return if I'm ever in Columbus again.
(5)Lilly S.
I enjoy this place! Went here with my Arabic class actually and quite a few of the workers are from the Middle East. The hummus here is absolutely delicious and I love the falafel! I will say, though, that I'm just not a big fan of their lavash bread. The thicker pita bread is what I prefer. And the black bean hummus is a bit too spicy for me. But oh man, everything I've had or that my friends have had was great last time!
(4)Deb F.
Fantastic fresh food, always delicious. We are so fortunate to live close to Lavash and be able to stop in for a bowl of lentil soup or gather with friends for a bigger meal. I highly recommend Lavash for all occasions.
(5)Sidu C.
Love the basmati rice and the fried red snapper!!! The owner is almost always there talking to certain clients and makes sure you are ok (he comes and asks whether your food is ok - although he skips people from time to time). Hate the wait. It's hard to get a seat around dinner time. The location is fine and parking is in rear but can be crowded. It's kind of pricey for what you get. Good dinner entrees are no less than $8. Bad if you are a poor college student.
(3)Daniel H.
Love this place. Black bean hummus is so good. When I get carry out, I pop the pita slices in my oven for 5-7 minutes at 325 to get them warm and a little crispy. Kabob sandwich (sandwich = rolled), chicken gyro, beef and lamb gyro, etc.....all are delicious. Fries are fresh cut and made to order. The baklava is great as well. I keep getting the pistachio.
(5)Briden S.
I have only been here one time, and maybe I should give it a second chance. These are just my feelings but I'm not a huge Mediterranean food, so it goes with out saying I am probably not going to like the food. The fries are nice and thick cut, but I really could not find anything else that was interesting to have. Maybe it is my lack of knowledge of what I may like to what they are serving. But I ended up not finishing more than half of my meal and that was after convincing myself to keep eating it.
(3)J Bradford L.
"Fetchez la vache!" - famous line from Monty Python's Holy Grail spoken by Frenchman from top of castle wall. Now that's out of the way, I got to try Lavash today and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got the lentil soup, which was good and had some different spices in it than other Lentil soups, I've had. I also had the lamb shwarama. Delicious!! I'm always looking for meat alternatives to beef and the middle eastern/Mediterraneans really have something going with the Lamb. I'm not talking necessarily about the "lamb" gyro meat, I'm talking tender delicious lamb. Wifey had the fatayer (hard word for 'Mericans to figure out) which was also good, but the best thing was the baklava!! Really good, really fresh, lots of varieties dripping in honey, pistachios, butter and phyllo. My only complaint is this and other middle eastern places serve basically street food, but charge sit down dinner prices for their grub. I get that its high quality, but the ingredients are cheap and the same in almost every dish. I don't like paying for fancy decor in which to eat my shwarama or kebob. Definitely worth checking out, though and good fuel for my latest obsession with middle eastern and indian food.
(4)TJ R.
An excellent middle eastern option. The sides and salads we've tried have all been great, and I can particularly recommend the lentil soup and tabouleh salad. I've tried several of their special entrees and been impressed. The Turkish coffee and dessert selection are always tempting. The staff are all friendly and helpful. The interior decor is cozy and warm.
(5)L. M.
The kibbeh appetizer is wonderful. Other dishes also good. We often carry out, so we stick with regular menu items. We've had the whole fish special when dining in -- it was terrific. The owner is always on site ensuring great hospitality.
(5)L A.
one of the best arabic Mediterranean food you could have in columbus. i definitely recommend to give it a try .
(5)Rachel L.
Lavash is pretty good. I've eaten there twice and had carry-out once. It's good food, but I gave it 4 stars because there wasn't something that made this better than other places I've tried. Really, it is good though!
(4)Evan S.
Pleasantly surprised to have seen the authenticity of the food here! The shata (arab version of salsa/chili paste) was very very tasty, and made to perfection. The Hummus was very tasty as well, not too creamy, not too oily either. Really enjoyed the falafels and how they were formed into smaller more traditional sizes compared to what we normally see in other middle eastern restaurants. The chicken tikka was very juicy and not overdone. This place is great! Would definitely come back again.
(4)Sandy R.
I went there for dessert and coffee on Easter night due to a friend's suggestion...plus it was about the only place around that was open! I was pleasantly surprised. The service was super-friendly and attentive, the baklava was great, and the other dishes that I saw other patrons get looked really good and fresh. Even though it was really crowded and noisy, that didn't even bother me as much as it might have otherwise. Also very clean and decorated nicely. I'm sure I'll return for a meal the next time. Yea the ONLY complaint is that parking is at a real premium. I was lucky enough to get a space due to someone leaving. I guess besides the SMALL lot behind, you'll have to do off street parking. I like this place though and look forward to returning.
(4)Rachel P.
Falafel withdrawal: An uncommon problem that results in some of the most ridiculous cravings I've ever encountered. This disease is usually contracted in some Eastern European or Middle Eastern Country. In my case, Israel. This is due to the over-exposure of having falafel or anything with chick-peas nearly every day for more than a weeks time. Some cases are more serious than others and can lead to a life-long addiction. Thankfully for people living in Columbus, there is a cure: Lavash. This place is situated right next to my apartment complex and the smell constantly wafts over to my window. I love their falafel and their bread the best. The sauce in the falafel is a little bitter, but It still satisfies just fine. However, I always feel that their humus is lacking in something. I can't put my finger on what that something is, but that something is like a flavor. I think it might be garlic? However, attention to detail, color and presentation are a strong suit of the restaurant. The owner/manager/ head chef is always walking around asking people how they liked their meal. It's such a nice personal touch. Lastly, if you're still hungry (probably not considering that their food comes with fries, and pita and sometimes rice) they have delicious desserts! Which...you can also buy in their bakery Simple Sweets down the street!
(4)Dennis L.
Can we all agree that hummus is one of the best things we have here on earth? Even the kind made with soybean oil and sold in plastic tubs at the grocery store is good, but at places like Lavash, where it's got tons of olive oil and paprika and parsley, and served with thick, warm pita bread... it's difficult to think of something better. Lavash has some really good food. In addition to the hummus, I got the kefta, two well-sized hunks of lamb/beef mixture, with a really nice charred flavor. That was served with a lightly dressed salad of iceberg, cucumbers and tomatoes, and delicious basmati rice with toasted almonds. Pretty much the only sour note of the meal was the iced mint tea, which tasted kinda like water with toothpaste squirted into it. But it grew on me the more I drank of it. Not much atmosphere here; this afternoon, some people were having trouble finding tables after they ordered, and one boisterous group was making a lot of noise in the tight space. It looks like maybe they're working on adding an outdoor area, so that'll be nice in the summer. I'll be back here... the menu is large and I definitely want to try more of it.
(4)Greg L.
Has something changed at Lavash? The beef-lamb shawarma was nearly cold, salty and with no flavor. It was also very chewy. The soup was nice, but waaay too salty. Rice was great, as in the past. Salad (side) - drenched with lots of very sour french dressing. I had better falafels in the past either made at home or in other places - these were too dry and with little flavor. All together, we left disappointed and $40 poorer.
(2)MJ L.
Chicken and beef sharwarma sandwiches are fantastic here! The flat bread wrapping is just perfect for holding all the goodies together, meat is well marinated and juicy and the sauce... I don't know what they put in there, but it's just a tangy goodness, YUM! Hummus is smooth and flavorful. When we ate at the restaurant, it came with thick, golden bread, but when when we ordered it to go, it came with standard pita bread... I much prefer the thick bread... not sure which one is standard though. I also recommend their pistachio baclava made of perfectly layered crunchy, toasty pastry with wonderfully sweet and nutty mixture in the center... oh man, was it good! Service was very pleasant as well. After ordering at the counter, we had to stand around to wait for an available table (this was Friday dinner rush hour, the place was packed!). Wait staff there will keep track of you and make sure to get you a table in the order you came in, so no need to eyeball other customers stalking the same table. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Alexa A.
Love this place, my favorite local spot for a quick wheat-free meal in Clintonville.
(4)Erin K.
Let me preface my review by saying that I really, truly hate hummus. Because of this, I am often scared of Mediterranean food. However. I really liked Lavash. I got the lamb kebab entree. It was huge. Hugeeeee. They give you the kebab, rice, pita, and a salad. Long after my boyfriend had finished, I was still eating. The lamb was good: moist and flavorful. And the rice and pita were fresh and yummy. I actually ate some of the salad (which I usually do not do because salads are for bunnies) and enjoyed it. And there was no hummus on my food HOORAY! And p.s. I liked their iced mint tea. It was so refreshing!
(4)Mindy B.
I have ordered Lavash many times for carry out. Its in my neighborhood, the food is good, etc. Last night I became sick shortly after eating the Lavash Combo. It made me sad because I really enjoy their food. So I call today to let them know. I was polite, asked for a manager and explained that my intention was truly just to be helpful. Sadly, I was immediately discounted. The manager told me right off that she eats there every day. OK, but maybe we eat different things. I say. She tells me that I'm the only one that called and I find that I am defending myself. Look - I know when food has made me sick and this made me sick. I'm not as disappointed about the food as I am with the response to my call. I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end of a good restaurant.
(2)Kristin A.
Soooo good! First of all, I have to say how nice and incredibly patient the employees were, because when my roommate and I walked in, I swear we stood there for at least 15 minutes, scouring the menu, trying to pick which of the tempting items we were going to try, and they never rushed us or acted annoyed. It was totally obvious that we were first-timers, and the owner actually came out and graciously helped us make our decision. Actually, he kind of ordered for my friend, saying "she'll have the lamb," but it was a great decision. The lamb was so tender and perfectly seasoned. Since everything sounded delicious and I couldn't make up my mind, I ordered a plethora of appetizers. I got the Kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, and spinach and cheese fatayer. It's hard not to like something that's fried, so of course the kibbeh (fried balls of beef, onions, and pine nuts) was good. The grape leaves were my attempt to get something semi-healthy, and they tangy and delectable, but similar to other restaurants that I have tried. The fatayer was especially delicious... I don't know what seasonings they blend in with the spinach and cheese, but it works. Paired with some plain yogurt, I was hooked! If nothing else, go to Lavash for the Baklava. OMG it's to die for. Since we were so obviously first-timers at Lavash, the owner insisted that we try the Baklava (on the house!) because he wanted to make sure we came back. One bite into that flaky, sweet square of heaven and I knew I would be back. I honestly have craved baklava ever since.
(5)Kevin D.
Best damn pita bread in the city. Reminds me of a hybrid of the greek style I used to get back in Montreal and the traditional Middle-Eastern kind that most sub-optimal local Med places (Alladin's I'm looking at you) serve. The food was amazing - but I'd return just for the bread, oh and the Baba....
(5)S R.
Ordered the beef shwarma sandwich for lunch. It was soo delicious. The portion was quite large that it should feed two people. There was so much beef stuffed in that wrap, Im not sure how I finished it. Anyway, glad to find this halal place nearby. Several patrons ordered the red snapper platter. It is the entire fish with the head...and I have to get that next time. and and and they make Turkish coffee. AND they leave the pot thing at your table so you can really finish it off and scoop out the powder.. The decor is very pretty.
(5)