Shawerma Express
11280 James Swart Cir, Fairfax, VA, 22030
Shawerma Express Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Fairfax for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Fairfax for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Fairfax for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
11280 James Swart Cir
Fairfax, VA, 22030 - Phone (703) 865-8296
- Website https://shawermaexpress.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Greg X.
It pains me to write this because I was so excited to have a "real" shawerma place in Fairfax (with a rotating spit). Unfortunately the food and service left me disappointed. Food: Cons: The sandwiches are way too expensive for their size; they unevenly stuff everything in a stale pita bread, they charge extra for tahini which is Shawerma's most important topping (check the menu); the meat was dry and utterly devoid of flavor. Pros: The rice tasted really good and they make a decent garlic paste, unfortunately since they stuff the sandwich unevenly the paste is over after the first 2 bites leaving you with dry chicken (make sure to bring a Heimlich maneuver expert with you) Service & atmosphere: The service was slow and unorganized; the owners were loudly talking and joking with their friends and made eating-in unbearable (I really felt like asking for a to go bag and escape this frat house atmosphere)
(1)Maggie M.
The wait is over, finally a place that sells delicious, fresh, shawerma's! I got the shawerma bowl filled with tender chicken, loads of vegetables, homemade hummus and a spicy sauce that's amazing! The line was out the door but it moves quickly and the service is extremely friendly! I I cannot wait to go back and get another bowl!
(5)A J.
Tastes ok but not the best of shawarma in the town. We were party of 4 and this is a review coming as an average from all of us. They have good choices of veggies to fill in the wrap. We experienced too much of burnt flavor in the meat. The tzaziki sauce tastes like egg nog and salt and drips instead of holding to veggies or meat. Entered store 30 mins before closing and they are out of everything except for lamb Shwarma.
(3)Alex T.
First timer here! Generous portion...great flavors...it being my first time and all...i told them to make me whatever is popular...i got the lamb bowl with a variety of pickle vegetable and sauces over rice.
(4)Camille P.
Saw good reviews of this place and decided to give it a go. Best decision ever! It's like a middle eastern Chipotle. Sam was very kind and fixed me up a perfect lamb bowl since the choices were overwhelming! A lot of good veggies so it was a healthy heap of lunch. I will definitely go back to this place over and over.
(5)Dhiman S.
This is one of the few places where you go only for the food and nothing else. The ambiance there is kind of like a fast food place. The customer service is lacking to say the least. But all of the short comings are made up by the food, the food is delicious and it is cheap. Frequently they run out of food by 8 o'clock, so just beware of that if you really want to get a Shawerna from here.
(4)Jamil S.
Great and tasty.
(5)Swapnil P.
We totally love this place. Its quick and yummy bite always.
(4)Zide B.
The middle eastern chipotle. don't get it in the pita, you get less meat than the tortilla
(5)Nathan G.
I'm no shawarma expert, but I'd agree with what other folks have said. The bread would be better if it was baked fresh, and the lamb was a little dry. Otherwise, the topping choices were great (especially the pickled cauliflower) and the french fries were a standout in a place I wouldn't expect good fries. Sure, they were still frozen fries, but there was something tasty about the breading or the oil they were fried in. I wouldn't drive out of my way to eat here, but since it's close by for me, I'll definitely stop by again. Two things about some of the other reviews that seem confusing or wrong. 1) They don't list beef on the menu, only chicken or lamb. 2) They don't charge extra if you put tahini on your sandwich; the extra charge is if you order a side of it (for dipping?).
(4)Tony B.
Excellent Shawerma. Very authentic. Go for the bowl and put everything in. Recommend the lamb. It's perfect. Get it to go and enjoy. Great value. Good location. Good service. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Peter K.
A small, hole in the wall that doesn't bring much attention to itself other than it's wonderful food and friendly service. I enjoy the lamb/turkey mix wrap stuffed with all the fixings. The food explodes with mediterranean flavors and shouldn't be missed.
(5)Jason S.
Very much like a more authentic version of Cava Mezze. I always get the bowl, which is huge for a single person meal. Their lamb is excellent and the pickled vegetables always taste great. If you've been to amsterdam falafel then the sides will be very similar if not the same. I've seen way more Lebanese and middle easterns dine here than anyone else so that to me is a +1 good sign. Stars all around.
(5)Junaid A.
Shawerma Express is a very good concept similar to Chipotle. However upon visiting the place, we were surprised at how empty it was considering it was 6pm on the weekend. When we placed our order, were greeted by staff who could care less about basic hygiene. No gloves or hairnets. The worst part was that each toppings area did not have their own tongs, so the guy would mix and match between tongs creating a mess in the topping area. When we finally got our shawerma platters, the meal really feel flat. The food does try to have an authentic feel, however if you have your meat sitting out all day, you are going to have a dry meal. Unfortunately, the chicken and lamb lacked flavor and was very chewy. We wanted to give them a chance despite the lack of cleanliness, customer service, and general ambiance. However I do not think we will be back to try other stuff on their menu.
(2)Matt M.
Finally! good Shawerma in Fairfax! They have the giant slabs of lamb and chicken rotating deliciously in view when you walk in. All of the toppings are laid out nicely and cleanly in front of you as well. Basically you can choose your meat and then toppings / sauce Chipotle style. I recommend the wraps but the platters look good too for a low carb option. Fries are also great! Only complaint is that it's slow sometimes but they normally only have 2-3 people on staff and it's worth the wait.
(4)Kimberly K.
Mmmmm Shawerma... It's got a Chipotle type concept. We chose the Shawerma Sandwich and Platter. They offer Bowls and Falafel sandwiches as well. We then chose the type of meat we wanted. You can get Lamb, Chicken, Mixed Meat, or Falafel. Top off your sandwich, bowl, or platter with as many toppings as you want. They are all displayed and very fresh. Their garlic sauce is amazing, it's right beside the hummus. If you are a garlic lover like me, definitely try this stuff out. I love dipping my fries in it. Their spicy sauce is awesome too, adds a nice little kick to your meal. Their portions are excellent, super generous. We had plenty of leftovers. The rice they use in the platter is OK, it isn't the highest quality but still tasty. Topped off with a bunch of delicious veggie toppings, generous serving of lamb and sauces. The platter comes with a side of fries. Once again, it was a generous serving and it can definitely be shared. There is quite a bit of seating inside. The restaurant is clean and organized. Service was very friendly. We went for lunch right when it opened. The cashier, Farah was very sweet and quick to take our order. The gentleman preparing our meal was kind and generous with the servings. There is no server here. You place your order and watch as your food is prepared in front of you. We will definitely be back!
(4)Kathy N.
I was a little confused when I walked in, because I wasn't sure whether to pay or order first. For newbies reading my review, you pay first then customize your meal :) If you get the falafel sandwich, I would recommend getting hot sauce. I was expecting it to be more flavorful, but it was mediocre at best. My boyfriend got the lamb shawerma bowl, which was more worth the price as it had more flavor and more meat. Despite the good service and the okay shawerma bowl, I'm not sure if this is somewhere I would go back to.
(2)Sheila M.
My friends and I can't get enough of this place. I agree with everyone else that this is pretty much the Middle Eastern version of Chipotle. They have a variety of items that you can choose from and they're very reasonably priced! They offer both Chicken and Lamb Shawerma and you can choose if you'd like a platter or just a salad. I will say though, I was a little disappointed in their rice. I thought that they would've certainly had better rice. Another downside to this place is that they're not very organized with their line up. I would suggest them to make a change to how they're currently managing their flow. It's very awkward because you have to walk in, pay first to the left and then you move to the right and wait in line to get your meal. They should have the flow begin on the right hand side, guests can get their meals and then pay at the register, that way if they decide they want more, they can get it instead of having to pay, then go back to the register and pay again. (I hope this makes sense to you as the reader because it sure makes a lot of sense to me) haha. The sitting area is a little small but it's a new place, I don't know if the owner actually thought this place would end up being as popular as it is :) I hope they start opening more locations soon. Definitely stop by if you're in the Fairfax area, and hit me up, I'll join you :)
(3)Anna Y.
I think that I like this place better than Chipotle. I had the platter. The fries were good and extra crispy. They give you a lot. The mixed meat was crispy and well caramelized. The got all the toppinga which i recommend. You will not be able to finish everything. The portions are so good. I think I will just get the bowl next time because it was too much food. I want yo get the falafel next time because they make them fry them fresh. Service is quick and nice. You just get the food and tell them what toppings you want just like at subway. People who work there are nice and friendly. The toilet rocks in the bathroom and its not a nicest. The food is awesome though so i could care less about everything else!
(5)Justine S.
Great place for a quick and cheap bite to eat. The set up here is similar to Chipotle, but with shawerma! You have the option of ordering a (falafel or shawerma) pita, bowl, or platter (comes with sides such as fries) then you choose toppings and protein accordingly. Their toppings are plentiful; you can add in whatever you like, as much as you like-- ranging from rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled turnips, roasted eggplant, seasoned cauliflower, lettuce, etc. You also have the ability to add sauces such as hot sauce, white sauce (tahini and mayo perhaps?), hummus, mango chutney, etc. We ordered shawerma bowls, one with mixed meat (lamb and turkey) and the other chicken. I piled on all sorts of veggies on there and it was amazing. All of the flavors worked well together and everything was fresh. I especially loved the pickled turnips it was a tangy contrast to the grilled mixed meat. The grilled lamb and turkey were well-seasoned and grilled to a crisp.The roasted eggplant was also delicious, but then again I love eggplant in any form. The portions were huge, so it was nice to have the option of taking your food to-go. There is only limited seating, but the shop is pretty small and meant to stop and go. They also offer fountain & bottled drinks and some Egyptian dessert that caught my eye but I decided to pass on. Definitely worth a try if you want to change up your food routine!
(4)Ahlam A.
I've taken my family here a few times and spent about $150 for everyone. I also come here during my lunch hour on my own. I have to say, the customer service is horrendous. Every time I order the shawarma, they always give me the dry hard meat that has been sitting on the pan and I have to always ask for fresher cut meat from the shawarma stand. Today, again, I asked the gentleman to give me the newer meat and after he did that, he still took some of the old meat and put it on my sandwich. I ended up taking my money back and left. This was the last chance I gave them. They are extremely rude, they don't welcome you with a kind attitude and they have this mean attitude when you ask them for fresh meat.They make me feel as if we are taking free food from them! I will never eat here again.
(1)Nick H.
My best friend is half Iraqi and half Pakistani. He grew up on Middle Eastern cuisine so he very rarely wants to go out and eat it unless it's incredible. Today, he took me here for lunch so I knew this place had to be pretty decent. I was not wrong. I've had my fair share of shawarmas, gyros, kabobs and other typical MIddle Eastern items that you see in a place like this. What SE does that is different is they allow you to build your meal to your custom preference a la Chipotle. They also allow you to eat what's typically a Wrap or a Platter in a bowl, also much like Chipotle. I went with a Lamb bowl today with the Arabic salad, cauliflower, red cabbage, and hummus. For my sauce(s), the employee recommended tahini and hot sauce so I went with both. I also ordered a side of fries (I know, not typical Middle Eastern fare at all, but I was hungry). Both the bowl and the fries were amazing, though next time I'd probably just get the bowl because the side of fries was too large for one person. SE is quick, cheap, clean, and for the most part, pretty good in quality. Of course there are fancier restaurants that boast better flavor, but for my money, SE is a good spot to eat at once in a while.
(4)Drew E.
Chipotles Cousin . . . My friend raves about Shawerma express, and then he got one of our mutual friends into it. After working out at xsport gym which is in the same plaza as Shawerma we decided to head over and try it out. I ordered half chicken half lamb in a wrap, added garlic, hummus, rice, salad mix(looks like pico de guyo. . sort of -- its right above the garlic) and the tahani sauce. We split an order of fries which I must say the fries were awesome, very often you see restaurants fail with the fries -- not here some of the best I've had in awhile. The man who took our order seems to be the owner, he was cool --- quickly you feel like his friend and not his customer which is nice since you're at a smaller shop and not a typical chain restaurant. Overall I enjoyed the food, it certainly won't take me from my beloved Chipotle though. This cuisine just isn't my favorite and it gives me heart burn for the rest of the day as well as an additional trip to the bathroom! I like it, they do a good job, however it's just not for me personally.
(4)Ana C.
Good lunch special .. Nice place around Fairfax area, friendly staff.its a good portion so be prepare to eat
(3)Bob P.
Walked in Thursday August 27th at lunch time and joined the line to order. I alone was told they are not serving anymore by the cashier guy. Hmmm, Not serving anymore or just me ??? Won't be back thank you very much.
(1)Cheng X.
Came in for lunch with a coworker yesterday and although we arrived during peak lunchtime hours at 12:30, we were able to find a place to sit easily. Although I will say that there aren't a lot of tables here and I saw some people order their food to go. They were very quick with our orders since it's set up like Chipotle where you go down a line of options and say (or point in my case because I wasn't sure what everything was called) what you want. I got the mixed meat bowl, fries and a fountain drink. Although it doesn't look like a lot of food, I was stuffed by the end of the meal and ended up taking my leftovers home for dinner. The flavors of the food were great! Very authentic, filling and fresh. Also, the fries were on point! Perfectly crispy and they give you a lot.
(4)Connie C.
Bought the falafel sandwich and mixed meat wrap. first time having shawerma, liked it. I thought it would have more flavor, but it was still good. I expected the falafel to be more crispy instead of mushy. and the hot sauce was nice. would come again
(4)Solange R.
This place is derrrricious. After a good workout at Xsport, I headed over here (judge away, WHATEVA protein- BROTEIN!) It was delicious. Everything was nice and warm and yummy. Only downside is, a little bit closer to closing time they tend to run out of lamb. I mean, at least the time I went they did. can't wait to go again
(5)Lina M.
One of my favorite places to eat. It has a similar concept as my other two favorites: Chipotle and Cava Mezze Grill. You get to select between a platter, bowl, wrap or sandwich pocket. I prefer getting the bowl because the sandwich or wrap can get a little messy for me, plus I like being able to mix all the toppings and sauces as you get a more flavorful bite each time. I ask for the white rice which is not the best quality but good enough. For meat, I get the lamb and it is delicious!!! I am very picky about lamb, I don't like the smell and taste of how some are made. But this lamb smells and tastes amazing!! They give a generous amount of meat. I get almost all the toppings for added flavor. To top it off I ask for the tahini and hot sauce. The 4 toppings that I would not be able to go without are the hummus, garlic sauce, tahini sauce and hot sauce (it's not that spicy, but adds enough heat to your meal for spicy food lovers like myself). The only thing that I did not like was I remember being confused about the ordering process when I tried this place out for the first time. Unlike chipotle or other similar restaurants, you have to pay for your food first and then stand in line to customize your meal!! Other than that, the food deserves 5 stars! If you're like me and love Chipotle and Cava Mezze Grill, then you will love this place as it's the middle eastern version of those restaurants!
(4)Rachel B.
As others have said, please be sure to have the fries here. Really delicious! And for those who care, this place is halal-certified. The shwarma was good -- I would give the shwarma maybe an 8/10 rating. It's good but not the best I've ever had. The falafel, again, good, but like a 7/10. Crispy, good flavor, but a little too large. The veggies is where this place shines. They are really good. If you're a vegetarian or a vegan, if you are low-carb or paleo, or if you are gluten-free, this place is really a great option. You have total control over what gets on your plate within the confines of the simple menu. It's easy, fast and really delicious.
(4)Bill P.
I enjoyed dinner here recently. It appears to be a small family operated restaurant. The furnishings are austere but clean and tidy. You order at a counter and direct the addition of toppings to your selection. Food can be eaten at one of a small number of tables or taken out. You have a choice of a pita, bowl, or platter. The platter comes with sides such as rice or french fries. The meat choices are chicken or lamb. There is a good selection of toppings which are generously applied. The toppings included diced tomatoes, cucumbers, cole slaw, onions, humus, egg plant, and garlic, tahini, or shasta (hot) sauce. This food is not gourmet but is good, and the value is great. The menu is limited to shewerma. I recommend the restaurant and plan to return.
(4)matt k.
Shawerma Express has been my new, go-to lunch spot during the work-week since I first came here a few months ago (after reading glowing Yelp reviews). The food at Shawerma is authentic, fresh, tasty, diverse... amazing!! It's so addictive that one weekend, I drove about 30 minutes just to get one of their chicken bowls. The chicken is great, and you can see it roasting, all juicy, over the rotating spit. My fav thing here is the falafel-- the best I've ever had anywhere. You can see them being cooked, made-to-order, behind the counter after your order is called back. They are consistently served hot & crispy on outside, the inside is always moist & soft melt-in-your-mouth never doughy, and seasoned just right . Also, there's about 15 different toppings and sauces, which are all so yummy I usually get all of them in my bowl. The fries are incredible, too. Shawerma, IMO, beats out nearby competitor Cava Grill, which also follows the 'fast-fresh/ Chipolte' model. [Cava has a good variety of dips & sauces, fun off-brand sodas & teas, & an option to add greens to your bowl. But, the 3 times I've been to Cava, their chicken and falafel is very mediocre compared to Shawerma. Also, the flavors at Shawerma blend & compliment each other perfectly. In contrast, the ingredients at Cava while tasty remain separate flavors in the bowl, rather than mingling together.] The overall flavors, spices, and blending of ingredients is simply superior at Shawerma Express.
(5)Jane P.
This place was really convenient to go to because it was right next to the gym I visited that day. The food was pretty good and the owner (or I think he was the owner) was so personable and friendly. I walked in not knowing what I had to do and he was so helpful in explaining what was in each of the toppings that I could put in my bowl. Basically, you can choose between three choices- there was a bowl, sandwich, and platter. I got the bowl and I got to choose all the toppings I wanted to add to my bowl. There was hummus, pickled cauliflower, tomatoes and cucumber, onion, lettuce, red cabbage, and so much more. I ended up getting almost all of the toppings and everything tasted pretty good. I got the mixed meat which had turkey and lamb. This was a good choice. I topped of the bowl with a tahini sauce- the man explained this sauce as a sesame seed based sauce- this was so good! Also I got this really flavorful hot sauce. I also tried their falafel. This was made fresh and it was crunchy and hot. It was definitely worth $0.50. They gave a side of the tahini sauce to dip it in. This was a nice place to get some quick and tasty food.
(4)Zeenat S.
I've had food from countless Middle eastern joints in Nova and I can attest to the fact that this place is one of the best! The food is delicious. It also has the best falafel I have ever tasted - made fresh! I usually always get the bowl and it is always good. I love how they are so many options to choose from; the eggplant/fries/etc stuff they added in on the side is great, my only complain is that towards the evening this stuff always runs out and I guess they don't bother making any more. I also love how they switch things up in terms of the types of breads and fillings available. I do wish they would have whole wheat options for the bread and perhaps warm it up, because it is out of the package. There is a good bit of very casual seating for those who don't want to take it to go. Other restaurants and cafes should take a leaf out of their book. Small menu, not trying to do it all but doing what you do very well!
(5)Joe B.
Grabbed lunch here today. Not bad. Not sure I would return for any reason. Spent about $10 for a wrap and some hummus. No drink. Food was middle of the road. I selected a chicken wrap and didn't find the counter person the least bit helpful when I asked how to order. You have to sell your offerings espec to newbies otherwise we just go elsewhere. Location was clean with a few tables. Fountain and bottled soft drinks. They do readily offer you water so that was nice. A TV with sports was playing during my visit. This strikes me as a day time office worker lunch spot and not much more.
(3)Roger B.
Wanted some Shawerma and stopped by this place. Basic kind of place. Some tables inside with 1 tv in the corner. The food was good. Shawerma was tasty. Got the wrap and thought it was cool that I could add stuff to the wrap from a selection of stuff. Fries were very crispy which I liked. I'll def be back to check out this place again.
(4)Sincere M.
Completely mediocre, not sure what everyone is fussing about, but it's clear that they're peculiar with Arabic good. I, however, am Arabic and will attest that this place is nothing more than ALRIGHT! Would t go out of my way to come here, with that being said, I was fairly just with the more than courteous 3 stars.
(3)A-L B.
Bonus! Thanks to Yelp I found a new lunch spot. Had the chicken bowl and tried just about every option of veg. The roasted cauliflower and the eggplant toppings ranked in the top two of the 10 or so I sampled. Hummus, rice and pickled radish were also standouts. The bowl was more than enough food. I will be back! Update: I've been twice, and the second time wasn't as good. The hot veg wasn't hot and we had to wait about 10 min for the chicken to finish cooking. It was so cold in the restaurant we had to eat with our coats on. It was one of those 10 degree days so perhaps it was just a fluke.
(3)Kareem T.
I used to love this great restaurant, It's still TASTE WONDERFUL, my bad review only for bad customer service!!! The worst customer service ever!! The guy didn't want to do anything thing I want and keep giving me an angry look and look at the cashier man. He was the short Hispanic guy I'm very upset
(1)John E.
NOTE: it does not close at 9 but when meat runs out so could be 9-midnight. Call first. Excellent schwarma and fries.
(4)Sultan M.
The food seems pretty good, but the guys at the counter are short on patience. They're not great at explaining how the ordering works and have a bit of an attitude.
(3)Luice T.
I was craving Cava Mezza Grill but it was too far away and stumbled upon this place. I don't eat Middle Eastern food a lot but I am a fan and this place was great. By the time we arrived (20 minutes before closing), they were out of chicken and some of the toppings. Thank goodness they still had lamb left! Got a bowl (Rice and meat) for a little over $8 (with tax). The order of things were: 1. Rice - The guy didn't give lots of rice (not sure if its because its all they had left). 2. Toppings - Cucumber and tomato, hummus, picked radish, onions with sumac, etc 3. Meat - The guy gave us lots of lamb (yay). 4. Sauce - Topped off with tahini and hot sauce. The lady slathered on the tahini (covered the whole bowl!), so be aware. I would';ve preferred less but it was still good. The hot sauce wasn't that spicy, gave some nice warmth but I would've preferred more (I love spicy). Definitely will come back!
(4)Bert F.
I came here disorientated on a very hot 90+ degree weather summer day wearing all black from a hotel I was staying at with my child. The owner was so nice and offered me water because he could tell we were overheated. So I proceed to get myself shawarma with pita, and a platter for my son. Wow what flavor. I'm glad I found this place. Wow.wow.wow.
(5)Jer C.
Pocket Monday $5... First Visit: Pocket with Mixed Chicken and Lamb, Lots of shiny fresh Veggies: Cucumber, Tomato, Onions, Lettuce, Cabbage, Beets, etc. The meat was juicy and delicious. Sauce was very tasty. Small place 5 tables fills up at Noon. I wish they would put a table outside for nice days like today. I agree with the other Yelpers It does remind me of Chipotle. 2nd visit: The place was full so I did carryout. Monday $5 Pocket Mixed Meat. Everything. No Onions and No Hot Sauce. The pocket was still warm when I got to my desk. Various sauces marinated during the drive and the flavorful smell engulfed our office. No worries. The pocket was so good I think I ate some of the paper wrapping. Still no complaints from sniffing coworkers. I'd better get rid of the evidence. Delicious.
(5)Prii P.
I am a fan! This is hands down the best middle eastern eatery in town. The falafel is made to order, and always served hot and crisp. They offer a variety of authentic toppings for your sandwich. The chicken shawerma is my favorite.. the meat cooked and seasoned just right. Will come again and bring my friends :)
(5)Jeff W.
Meh. The veggies were great but the chicken was dry, the fries were frozen out of a bag. Service was a little lacking too.
(2)Bert D.
I found this spot for a late lunch. Great flavor and variety of options. Mixed meat (lamb and turkey) with every side they offer. My first time at this place but I'll definitely be back. It came with fries, which weren't really needed or eaten. But they were fresh and hot. The flavored are very good and the staff was friendly.
(4)Michal A.
Really enjoyed their falafel sandwich. It is made fresh to order and they have a great selection of toppings to go inside the sandwich, like fried eggplant & cauliflower, fresh cut tomato-cucumber salad and much more. After trying falafel in many other places I can say that this is so far the best in the NoVA and DC metro area.
(5)Umair M.
Got the chicken and lamb mix bowl and it was amazing. Portion size Is also very generous. Deli style place and authentic taste.
(5)Nikki H.
Great place to grab a quick bite for lunch. The food tasted freshly made. The falafel was not dry - nice & crispy outside.
(4)Chris S.
Great place, great people, great food. Been here multiple times food is always good. Definitely one of the best Shawerma places in the DMV.
(5)John T.
The first time I walked into this place I knew I was going to be a regular. The whole concept is great: Chipotle meets Shawerma. You pick from a wide assortment of toppings and sauces to put in a bowl, platter or sandwich. I've only got the bowl here. If you are gluten-free or paleo, this place should be on your radar. I'm giving it four-stars for it's service and organization. The food is five-star (given it's low price and high quality). I've been there many times and sometimes it's a breeze and sometimes I've left because I didn't want to wait any longer. It says something that I keep going back despite the uneven service. The place is new and they are still getting their feet under them. This restaurant has real potential to be great. It would be nice if their system for ordering was clearer (like a sign that says "order here")... it can feel like a free-for-all when there is a line. I think if they played up the healthy aspect of their food a bit more, they would get more business, too. You can order sodas, fries, falafel and hummus in addition to the excellent chicken or lamb.
(4)Devin M.
I love the lamb bowl. They offer a large variety of fresh accoutrements. This is a great little addition to the shopping mall. They're device is good and quick .
(4)Hykus S.
Owner needs to pay extra attention. I'm a regular I love the food there. However, my recent visits ( coincided with a new crew) were not as great as usual. The quality of food is declining significantly.
(2)Au D.
Delicious with amazing value! Definitely a must try. They give you so much food it's ridiculous.
(5)Yeleezka F.
By far the most cost efficient and delicious meal!. As good as it gets in terms of fast food, amazing friendly service, fresh ingredients, and everything else. I have not met one person (and I've brought about 10) that did not like it. I cater all my work lunches with this place. Love it!
(5)Sarah A.
So I went back a couple of weeks ago and i did not enjoy it not one single bit, the chicken was not tasty and well cooked the toppings were ok and the bread wasn't the best twi starts for effort
(2)Sharon O.
worst falafel ever...Tahini was like water and hot sauce was as well.
(1)Joshua N.
You've gotta love a good Shawerma! My wife and I frequently enjoy the mixed meat shawerma wraps and sandwiches. Once you order your Shawerma they put the meat in and any toppings that you choose. They also have platters that come with rice and fries. The falafel is also good. The price is not bad here, and they give a lot of meat in the Shawerma. Try it!
(5)Michael C.
Wow really good.. mouth dropped and I only closed it to chew my food.. got the mixed meat platter
(5)Drew N.
New place, good place! Very happy to have a good shawerma place close to home! They use the correct meat (the big spinning meat!) and the choice of toppings was excellent. The pickled cauliflower was awesome. Some other places in the area sell shawermas, but they seem to all use cheap microwave minute steaks. This place is the real deal! The menu is small, but everything on it is tasty. The service is good and quick.
(5)Calvin H.
Definitely going back. Just choose a sandwich or bowl and ask them to make it like they would. It was absolutely delicious
(5)Mabast M.
Real good food, im from iraq and let me tell you that this is as close as to the real thing as you can get. The place is owned by a group of very nice people also. Food is always fresh, place is very clean. Gotta try it.
(5)Ahmed A.
- Chicken Shawarma is Really good. - Falafel is among the best in northern Virginia and DC area. - Beef is big NO, (it has indian spices taste in it!) Pleas fix the spices. They have to change the bread to real arabic beta bread, and it has to be fresh, n
(3)Ghaith M.
The young cashiers are nice and professional but the guy in charge of the shawarma/toppings is the epitome of bad customer service. We used to come to this place about twice a week and we were always reluctant every time because their shawarma is just okay and nothing special (not authentic) and we always thought maybe this guy had a bad day or something but enough is enough we will never return. It's not worth it for 2 main reasons: bad customer service and the shawarma is just okay like I mentioned before (nothing special and not authentic). Very surprised of the good reviews to be honest. Go try this place and you will immediately know what I mean.
(1)Jeff H.
After reading the reviews I took the family. Fries were as good as advertised. Falafel made fresh and delish. We shared a Schwarma wrap and a pita schwarma. Delicious as advertised. We'll be back. Very few tables but they have takeout.
(4)skaparna M.
This was the best wrap I have ever eaten!!! Filled with my choice of lamb, vegetables and other yummy toppings including some special sauce, the wrap was absolutely delicious. The place is very low key, just the way I like it.
(5)May S.
Ok this place def. deserves 5 stars if not more. I have been looking everywhere for authentic shawerma and finally found it! My husband and I had the chicken shawerma loaded with goodnessand some falafel and fries on the side. Every bite was delish even the French fries. We drove 25 minutes to come and try this place out and I tell you it was Worth It!
(5)Cinnamon N.
The garlic mayo sauce is love in your mouth. This is the top schawerma place in the area!
(5)Wajma A.
This place is the bomb dot com!!!!!! Love this place!!!! Seriously, the place looks shady and a little bit trustworthy but once you taste the food, everything else is history. AWESOME food!!!
(4)Abdulaziz A.
Five-star shawarma with no doubt. I tried their bowl of mixed chicken and beef shawarma that comes with mixed greens, a wide variety of pickles, yellow rice, hummus and your choice of toppings. It's simply the best shawarma I've ever tried in Virginia! The staff are friendly and the restaurant is clean. I hope that they open many other branches in the near future since the quality of their food and the taste of their dishes are what we all always look for.
(5)Xin Z.
Delicious chicken bowl. Well mixed with veggies, very healthy choice. Owner is very nice too. Happy to discover this place in my neighborhood. Yum!
(5)Adam S.
Wow, fantastic. The shawerma and all the toppings are absoluetly fantastic. Wallahi the most authentic shawerma experience I have had since studying in Jordan. If you love shawerma, falafel, etc, you must try this place if you happen to be nearby.
(5)Dan C.
Hungry? Not trying to spend a bunch for good food? Look no further and check this place out. If you get the platter (choose a protein, toppings, rice, and fries) prepare for a feast. I've had the chicken and the lamb, and both are very tasty. Seating is not abundant so you may need to take this to go.
(5)Hersh K.
My second favorite place to eat at during my short 2 month stay in fairfax. its true that they don't have many options in terms of the menu so I always found my self ordering the shawarma wrap or the bowl. No complaints on the food though and even though this place can get a little pricey if you eat here every day, the quality of the food was actually very good. The meat always tasted fresh and all vegetables and sauces were cut and prepared everyday which really added to the overall taste. The only thing that annoyed me was the worker who would take my order would ALWAYS ask me about 3-4 times whether I wanted chicken or lamb, even after telling him what I wanted. Didn't think it was that hard to remember between 2 options!?! But, all in all, as far as the food is concerned, there are no complaints and I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Dooly M.
This place is awesome. I was craving for real Shawarma for a while and finally found one. This is the best among many places I tried. They just do it right. The guys who are working there are super awesome. they are friendly and very helpful with the recommendation regarding the toppings in your Shawarma. I tried both lamb and chicken and both were very tasty, but the lamb was my favorite. It is the first time that I kept eating my whole two sandwiches just because they are soooooo goood. Shawarma Exp., count me as a loyal and frequent costumer. Keep going in your awesome work guys.
(5)owen h.
got there late Monday evening. the meat in my shwarma had been cut off before I got there and sat on the griddle for a while, so it was dry. they offer a promo on Mondays, so it was $5
(3)Jimmy M.
We tried this place for lunch & honestly great food ,fresh & very yummy! The only thing I would say is that they need to improve their service. There is no rhyme or reason after you pay for your food..you wait in line & sometimes they skip over you thinking they took care of you already. It took me 30 min to just get a wrap...food is good and authentic but service is average
(4)Praveen R.
The best Shawarma I had in a long time. Good quantity and great value for money. Good choice of toppings.
(5)S D.
Ladies and Gentlemen, In the words of the owner who waited on us today, this place is the Chipotle of the Middle East. Totally delicious. Will definitely come again.
(5)Jayson L.
just amazing. i think their lamb shawarma with pita wrap is the best thing you can get with $7.
(5)kei c.
It's like a Chipotle for shawermas. You choose a sandwich, bowl or platter. Then choose the meat and fillings. The meat was juicy, the fillings were fresh, the service was a bit uneven but fixable. And the prices were comparable to the area. It's great to have something new and delicious to this area.
(5)Pj R.
This place is great--there should be lines out the door. I have always hated falafel, but I tried one of their falafel wraps with fries. Couldn't have been better--some people are born to cook, and these guys do it well. The fries are awesome and the place is clean and friendly. Going back for more! You have to try it!
(5)Talal R.
Just tried this place for the first time. FANTASTIC. had 2 sandwishes. One chicken and one beef. I liked both. The best i have tried in Nova. A lot of variaty in toppings service was also great. Friendly and generous. I ordered catering for New Years eve. I will post another review after new years to talk abt the order. Hopfully it will be as good.
(5)Layla S.
I like the small pita. The falafel was great. The only thing that kinda got me edgy was waiting for a long time.
(4)amit b.
Got a shawarma chicken bowl ...Great food ; quick service , good prices ... What else is there , will go back
(5)M. H.
Just had it today, and it was amazing. I'm stuffed and feeling a slight heart attack, but I don't regret it one bit. For my first time, I got the lamb and chicken platter with rice, fries, and a little of each veggie/pickle. The total was like $10. The fries came in a separate bag and were like a large order at any fast food place. They kinda reminded me of Burger King fries, with the crispy breaded outside layer. The meat and veggies filled up the plastic container they came in (the container was similar to those found in grocery store salad bars). There was definitely more veggies than meat, but it was an even variety of different veggies and flavors, rather than a ton of lettuce. I don't feel gypped. The lamb was fatty, salty, and heavy deliciousness, while the chicken seemed healthier. The pickles and veggies cut through the fat to give you some relief. The guys also gave me some hummus and garlic mayo. Hummus was okay, but the garlic mayo was pure fatty goodness. It really was just amazing, especially with the fries. Definitely give this place a shot if you're in the area. I'll be coming back very soon. Seriously, 5/5.
(5)Kurt O.
This place is a destination restaurant and worth the half hour drive for some authentic, fresh, and in house made shawerma. I hope this takes off and we see more opening up. There were people from more than an hour away coming here for the falafel and shawerma, keep up the great work! Its going to be difficult to keep up with the line that stayed out the door the whole time I was there!
(5)Elizabeth L.
Falafel cooked fresh when you order. Takes a little longer than the lamb or chicken but SO worth it. Tasty, fresh toppings to go with it. Friendly staff, too. Love this place for delicious, quick lunch or dinner.
(5)Barbie F.
Awesome Falafel. Great toppings. So glad they are here. Friendly service and they brought a sample of both chicken & lamb/turkey shawerma. Love the sauces and sides!!!
(5)Rachel M.
Best schwarma in the area hands down. Service was a little intimidating but we order over the phone and pick up for a quick meal.
(4)John C.
Good shawarma, good lamb and chicken (my wife doesn't usually like lamb and even SHE said the lamb was tasty). Didn't try the falafel or pita. Very friendly, lots of choices for veggies and sauces. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have proper sharak bread for the shawarma sandwich....used a pre-made tortilla (apparently). Hey, ultimate fusion? Anyhow, that's the only reason for not giving 5 stars. I'll go back again!
(4)Mike S.
Best shawerma in the DMV! Great service owners are awesome, the salads and the falafel is just like back home great job guys keep it up
(5)Rio N.
Ron Swanson on Parks and Rec: "There's a hot spinning cone of meat......I don't know what it is, but I'd like to eat the whole thing." Was Ron referring to shawarma? If so, I had the same initial thought. I've passed by this place while I was out exploring Fairfax and I'm glad I decided to go inside. I got the platter that comes with rice, salad, and fries, and I imagine Ron Swanson would be a bit disappointed that I couldn't quite finish my entire meal (and because I ordered something with salad)! I ended up getting the chicken platter with the following: arabic salad, red cabbage, onion with somak, hummus, and tahini (basically a paste). They first put in rice (saffron rice I think), then the other items with the chicken and tahini coming last. The fries were made while my platter was getting readied, so I got some nice hot, crispy fries. One of the more confusing things (apart from what to include) was where to line up since when I went in, there weren't many people. You pay first and then customize your platter, bowl or sandwich, so be sure to go to the cashier first. Portions were good, as was the taste. I'm sure I'll be returning sometime soon.
(4)Rebecca S.
Full disclosure: This is my only experience with Shawarma, but I'm an extremely picky eater. That being said, when a co-worker asked me if I wanted to join for lunch to get food I've never tried before, I was hesitant, but it was nearby work and super convenient. Once there, the place smells great. I had the falafel in a pita pocket and I asked the cook behind the counter to suggest what to add into it. I was amazed at how instantly I fell in love. You get a generous amount of food for the price, everything is cooked to perfection, and I have returned several time since my original experience and each time is the same great service and taste. The fries are even the best fries I've ever had. No joke. Get them. The interior is not a fancy place, but it doesn't have to be because the food is what you come for. I make sure to bring new people every time I come.
(5)Brenda K.
H healthy fastfood! Lots of good choices for your sandwich or bowl. Chicken was tasty. Don't miss the sautéed veggies in the right hand counter. Eggplant. Cauliflower and zucchini!
(4)Martha F.
The food is absolutely amazing the toppings are all fresh and the meat is special (not like some shawarma that you buy at the mall) this stuff is legit!! This is a great place to pick up food to go, or stop by with friends for lunch. It's not a fancy date place or anything but it's definitely a place that I find myself coming back to over and over even though before this experience I was never huge into schwarma I also think I'm going to try the falafel soon
(5)Vinita G.
OMG so so so yummmmm!! I've had the lamb and falafel so far, and both were incredible. It's a great sign when I go in towards close and they are actually out of meat, and out of pre-cooked falafel! They even made fresh falafel for me when I went in hear close and they were out. Great people, great service, wonderful food, great price...can't wait to go back!!
(5)Sher S.
Please open next to cave mazza. I have not been there but i already don't like the fact that they are directly competing against you guys. 5 stars for being open.
(5)Tina A.
Nice, nice guys! Halal food. And finally after all these years of deprivation, my husband finally had his beloved Shawarma! & He hasn't stopped talking about it since.
(5)Frank B.
I just left there with lamb and rice; it smells delectable. The service was refreshing. Smiles and hospitable. Even when I changed the how the bowl is ordered; they were pleasant. Can't wait to get home to eat!!!!
(5)Melissa C.
Loved the food and the options to create your own bowl or platter. Not really into fries but they were great! Overall an great lunch time spot and would definitely go there again.
(5)Victor R.
I had the Chicken shwarma bowl with rice, cauliflower, pickle, onion, zucchini, white sauce and red sauce. It was not that good and I threw it all up hours later. Something was very wrong with the food.
(1)Christa F.
Shawerma Express is to Middle Eastern cuisine as Chipotle is to Latin cuisine. Same. They are both delicious, slightly upper scale (by that I mean higher class than taco bell) fast food joints. The flavor profiles are about right for their respective regional representations. You choose bowl, sandwich, or platter. I got the bowl, which was fluffy rice topped with any number of toppings, but included lettuce, chopped cucumber and tomato, pickled onions, cole slaw, hummus, garlic sauce, eggplant, pickles and the list goes on..... Then, they take shavings of your meat choice (I went for the lamb/turkey) and pile it up on top of the delicious topping, followed by a healthy drizzle of tahini and/or mango sauce (highly recommend the mango sauce, or at least that you ask to taste it). All the ingredients combined in that bowl made for some pretty tasty vittles! Not to mention, relatively healthy. Only noticed a few detractors - pita is not made in house, but rather comes pre-made and just warmed in the microwave. The fountain drink size is itty bitty, but that may be my western sensibilities taking over (mad love for the big gulp). Nice guys behind the counter. All made for a good experience.
(4)Sara S.
Brilliant! I love everything about this place. It's small, convenient and truly cater to the lunch rush. Unfortunately, they close by 9pm and don't deliver. The delivery bit can be overlooked but closing at 9pm is truly disappointing. In a college town, closing late is such a great opportunity. I would certainly visit this place after a late class or when having a party... if only they were open past 9pm.
(5)Sahar A.
No! This place is awful. The shawarma and falafel are the worst i ever tasted . The place is kind of messy . I would never go there again
(2)Emperor J.
Very very good taste. Love the real meat being shaved. A little expensive , however I would go back.
(5)