Did I go to the same place as everyone else? The name was the same, but the gyro and shawarma I had were pretty uninspired. This was the first time I had tepid meat in a gyro or shawarma...and this was after they microwaved them (I saw them use a microwave to heat up the gyro and shawarma). It's no exaggeration to say that the gryo and shawarma were the worst I've ever had in my life. And...the tzatziki that came with the kibbeh was squeezed out of a tube. Classy. As for the service, the mom and pop proprietors could be a little more friendly (and they couldn't be less friendly). Maybe they were having an off day? I don't get the people who've talked about the little bag of Lay's chips that they give you. Potato chips and shawarma don't go together in my book.
(1)
Cristi C.
Very, very meh. I was literally the only customer in the store, yet it still took 15 minutes to get my to-go gyro. The gyro itself was pretty bland. I asked for no lettuce, got lettuce. Also, the menu didn't mention that it came with onion, only lettuce and tomato. I got onion. I hate onion. Not very much meat. What meat there was was pretty dry. If you want an outstanding, juicy, meaty gyro, go to Gyros2Go. On the plus side, the place was clean and full of interesting wares.
(2)
Giri S.
We try not to go to the Eastside if we don't have to, but fortunately today we found a way to make it worthwhile: Byblos deli. While the proprietor was preparing our delicious hummus/pita/falafel/etc meal we browsed the amazing selection of mostly Turkish groceries. Brought back great memories of our Turkey trip. Anyway, Byblos is now our #1 Mediterranean place in the area. PS - The husband and wife who were running the store were extremely warm and friendly and we have never seen a grocery store this clean.
(5)
Cody R.
I had the Mediterranean combination plate & a spinach pie. The baba ganouj was excellent. Falafel was a little dry on its own, but was served with good portions of hummus, tahini and baba g. Their spinach pies are vegan, which was nice. The owner was very friendly too.
(3)
Chris C.
Nice little deli. Decent prices on prepared food. Some of the grocery items were a bit high, but for specialty store, not surprising. I'm going back.
(4)
Paula T.
Was not super impressed with the Classic Gyro I got to go. the meat was a little dry. The other ingredients seemed good and fresh. It also came with a bag of chips which I wasn't expecting. The best place I've found so far for gyros is Gyros 2 Go in Redmond.
(3)
Amanda W.
I love this place! The staff are so helpful and the food is absolutely delicious. My boyfriend and I go here often (sometimes twice in one day - its that good!). We usually get the classic gyros and some baklava.
(5)
Sarah P.
I visited this place because when I called Mediterranean Kitchen, they said there was a 40 minute wait. We didn't want to wait that long. When we got here, it was completely empty. It was just me and my bf. We got a chicken sandwich, grape leaves, and hummus. We both enjoyed the food, and it was priced well.
(4)
sarelle h.
They have the best Lebanese style sandwiches. I tried the chicken and garlic sandwich. It was mouthwatering! It included pickles and spices just like an authentic Lebanese sandwiches. Next time, I'm going to try the Soujouk sandwich as well. I mainly would go to Byblos to stock up on middle-eastern goods. I had never ordered food from here before, as I was never inspired to. However, now I'm so sorry I never tried their sandwiches before. What was I thinking. This place is yummy!
(5)
U U.
I went there for a quick dinner at 7:15 on a weeknight while getting off work. I got their before my friends did and ended up waiting for a bit for atleast one of them to get there. The owner was very rude to us and rushed us to get our orders in before our third friend got there. The falafel was dry and very ordinary (especially when compared to the ones just up the street on Truly Med) and we were annoyed by his constantly rushing us to finish up and leave. I would probably go there sometime to shop for some middle eastern spices and groceries, but never for dinner!
(2)
Sophia S.
This is a great place for finding authentic middle eastern ingredients for far less than what you would pay at a standard grocer, plus they have a great deli for a snack or lunch after you've done your shopping (lamb shawarma). I love coming here for feta, olives, walnuts and the always handy puff pastry.
(5)
Vi L.
sorry, i'll pass. while the owners are kind and friendly, and the grocery section is passable, the food here.... well, it sucks. the kibbeh is stale, cold and tasteless. the shawarma is stale and tasteless (baked probably 3 days earlier and microwaved). i also don't know why they serve it with lay's potato chips. i'd rather have hummus. the falafel was microwaved (not freshly fried). the vine leaves are out of a can. mind you, i've married into an egyptian family and i'm from the east coast. if i wasn't, maybe i'd like this place. but having gotten used to the good stuff back home, i wouldn't recommend this place for lunch/dinner to anyone. do stop by for figs, tea, shisha and cheese though.
(1)
Gaurav K.
Great Mediterranean place near Microsoft. Love their Garlic Chicken Sandwich.
(5)
Ebru Y.
If you're homesick because you cannot find the foods and goods you had in your home country then do not miss this place! Even if you are a local person, you will fall in love with all the foreign goodies this place has to offer! My family shops here often because we can pretty much find anything Turkish here, really Turkish, with the brands and all. There is the beef sausage, cheese, dried goods, olives, jams, whatever you can think of. They also serve falafels, dolmas, and some other appetizers in the store, and they do have a few bar stools that you can rest on and enjoy your food :)
(5)
Jeff N.
A few people recommended this place to me and I am glad I listened to them. This is a nice little restaurant with an amazing market. For lunch I Had the Man'oush Lamajune Turkish Style which is made in a stone oven. The flavors were balanced and it was as pleasing to the eye as it was to my stomach. My friend had the Shawarma. I also had a Tea which was nice and strong! After lunch we stopped in the market on the side and the woman working there is so nice. I had several questions and when she couldn't answer them she asked the chef. It was so nice that she really wanted to help me purchase the right products. Spent over 30 dollars on some products including Turkish cheese which I love. Good dining experience from a chef who really did a great job and the kind woman in the market. The only downside was I wanted some silverware with my food.
(4)
Mark P.
A recent visit to my friends in Kirkland led me here. I ordered a Gyro. The gyro has shamed all others that I have had. It was stuffed with more tender, perfectly seasoned meat than any 2 that I have had at other places in my travels, my mouth is watering now, just thinking about it. The bread was the perfect softness, it did not disintegrate under the stress of the juicy goodness that it held inside. The owners both took time to check on how I was enjoying it, and even took time to share some coffee with me. Wonderful folks, great food, felt like I was a regular there, even though it was my first visit. (I will be back on my next trip to the Seattle area)
(5)
K C.
Went here for lunch, ordered a basic gyro with no onions and added feta crumbles for a dollar and also a slice of baklava. Guess what they gave me? Gyro with onions and no feta... They did throw in a small bag of Lays potato chips but I felt like an idiot for leaving a tip, especially since it was carryout. I also neglected to print out a receipt on their ipad self-cashier interface. I'll go back later and see if they plan to make this right somehow. The gyro was good, although I had to comb through it and pick out the onions, and the baklava was good. I will update this review after I go back sometime.
(2)
Kozby E.
This specialty stores as great deli food and groceries you will always find something interesting and delicious! Prices are great, quality is decent. I do like their seating area as nice and clean. Parking is easy and very convenient grocery experience.
(5)
Zeina E.
The food here is so good in the deli!! my kids love coming here. Their kibbeh is so delicious.Plus it's fun to shop in the little market too for middle eastern goodies. We always have to get a tub of lebneh before we leave.
(5)
Inness P.
My coworkers and I visited this place last week. At around 11:45 AM, it was just starting to get busy, but it never got overwhelming while we were there. My coworker and I split the veggie platter and the falafel wrap. As soon as I bit into the wrap, I wished devoutly that I could eat the whole thing. Unlike so many falafel balls that have betrayed me before, this falafel was crispy and good! The veggie platter was generously heaped with hummus, baba ghanoush, olives, dolmades, and two more lovely falafel balls. You order at the counter and everyone is very nice. One woman - maybe the owner? - has a glorious curly bob shot through with gray and the biggest, most entrancing eyes. She is gorgeous and I want to look just like her when I grow up. They have an iPad for transactions and some employees seemed to struggle with it a little bit, but not enough to mind. There's a case on the counter with several kinds of treats within, and I ordered four of them. The almond cake was not my favorite, but both the Lebanese and Greek baklava were delicious and fresh, and drenched in honey. Connected to the cafe is a cool little market with lots of exotic, mostly Middle Eastern goods. Also, Kinder hippos. Great lunch spot or place to stock up on atypical pantry essentials!
(5)
Harsha G.
I was at the 911 driving school on132 and post my test, completely famished. I walked upto 140th and found this Deli crowded. It is a small family owned business where the owners take pride in the food they make. Everything is fresh and made from scratch including their garlic paste. I had their Manoushe Zatar(flatbread) seasoned with sesame and added vegetable toppings to it. It was very flavorful and though looked like a pizza tasted different. I also had a yogurt drink to accompany it and ended my meal with a pista baklava. I want to try thier Kunafeh and Kaak next time around (bagel like breakfast items) and the wraps and the platter. Prices are reasonable, service friendly. Go here if in the neighbourhood and interested in some authentic middle eastern fare
(4)
David M.
This is my favorite restaurant on the Eastside. The food is delicious, the space is clean, the people are extremely nice, and the grocery is very well stocked. I ate here initially with coworkers and it has since become a regular lunch place. I'm partial to the gyros, shawarma, and buying halva from the grocery. The owner is extremely nice and genuine, and all of the staff are friendly. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)
Khoa D.
The classic gyros was pretty good. I also got two of the cakes the owner recommended and a hot Turkish tea. Not bad.
(4)
Zac G.
Worst gyro salad I've ever had.
(1)
Stephen M.
Dropped in while in the neighborhood. What they actually serve is a bit confusing: it is on a flatscreen behind the counter tucked away in the corner. Food turned out to be what I would call "very slow fast food": 15 minutes to wait for not the best quality food served in a plastic basket with a small bag of chips. It is hard to say that anything here was as good as even Trader Joe's. Perhaps the catering is better. Probably won't return.
(2)
Kim G.
Checked this place out for the first time and it was delicious. Had the gyro salad. Super generous portion of meat and feta for a really reasonable price. Kinda bummed it didn't come with falafel (my friend who ordered the gyro sandwich got one). Will have to go back and try other menu items. There's plenty of seating and their grocery is next door; worth a visit for sure.
(5)
Navy M.
Customer service wasn't great. It's a split deli and small grocery store and I had to chase someone down to take my order, that set me back about 10min! Food was bland. I got the garlic chicken wrap, paid extra for the tzatziki sauce, I would have liked feta but I was not going to pay $1 to add it, wowsers. The sandwich was over all boring and I would not be going back.
(2)
Matt K.
Wonderful food and friendly service. Will go back.
(4)
Jade N.
Awesome place! I've been in the Seattle area since 2010 and I was very glad to find this Lebanese/Mediterranean food spot. The food is clean and tasty, and so is the store as a whole (I judge restaurants by how clean they keep their bathrooms too - and this one won big time). I definitely would recommend trying the falafel sandwich or one of the Lebanese-style "manakeesh". Their crepes are yummy too, but I normall go for the meatballs, manakeesh and stuffed grape leaves. Everyone should try this place at least once - then you will not need to read reviews such as this one to go there again...
(5)
robin s.
Byblos is the best. If you are looking for traditional Mediterranean dishes, this is the place. The food is flavorful at a reasonable price. I wish I worked closer to be able to go for lunch more often but visit when I can. Then there is the grocery side... We stop by to get all sorts of cheeses, olives and breads to take to our mom on a regular. The business is growing and has expanded the eating area. A must try..
(5)
Regina C.
Seriously one of my favorite places to grab a bite. The owners are so nice and I love this place they always have a smile and are very welcoming. I always have the chicken sandwich. This is a very boring way to describe this delightful, tasty, savory piece of heaven. It's on a very thin bread/pita maybe it's lavosh. Anyway, it's tender chicken bathed in this rich slightly spicy sauce and topped with lettuce and pickles. Wrapped up neat and tight warmed up under the press. Voila. I always have them add more spice and leave off the pickles. They are expanding and they will soon be serving dinner.
(5)
Theresa R.
I have eatend at Byblos several times over the years & have purchased specialty items from the "store." Always been happy. The staff is helpful & friendly and the food is solid, good quality and yummy. While I agree with some of the reviews that state they prefer a spicier taste in their Mediterranean cuisine. Byblos presents a flavorful, albeit, subtle fare. I think they offer an exception value for a quick, casual mean. When I think that I can get a healthy, good tasting gyro for about $7.00, less than a Big Mac Meal, I would go with Byblos.
(4)
Kris W.
Got a classic gyro to go. Very good and filling. Looking forward to trying their crepes.
(4)
Sarah H.
Lebanese/Mediterranean food at it's best. A small, family owned restaurant and market, a hidden gem. Great atmosphere and friendly service. The gyro I had was excellent, the dolmas and hummus were delicious. Very excited to go back and try more of f the menu. I think I will be trying the shawarma next.
(5)
Keelan J.
I had the Soujouk. It was pretty good, and I liked trying something different. I'll probably go back and try the gyro or falafel.
(4)
Filip S.
Went there hoping to see if the Turkish Manti is as good as Polish Pierogi, but didn't find it on the menu. Maybe I should have asked and I probably will the next time I'm there. The Gyro was good. The Kibbeh is a bit dry and strange for my Polish taste buds. The staff felt a bit frigid but I was fine with that. I bought a few things from their shop and want to go back there though to try more things.
(4)
Keith W.
The absolute most disgusting gyro I've ever had. Went there for lunch and just left. The meat was rubbery, burned and old. You could actually crumble it between your fingers. The tzatiki was runny and sour tasting. When I mentioned to the manager that the sandwich was no good he acknowledged that the meat did not look good. He said the tzatiki was pre made. He told me that he could give me a new sandwich or refund. When he opened the steambox of gyro meat it all looked disgusting. I asked if I could have a chicken gyro instead and he actually said no!!! He said he would only replace with same sandwich. HOW WOULD YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO SERVE THAT MEAT AGAIN AFTER YOU SAID YOURSELF IT LOOKED BAD! Absolutely absurd! I asked for a refund. The manager has a serious attitude problem. Completely rude. The place looked clean but my single experience with this place was terrible all around and I will never be back.
(1)
Ankit S.
This place is just ok. Our Microsoft cafes were closed today and I was craving Mediterranean food, my fave place in Kirkland was too far so I decided to drop in here. The shop is next to a grocery store, and its clean. There were 2 other tables occupied while I was there. They take their sweet time to make the wraps so I assume they are fresh. I tried the Chicken Gyro and the Garlic Chicken wrap. Nothing to write home about, full of lettuce and bland in flavor. I think I paid a bit extra for feta. The blandness in flavor might just be the Indian in me talking, maybe those who dont enjoy spices and flavors would enjot the wraps. Will probably not be visiting again in a hurry.
(3)
Miranda S.
It's pretty amazing.. While at first I was wishing I was able to pick a side other than small bag of plain chips, I realized halfway through my gyro that I wouldn't even be needing them lol.. The gyro was killer!! Huge, and full of meat! :) this will definitely be the spot to head to if I am ever in the area again...
(4)
Yumiko K.
I got to try their veggie plate ($9), which contained pita, dolmas, falafals, tabouli, tzatziki, and super creamy hummus and baba ganoush. They were all good, but I really cannot get over how delicious their hummus and baba ganoush were. In fact, they were so velvety smooth that I was *almost* tempted to smear them all over my face. After this meal, I have decided I will never buy packaged hummus anymore.
(4)
Jean-Jacques T.
Absolutely amazing. Fresh, delicious, authentic. Friendly owner. Can't ask for more. This is the real deal.
(5)
Chris B.
Stopped by for a quick lunch. Food was delicious, albeit small portions. Had veggie platter and spinach fatayer. Very happy with choice and will definitely come back. Seemed like they use real pita bread and not the typical bleached flour trash they serve other places. Very, very happy about that. Also they have a great Mediterranean grocery store too. It's really nice.
(4)
Jamie S.
Yum Yum! Their vegetarian options are fantastic! Also, the owner said he was going to try to get some gluten free options in too! Good Please Do! I'm sure it will taste fantastic when you get them! Also, the place has a grocery store for some Mediterranean items, great quality items you only see in other countries. I love going shopping here for specialty items!
(5)
Dana G.
I shop here for all of my Turkish staples: a few are soujouk, grape leaves, olives, spices, etc. Their food in the deli is also excellent and I love how genuinely nice the shop owner and clerks are. My kitchen doesn't feel complete without my staples from here, it is mine and my husband's comfort food. I hope this deli/store is here forever!
(5)
Melody K.
We stopped into the grocery because we couldn't find bulgur in the supermarkets (what's up with *that*?) and found the biggest assortment of bulgur I'd ever seen. I had to ask for help to figure out what I wanted. The service was warm and friendly. On our way out, she gave us a menu for the deli. We're vegetarian, and I pretty much expect that if there are gyros, I won't want to eat there. I was very surprised by the variety of choices available to us - old favorites and some new ones, too - so we went back for takeout that evening. One reviewer commented that it wasn't fast...no, it's not, because it's cooked to order. It was a bit of a wait - about 10 minutes - but it was worth it. It also wasn't out of line with any other restaurant of the type. This isn't McDonald's conveyer belt food! We went with the veggie plates to get to know the food. Only tabbouli I've ever liked but my own, excellent baba ganoush and the dolmas were wonderful. We indulged in some baklava as well. The owner was friendly and engaging. All and all, we very happy we had trouble finding bulgur. We'll be back to try out some of those other choices.
(5)
Darlene L.
GReat greek food for an amazing low price is totally worth it!! Check in on yelp while you are there and you get a free drink! This is family friendly, mom and pop shop that has a grocery and deli but the seating is limited. My husband and I usually just grab lunch here and go.
(5)
Sam D.
Sunday mornings with warm Knufeh. Warm sweet chewy cheesy Lebanese pastry....only on Sundays. You know why only on Sundays...cause thats the way it was back in Lebanon. -- culturaly consistent. If that won't fill you, try an Armenian soujook sandwich. The food is the real thing. Go Byblos! Shookran habibee.
(5)
D C.
This is a review for the store. I really wanted to like this place but the prices are a little outrageous. Was looking for some soujouk (spicy sausage) and found it....but for $10 for a tiny pack. Had lahmacun that was also overpriced ($10.49 for a 6 pack of small ones). Would have been a frequent customer but I'll look elsewhere or online to get these items. So sad they feel the need to rip people off.
(2)
A H.
The customer service in this place is hostile and defensive. I went in to buy a few items and left feeling attacked and not buying anything. When you put on a fake smile while talking to someone it does not wash away your hostility, defensiveness, and poor customer service skills. It drives people away just like it did me last Thursday. I walked in and looked around, then stepped into the second room which was a new addition to the store only to be startled by the woman stacking the shelves there who talked to me in an unfriendly manner directing me out of the room. The conversation then took a defensive manner from her side and trying to push on me their local home made product as opposed to what I was looking for. Too bad for them I'm not going there again.
(1)
Will K.
***First, a clarification: Byblos' falafel is fried. Maybe they reheat it in the microwave, but they are definitely fried.*** This place is one of Bellevue's hidden gems. Their falafel is awesome: not overdone and just the right texture. The gyros are great too: lamb is my favorite. I also like the soujouk sandwich, and the hazelnut candy bars are great. I've had their hummus plate, which is pretty good. I'm told their hummus is a family recipe. I don't do my grocery shopping here, but I might start because they are well stocked with all kinds of middle eastern and Mediterranean fare. Sometimes they get a little busy in the lunch rush, so if you have to wait, it's worth it. I look forward to trying their crepes. Sometimes they have specialty items. Try everything, especially if you can't pronounce it.
(5)
Omar S.
Delicious Arabic & Turkish dishes. Whatever middle eastern grocery you want you can find it at byblos. This place has the best falafel sandwiches. Fresh pita bread is available every Monday and Thursday.
(5)
Gus S.
"What's your favorite Lebanese place in Seattle?" is a question I often get asked. It's Byblos Deli. It's a deli, not a restaurant, but the quality and authenticity of the food, the great customer service, and the grocery section (best pita bread in Seattle, and a great selection of cheeses and spices), make this place a regular destination. Chef Khalil and his wife Tam revamped the place after buying it from the previous owners a couple of years ago., and have made the atmosphere more welcoming and warm (if one expects warmth in a deli). It's a short hop from the Microsoft campus, my team's secret getaway from the cafeteria food, and I usually go with colleagues for lunch or a late afternoon coffee. To my amusement, many of them adopted the place and the cuisine as their own (and who wouldn't after trying out the great specialties) You can't top the baba ghannouj, the hummus, the kebbe, or the recently introduced shawarma sandwiches. Other strong recommendations are the tabboule, the falafel sandwich, and the veggie plate. I also always look in their front fridge for any side dishes or desserts that are not on their usual menu. Chef Khalil also makes awesome crepes (Nutella/Banana/Strawberry for dessert). And a meal never feels complete without a cup of Turkish coffee made to order. And if you're an east-sider, or if by some miracle you feel inspired to, gasp! , drive from Seattle to Bellevue on a weekend, I suggest that you try the Sunday's "Knefeh" - it's a yummy cheesy dessert covered with a thick sugary syrup, served in a thin round bun, and is a staple of a Lebanese weekend breakfasts. I mentioned that authenticity of the experience is one of the strong points of Byblos Deli. You find it in the preparation of the food (which the owner and chef attends to in person), the selection on the menu (a good mix of Lebanese, Turkish and Greek specialties + the French crepes), and the small details like the presentation of the dishes (I would drop the potato chips, and replace them with a side of olives, personally), and sandwiches (tightly packed, unlike burritos). Last but not least, it's a deli and is priced accordingly, so you can be certain you'll be full with less than $15 each.
(5)
Auntie M.
I was really disappointed after all the good reviews. First the good news. I got the veggie plate for lunch and the baba ghannouj was really good The tabbouli flavor was good but the bulgar was in clumps. Falafel balls were hard and dry and the same for the pita which seemed stale. I was planning on buying some pita in the store but changed my mind. My friend had the shawarma and she said it was OK but that was all.
(2)
Kurtis S.
Went here for lunch (as part of my regular "let's pick somewhere on yelp and eat there" plan), and quite enjoyed it - I had fantastic Shawarma (first time trying so I can't compare), and my friend had the chicken gyro (his first time having gyro, and I didn't try it so can't compare either). It took a little while for the food to come out, but it was well worth the wait. Inexpensive and delicious - I'll definitely be back. I'm hesitant to give it 5 stars based on the small amount of table space and my inability to compare the dishes to the same dish elsewhere (for all I know Shawarma is always that delicious), however I'll revise it once I've been back!
(4)
Senor E.
This was our first time here. Great Gyros but we wish they had Greek fries too. If you're not sure what to order the menu doesn't help (no photos), but the owner was very nice. Lastly, there are only four tables so seating is definitely limited. The gyros were worth it though.
(4)
Sireesha S.
The place is small and cramped. Although we always seem to get the last available table - so I am not complaining much. But if you come for lunch after me, there won't be any tables left for you. Most of their space is occupied by aisles of middle eastern grocery items. I agree I do not have much business sense; but common sense dictates that you would allocate more space to your profitable business. Which is their case is their restaurant. So why they have fewer tables than aisles, I do not understand. The food is good, though mostly cold. The portions are sizable for the price paid. And the owners are nice and sweet. Well, 3 reasons for the 3 stars.
(3)
A S.
THIS PLACE IS A GEM! Went here for some unusual items for my new Mediterranean cookbook, found almost everything! Got lunch, the chicken gyro- very good! The owner had me try the kibbeh, and in a word- PERFECTION! This was the best kibbeh I've ever tasted! The outside was crispy, the inside moist with a delicious spiced beef filling. All the many other kibbeh I've had have been greasy or dry. Not at Byblos! This is going to be my new healthy take-out go to place!
(5)
Craig R.
The short: -One of the best shawarma sandwiches I've ever had -The guy who owns the place is incredibly nice -There is a ton of repeat business that comes in and talk to the owner on a constant basis (good sign in my opinion) -It is very affordable for a lunch/dinner option in the area -I've only come later in the evening (6 PM or so), but it's really fast cause nobody else is there -It is kind of a pain in the neck to get in and out of the parking lot depending which direction you might be coming from, but all of 20th is like that between 148th and 140th, stupid road design I've never done any shopping here, I just come for the sandwiches, so I can't speak for the rest of the merchandise...
(4)
Kevin P.
When you first walk in it looks like a Greek grocery store. The owners a really friendly and explained to me what every item on the menu was. For the most part all the items are made in house. I tried a couple of smaller items the first time i was there and they were really good. When i came back another day for lunch I ordered a gyro. The gyro and a bag of chips for $6 was a good deal and very tasty. The gyro had a lot of meat and was very good. I would definitely come back for another gyro.
(4)
Ratish K.
Best garlic chicken shawarma, falafel sandwich... Chips comes free ;-)
(5)
Jens J.
Byblos was a random pick for lunch today. This is a small grocery store with a tiny deli and sandwich-making operation. There's three or so tables at the front. The blackboard menu behind the counter also listed other types of gyros, hummus as well as a few dessert items. I placed my order for a chicken gyro with the gentleman standing at the cash register (gyro was $6.58, including tax). While a lady in the store made my gyro, I strolled around and looked at the merchandise. Besides a few cheeses, spices, cookies and crackers, there were some colorful (both figuratively and literally) goods, including pickled turnips and "feferoni" (Macedonian pickled peppers). I grabbed a bag of "Biskit Krakers" to go with my sandwich (which turned out to be unnecessary because they give you a small bag of complimentary Lay's potato chips with your sandwich). These biskit krakers taste like Ritz crackers and are shaped like little fish. As I was waiting for my sandwich, the lady was speaking very sharply (in her native tongue) to the man who took my order. It must have been her husband. The gyro was fresh and flavorable. The seasoned chicken was actually two rectangular strips that were only as thick as a slice of bologna. Also on the pita bread were two different sauces, tomato, pickled pepper, onion and lettuce. I was fairly pleased with the gyro. It could have stood to have less lettuce, but at least the lettuce was fresh!
(4)
Tony B.
This review is just about the food I got, not the full deli since I didn't do any shopping there (looks like you can get what you need though from a Mediterranean standpoint). I was looking for a new Greek place for gyros and came across Byblos here on Yelp. Given the great reviews and high ratings I thought I'd give it a try. All in all it's just OK. Nothing I would go out of my way for or probably even come back to since I have to drive a bit and there's a tastier place here in the main part of Redmond. I got the traditional gyro, and was a bit surprised that it was cold. I figured, big deal gyro meat should be fine cold. While it is, there's something about a hot gyro that the meat has just come off the rotisserie of. I did like that they size wasn't overwhelming and overflowed the pita. And while there could be seen hints of greatness in the pita, having it cold (they should butter and grill it before putting in the gyro toppings IMO), it didn't stand up to the filling and basically fell apart about halfway through. If you are in the area and really need a gyro fix you could do worse, but you could also do better.
(2)
Robert L.
Hands down the best chicken gyro I have ever had. Expect to wait 5-10 minutes for your order as the owner is making sure your gyro is perfect!
(5)
heidie c.
So Happy I found a place that makes a fantastic falafel sandwich! Really friendly service to go along with the delicious food.
(5)
Original B.
I work long evening shifts in Bellevue cramped in a tiny office, and eating a good take-out meal is usually the highlight of my work day. I decided to finally try Byblos Deli and was very satisfied. Quick service, delicious shawarma, yummy (and nicely portioned) baklava. I usually go to another place for my Mediterranean fix but I think I'm going to start driving the extra few miles to Byblos Deli from now on, my experience was quite positive. Very nice grocery products as well, definitely coming here when I need Mediterranean ingredients.
(4)
Huy N.
As soon as we walked through the front door, the staff immediately came to helped us at the front counter. We ordered the hummus plate, beef shawarma and bastirma beef...All were DELICIOUS!!! Best part was the wraps were made in front of us, its was fun to watch our food come together. We also ended doing a little shopping for some new things to try. Definitely will be back to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
David J.
Their crêpes were fantastic, made with ingredients that tasted very fresh! Likewise - the stuffed grape leaves (vegetarian) were delicious. Also - check out the filo and honey rolls (not sure if it's technically baklava, or just something similar) - very good!
(4)
Casey J.
I averaged the stars. 4 stars for the store and cleanliness. 2 stars for the gyros and falafel. Worst falafel I have ever, ever had. Its not fried. Its microwaved. It was like a falafel flavored cupcake. Very, very strange. The gyro was average. Same as you would find in any shopping mall.
(3)
Amanda W.
Byblos Deli is my favorite place in Bellevue. They have fantastic food and grocery selection. Their gyros are to die for and their crepes are so light and tasty. The owners are so incredibly friendly and helpful. I absolutely love going here and I recommend it as often as I can.
(5)
He M.
I'm lebanese and i come here often for their goods. I love the moroccan olives, cheeses (halloume, sheep kaskaval...), labne and veggies. Zaatar has been hit and miss. You can get fresh pita on the day they deliver a fresh batch.
(4)
Geoff F.
There aren't many places to sit in this grocery/deli, but it's worth going and grabbing some food anyway. We had the gyros, a chocolate and berry crepe, and the baba ganouj. The gyro is a pretty standard gyro, but stood out for the size and quality. I'm a pretty good eater and could barely finish my gyro. The lettuce and tomato were fresh and lovely and the tzatziki was tangy. The baba ganouj was extremely garlicky (in a good way) and creamy. I'm looking forward to going back and trying some of their other dishes.
(4)
OJ J.
My wife and I go their regularly for lunches and shopping. The shawarma is amazing. Their hummus is the best hands down. I love this place.
(5)
p e.
Byblos is not only a good place to stock up on all your Mediterranean groceries; it's also a great place to get lunch. You don't have to order off the sandwich menu (which is good stuff). I usually order items from the fridge and they heat them up. Try this: spinach pie, olives, and stuffed grape leaves. mmmmm!
(5)
Ali S.
Love this place! You can pick up fresh hummus, a spinach pie, and some kibbeh to go. They have fresh pita for sale and also lots of hard to find middle eastern spices. Check it out if you are in the area. The man and woman that run the place are super sweet. I love going in there.
(5)
Aid W.
Authentic Middle Eastern-Turkish food. Their falafel are awesome as are the gyros. The homemade yogurt is to die for. And, the pickled turnips. Try everything in the deli. And, pick up a salted whole herring to go. It will bowl you over! The couple who own the place run it. A family-owned, family-run neighborhood deli. It is simple awesome and has been for years......
(5)
Amy S.
The best hummus I have had in a long time!!! Always clean and the service is excellent! I will be back soon!
(5)
Marc S.
Ordered a lamb shawarma sandwich here for dinner tonight. The first thing I noticed upon entering, was the aroma of exotic spices. That alone was worth the trip. Next, I wandered through the store, admiring all of the strange and wonderful merchandise, from hookahs to specialty foods, teas, well...you get the idea. It's fun to inconspicuously settle down at one of the tables, observe the goings-on, and just listen to all the conversations in Turkish. One major advantage of this place is the price! $6+tax gets you chips along with your sandwich. The shawarma was very good, though (being nit-picky) just a tad dry. It was reasonably generous, but I would have liked just a bit more meat. For the PERFECT shawarma sandwich, I would still choose Garlic Crush. However, for a tasty schawarma, PLUS price and atmosphere, Byblos Deli wins hands-down. ---Almost forgot: be sure to get here early for dinner since Byblos closes at 8pm (7pm on Sunday)
(4)
Stacy B.
Awesome food - friendly staff. I eat here once a week!
(5)
Anne R.
Great homemade hummus. The large pitas they sell in a bag are a must try. You will never want to eat the dried up disks grocery stores sell ever again.
(4)
Carla F.
Byblos has been a lunchtime destination for years, a daylight refuge discovered during my "tour of duty" at the big MSoft. As a regular, I got to know the former owners and they were always quite nice to me. Often, they would invite me to sip Lebanese coffee with them or to sample special desserts, and newly-arrived nuts or figs. As of April 2011, the deli has new ownership (former owners retired), and although some things have changed slightly, I'm happy to report that the chicken gyro is still very much a fan-favorite. The deli itself is just that, a deli counter with only 4 small tables, and a few rows of Lebanese & Mediterranean groceries. If you're looking to stock up on hummus, pita, dolmas/dolmades and babaganoush, you must stop here. You won't be sorry. Lunchtime menu items are a reasonable $6-$10 and most come with a small bag of Lays chips, if you're into those (I try really hard not to partake in the side item, but once in a great while they cry out to me. Do you blame me for the occasional transgression? Mmmhmm, thought not.) Everything in the display cooler is freshly made, plus they have a selection of different olives. Gyros/shwarmas are all made-to-order. Lunches are made quickly, but if you need immediate sustenance, you can call ahead for pick up. The owners and staff are very welcoming and offer pleasant smiles with the tasty food.
(4)
Sim M.
Falafel, hummus and baba ganoush are delicious, you could taste the freshness and flavor. The only thing they can change is try being welcoming and friendly.
(4)
Zinzan R.
The people working here are weird and rude. They stare at you, even when you're negotiating their sandwich. Dinner apparently closes at 7:15, though it is not noted. If you ask, you won't get a 'sorry' out of them. Although the food is not bad, I don't think I'll be visiting this place again. Gyros 2 Go in Redmond has far better service.
(1)
Anton K.
Their shawarma is tasty! Their shop is also good and owners are nice people.
(5)
Dianne B.
Byblos has the aroma of every spice you've never heard of. It's a Mediterranean Delicatessen on NE 20th st in Bellevue. Instead of potato salad and salami, imagine ordering baba ganoush and dolmades. I get Gyros and Lamb Schwarma to go. For potlucks, I pick up hummus, baba ganoush, Pita King pita and a selection of cookies. For fun I bought Turkish delight. Delightful. As a bonus I run into friends there pretty often. All in all, a good place and nearby.
(4)
Jeremy W.
Great little store, food was good. Was looking for kebabs and Turkish Delight. They had both. Sadly, the owners (older couple) don't seem to enjoy actually interacting with customers and it shows.
(4)
Nadine W.
Wonderful gyros and very well made baklava. I've been to Greece several times and can confidently say that this Gyros are among the best I've had in the US. The taziki sauce is very good and they make the baklava with high end honey which really makes the difference in the end product. It's not really a sit down place. They have a long counter that you can order from and then the rest of the room is a Mediterranean grocery store. You can find hard to find items like pomegranate syrup and Turkish honey.
(4)
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Address :14220 NE 20th St,Ste A
Bellevue, WA, 98007
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Nicholas M.
Did I go to the same place as everyone else? The name was the same, but the gyro and shawarma I had were pretty uninspired. This was the first time I had tepid meat in a gyro or shawarma...and this was after they microwaved them (I saw them use a microwave to heat up the gyro and shawarma). It's no exaggeration to say that the gryo and shawarma were the worst I've ever had in my life. And...the tzatziki that came with the kibbeh was squeezed out of a tube. Classy. As for the service, the mom and pop proprietors could be a little more friendly (and they couldn't be less friendly). Maybe they were having an off day? I don't get the people who've talked about the little bag of Lay's chips that they give you. Potato chips and shawarma don't go together in my book.
(1)Cristi C.
Very, very meh. I was literally the only customer in the store, yet it still took 15 minutes to get my to-go gyro. The gyro itself was pretty bland. I asked for no lettuce, got lettuce. Also, the menu didn't mention that it came with onion, only lettuce and tomato. I got onion. I hate onion. Not very much meat. What meat there was was pretty dry. If you want an outstanding, juicy, meaty gyro, go to Gyros2Go. On the plus side, the place was clean and full of interesting wares.
(2)Giri S.
We try not to go to the Eastside if we don't have to, but fortunately today we found a way to make it worthwhile: Byblos deli. While the proprietor was preparing our delicious hummus/pita/falafel/etc meal we browsed the amazing selection of mostly Turkish groceries. Brought back great memories of our Turkey trip. Anyway, Byblos is now our #1 Mediterranean place in the area. PS - The husband and wife who were running the store were extremely warm and friendly and we have never seen a grocery store this clean.
(5)Cody R.
I had the Mediterranean combination plate & a spinach pie. The baba ganouj was excellent. Falafel was a little dry on its own, but was served with good portions of hummus, tahini and baba g. Their spinach pies are vegan, which was nice. The owner was very friendly too.
(3)Chris C.
Nice little deli. Decent prices on prepared food. Some of the grocery items were a bit high, but for specialty store, not surprising. I'm going back.
(4)Paula T.
Was not super impressed with the Classic Gyro I got to go. the meat was a little dry. The other ingredients seemed good and fresh. It also came with a bag of chips which I wasn't expecting. The best place I've found so far for gyros is Gyros 2 Go in Redmond.
(3)Amanda W.
I love this place! The staff are so helpful and the food is absolutely delicious. My boyfriend and I go here often (sometimes twice in one day - its that good!). We usually get the classic gyros and some baklava.
(5)Sarah P.
I visited this place because when I called Mediterranean Kitchen, they said there was a 40 minute wait. We didn't want to wait that long. When we got here, it was completely empty. It was just me and my bf. We got a chicken sandwich, grape leaves, and hummus. We both enjoyed the food, and it was priced well.
(4)sarelle h.
They have the best Lebanese style sandwiches. I tried the chicken and garlic sandwich. It was mouthwatering! It included pickles and spices just like an authentic Lebanese sandwiches. Next time, I'm going to try the Soujouk sandwich as well. I mainly would go to Byblos to stock up on middle-eastern goods. I had never ordered food from here before, as I was never inspired to. However, now I'm so sorry I never tried their sandwiches before. What was I thinking. This place is yummy!
(5)U U.
I went there for a quick dinner at 7:15 on a weeknight while getting off work. I got their before my friends did and ended up waiting for a bit for atleast one of them to get there. The owner was very rude to us and rushed us to get our orders in before our third friend got there. The falafel was dry and very ordinary (especially when compared to the ones just up the street on Truly Med) and we were annoyed by his constantly rushing us to finish up and leave. I would probably go there sometime to shop for some middle eastern spices and groceries, but never for dinner!
(2)Sophia S.
This is a great place for finding authentic middle eastern ingredients for far less than what you would pay at a standard grocer, plus they have a great deli for a snack or lunch after you've done your shopping (lamb shawarma). I love coming here for feta, olives, walnuts and the always handy puff pastry.
(5)Vi L.
sorry, i'll pass. while the owners are kind and friendly, and the grocery section is passable, the food here.... well, it sucks. the kibbeh is stale, cold and tasteless. the shawarma is stale and tasteless (baked probably 3 days earlier and microwaved). i also don't know why they serve it with lay's potato chips. i'd rather have hummus. the falafel was microwaved (not freshly fried). the vine leaves are out of a can. mind you, i've married into an egyptian family and i'm from the east coast. if i wasn't, maybe i'd like this place. but having gotten used to the good stuff back home, i wouldn't recommend this place for lunch/dinner to anyone. do stop by for figs, tea, shisha and cheese though.
(1)Gaurav K.
Great Mediterranean place near Microsoft. Love their Garlic Chicken Sandwich.
(5)Ebru Y.
If you're homesick because you cannot find the foods and goods you had in your home country then do not miss this place! Even if you are a local person, you will fall in love with all the foreign goodies this place has to offer! My family shops here often because we can pretty much find anything Turkish here, really Turkish, with the brands and all. There is the beef sausage, cheese, dried goods, olives, jams, whatever you can think of. They also serve falafels, dolmas, and some other appetizers in the store, and they do have a few bar stools that you can rest on and enjoy your food :)
(5)Jeff N.
A few people recommended this place to me and I am glad I listened to them. This is a nice little restaurant with an amazing market. For lunch I Had the Man'oush Lamajune Turkish Style which is made in a stone oven. The flavors were balanced and it was as pleasing to the eye as it was to my stomach. My friend had the Shawarma. I also had a Tea which was nice and strong! After lunch we stopped in the market on the side and the woman working there is so nice. I had several questions and when she couldn't answer them she asked the chef. It was so nice that she really wanted to help me purchase the right products. Spent over 30 dollars on some products including Turkish cheese which I love. Good dining experience from a chef who really did a great job and the kind woman in the market. The only downside was I wanted some silverware with my food.
(4)Mark P.
A recent visit to my friends in Kirkland led me here. I ordered a Gyro. The gyro has shamed all others that I have had. It was stuffed with more tender, perfectly seasoned meat than any 2 that I have had at other places in my travels, my mouth is watering now, just thinking about it. The bread was the perfect softness, it did not disintegrate under the stress of the juicy goodness that it held inside. The owners both took time to check on how I was enjoying it, and even took time to share some coffee with me. Wonderful folks, great food, felt like I was a regular there, even though it was my first visit. (I will be back on my next trip to the Seattle area)
(5)K C.
Went here for lunch, ordered a basic gyro with no onions and added feta crumbles for a dollar and also a slice of baklava. Guess what they gave me? Gyro with onions and no feta... They did throw in a small bag of Lays potato chips but I felt like an idiot for leaving a tip, especially since it was carryout. I also neglected to print out a receipt on their ipad self-cashier interface. I'll go back later and see if they plan to make this right somehow. The gyro was good, although I had to comb through it and pick out the onions, and the baklava was good. I will update this review after I go back sometime.
(2)Kozby E.
This specialty stores as great deli food and groceries you will always find something interesting and delicious! Prices are great, quality is decent. I do like their seating area as nice and clean. Parking is easy and very convenient grocery experience.
(5)Zeina E.
The food here is so good in the deli!! my kids love coming here. Their kibbeh is so delicious.Plus it's fun to shop in the little market too for middle eastern goodies. We always have to get a tub of lebneh before we leave.
(5)Inness P.
My coworkers and I visited this place last week. At around 11:45 AM, it was just starting to get busy, but it never got overwhelming while we were there. My coworker and I split the veggie platter and the falafel wrap. As soon as I bit into the wrap, I wished devoutly that I could eat the whole thing. Unlike so many falafel balls that have betrayed me before, this falafel was crispy and good! The veggie platter was generously heaped with hummus, baba ghanoush, olives, dolmades, and two more lovely falafel balls. You order at the counter and everyone is very nice. One woman - maybe the owner? - has a glorious curly bob shot through with gray and the biggest, most entrancing eyes. She is gorgeous and I want to look just like her when I grow up. They have an iPad for transactions and some employees seemed to struggle with it a little bit, but not enough to mind. There's a case on the counter with several kinds of treats within, and I ordered four of them. The almond cake was not my favorite, but both the Lebanese and Greek baklava were delicious and fresh, and drenched in honey. Connected to the cafe is a cool little market with lots of exotic, mostly Middle Eastern goods. Also, Kinder hippos. Great lunch spot or place to stock up on atypical pantry essentials!
(5)Harsha G.
I was at the 911 driving school on132 and post my test, completely famished. I walked upto 140th and found this Deli crowded. It is a small family owned business where the owners take pride in the food they make. Everything is fresh and made from scratch including their garlic paste. I had their Manoushe Zatar(flatbread) seasoned with sesame and added vegetable toppings to it. It was very flavorful and though looked like a pizza tasted different. I also had a yogurt drink to accompany it and ended my meal with a pista baklava. I want to try thier Kunafeh and Kaak next time around (bagel like breakfast items) and the wraps and the platter. Prices are reasonable, service friendly. Go here if in the neighbourhood and interested in some authentic middle eastern fare
(4)David M.
This is my favorite restaurant on the Eastside. The food is delicious, the space is clean, the people are extremely nice, and the grocery is very well stocked. I ate here initially with coworkers and it has since become a regular lunch place. I'm partial to the gyros, shawarma, and buying halva from the grocery. The owner is extremely nice and genuine, and all of the staff are friendly. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Khoa D.
The classic gyros was pretty good. I also got two of the cakes the owner recommended and a hot Turkish tea. Not bad.
(4)Zac G.
Worst gyro salad I've ever had.
(1)Stephen M.
Dropped in while in the neighborhood. What they actually serve is a bit confusing: it is on a flatscreen behind the counter tucked away in the corner. Food turned out to be what I would call "very slow fast food": 15 minutes to wait for not the best quality food served in a plastic basket with a small bag of chips. It is hard to say that anything here was as good as even Trader Joe's. Perhaps the catering is better. Probably won't return.
(2)Kim G.
Checked this place out for the first time and it was delicious. Had the gyro salad. Super generous portion of meat and feta for a really reasonable price. Kinda bummed it didn't come with falafel (my friend who ordered the gyro sandwich got one). Will have to go back and try other menu items. There's plenty of seating and their grocery is next door; worth a visit for sure.
(5)Navy M.
Customer service wasn't great. It's a split deli and small grocery store and I had to chase someone down to take my order, that set me back about 10min! Food was bland. I got the garlic chicken wrap, paid extra for the tzatziki sauce, I would have liked feta but I was not going to pay $1 to add it, wowsers. The sandwich was over all boring and I would not be going back.
(2)Matt K.
Wonderful food and friendly service. Will go back.
(4)Jade N.
Awesome place! I've been in the Seattle area since 2010 and I was very glad to find this Lebanese/Mediterranean food spot. The food is clean and tasty, and so is the store as a whole (I judge restaurants by how clean they keep their bathrooms too - and this one won big time). I definitely would recommend trying the falafel sandwich or one of the Lebanese-style "manakeesh". Their crepes are yummy too, but I normall go for the meatballs, manakeesh and stuffed grape leaves. Everyone should try this place at least once - then you will not need to read reviews such as this one to go there again...
(5)robin s.
Byblos is the best. If you are looking for traditional Mediterranean dishes, this is the place. The food is flavorful at a reasonable price. I wish I worked closer to be able to go for lunch more often but visit when I can. Then there is the grocery side... We stop by to get all sorts of cheeses, olives and breads to take to our mom on a regular. The business is growing and has expanded the eating area. A must try..
(5)Regina C.
Seriously one of my favorite places to grab a bite. The owners are so nice and I love this place they always have a smile and are very welcoming. I always have the chicken sandwich. This is a very boring way to describe this delightful, tasty, savory piece of heaven. It's on a very thin bread/pita maybe it's lavosh. Anyway, it's tender chicken bathed in this rich slightly spicy sauce and topped with lettuce and pickles. Wrapped up neat and tight warmed up under the press. Voila. I always have them add more spice and leave off the pickles. They are expanding and they will soon be serving dinner.
(5)Theresa R.
I have eatend at Byblos several times over the years & have purchased specialty items from the "store." Always been happy. The staff is helpful & friendly and the food is solid, good quality and yummy. While I agree with some of the reviews that state they prefer a spicier taste in their Mediterranean cuisine. Byblos presents a flavorful, albeit, subtle fare. I think they offer an exception value for a quick, casual mean. When I think that I can get a healthy, good tasting gyro for about $7.00, less than a Big Mac Meal, I would go with Byblos.
(4)Kris W.
Got a classic gyro to go. Very good and filling. Looking forward to trying their crepes.
(4)Sarah H.
Lebanese/Mediterranean food at it's best. A small, family owned restaurant and market, a hidden gem. Great atmosphere and friendly service. The gyro I had was excellent, the dolmas and hummus were delicious. Very excited to go back and try more of f the menu. I think I will be trying the shawarma next.
(5)Keelan J.
I had the Soujouk. It was pretty good, and I liked trying something different. I'll probably go back and try the gyro or falafel.
(4)Filip S.
Went there hoping to see if the Turkish Manti is as good as Polish Pierogi, but didn't find it on the menu. Maybe I should have asked and I probably will the next time I'm there. The Gyro was good. The Kibbeh is a bit dry and strange for my Polish taste buds. The staff felt a bit frigid but I was fine with that. I bought a few things from their shop and want to go back there though to try more things.
(4)Keith W.
The absolute most disgusting gyro I've ever had. Went there for lunch and just left. The meat was rubbery, burned and old. You could actually crumble it between your fingers. The tzatiki was runny and sour tasting. When I mentioned to the manager that the sandwich was no good he acknowledged that the meat did not look good. He said the tzatiki was pre made. He told me that he could give me a new sandwich or refund. When he opened the steambox of gyro meat it all looked disgusting. I asked if I could have a chicken gyro instead and he actually said no!!! He said he would only replace with same sandwich. HOW WOULD YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO SERVE THAT MEAT AGAIN AFTER YOU SAID YOURSELF IT LOOKED BAD! Absolutely absurd! I asked for a refund. The manager has a serious attitude problem. Completely rude. The place looked clean but my single experience with this place was terrible all around and I will never be back.
(1)Ankit S.
This place is just ok. Our Microsoft cafes were closed today and I was craving Mediterranean food, my fave place in Kirkland was too far so I decided to drop in here. The shop is next to a grocery store, and its clean. There were 2 other tables occupied while I was there. They take their sweet time to make the wraps so I assume they are fresh. I tried the Chicken Gyro and the Garlic Chicken wrap. Nothing to write home about, full of lettuce and bland in flavor. I think I paid a bit extra for feta. The blandness in flavor might just be the Indian in me talking, maybe those who dont enjoy spices and flavors would enjot the wraps. Will probably not be visiting again in a hurry.
(3)Miranda S.
It's pretty amazing.. While at first I was wishing I was able to pick a side other than small bag of plain chips, I realized halfway through my gyro that I wouldn't even be needing them lol.. The gyro was killer!! Huge, and full of meat! :) this will definitely be the spot to head to if I am ever in the area again...
(4)Yumiko K.
I got to try their veggie plate ($9), which contained pita, dolmas, falafals, tabouli, tzatziki, and super creamy hummus and baba ganoush. They were all good, but I really cannot get over how delicious their hummus and baba ganoush were. In fact, they were so velvety smooth that I was *almost* tempted to smear them all over my face. After this meal, I have decided I will never buy packaged hummus anymore.
(4)Jean-Jacques T.
Absolutely amazing. Fresh, delicious, authentic. Friendly owner. Can't ask for more. This is the real deal.
(5)Chris B.
Stopped by for a quick lunch. Food was delicious, albeit small portions. Had veggie platter and spinach fatayer. Very happy with choice and will definitely come back. Seemed like they use real pita bread and not the typical bleached flour trash they serve other places. Very, very happy about that. Also they have a great Mediterranean grocery store too. It's really nice.
(4)Jamie S.
Yum Yum! Their vegetarian options are fantastic! Also, the owner said he was going to try to get some gluten free options in too! Good Please Do! I'm sure it will taste fantastic when you get them! Also, the place has a grocery store for some Mediterranean items, great quality items you only see in other countries. I love going shopping here for specialty items!
(5)Dana G.
I shop here for all of my Turkish staples: a few are soujouk, grape leaves, olives, spices, etc. Their food in the deli is also excellent and I love how genuinely nice the shop owner and clerks are. My kitchen doesn't feel complete without my staples from here, it is mine and my husband's comfort food. I hope this deli/store is here forever!
(5)Melody K.
We stopped into the grocery because we couldn't find bulgur in the supermarkets (what's up with *that*?) and found the biggest assortment of bulgur I'd ever seen. I had to ask for help to figure out what I wanted. The service was warm and friendly. On our way out, she gave us a menu for the deli. We're vegetarian, and I pretty much expect that if there are gyros, I won't want to eat there. I was very surprised by the variety of choices available to us - old favorites and some new ones, too - so we went back for takeout that evening. One reviewer commented that it wasn't fast...no, it's not, because it's cooked to order. It was a bit of a wait - about 10 minutes - but it was worth it. It also wasn't out of line with any other restaurant of the type. This isn't McDonald's conveyer belt food! We went with the veggie plates to get to know the food. Only tabbouli I've ever liked but my own, excellent baba ganoush and the dolmas were wonderful. We indulged in some baklava as well. The owner was friendly and engaging. All and all, we very happy we had trouble finding bulgur. We'll be back to try out some of those other choices.
(5)Darlene L.
GReat greek food for an amazing low price is totally worth it!! Check in on yelp while you are there and you get a free drink! This is family friendly, mom and pop shop that has a grocery and deli but the seating is limited. My husband and I usually just grab lunch here and go.
(5)Sam D.
Sunday mornings with warm Knufeh. Warm sweet chewy cheesy Lebanese pastry....only on Sundays. You know why only on Sundays...cause thats the way it was back in Lebanon. -- culturaly consistent. If that won't fill you, try an Armenian soujook sandwich. The food is the real thing. Go Byblos! Shookran habibee.
(5)D C.
This is a review for the store. I really wanted to like this place but the prices are a little outrageous. Was looking for some soujouk (spicy sausage) and found it....but for $10 for a tiny pack. Had lahmacun that was also overpriced ($10.49 for a 6 pack of small ones). Would have been a frequent customer but I'll look elsewhere or online to get these items. So sad they feel the need to rip people off.
(2)A H.
The customer service in this place is hostile and defensive. I went in to buy a few items and left feeling attacked and not buying anything. When you put on a fake smile while talking to someone it does not wash away your hostility, defensiveness, and poor customer service skills. It drives people away just like it did me last Thursday. I walked in and looked around, then stepped into the second room which was a new addition to the store only to be startled by the woman stacking the shelves there who talked to me in an unfriendly manner directing me out of the room. The conversation then took a defensive manner from her side and trying to push on me their local home made product as opposed to what I was looking for. Too bad for them I'm not going there again.
(1)Will K.
***First, a clarification: Byblos' falafel is fried. Maybe they reheat it in the microwave, but they are definitely fried.*** This place is one of Bellevue's hidden gems. Their falafel is awesome: not overdone and just the right texture. The gyros are great too: lamb is my favorite. I also like the soujouk sandwich, and the hazelnut candy bars are great. I've had their hummus plate, which is pretty good. I'm told their hummus is a family recipe. I don't do my grocery shopping here, but I might start because they are well stocked with all kinds of middle eastern and Mediterranean fare. Sometimes they get a little busy in the lunch rush, so if you have to wait, it's worth it. I look forward to trying their crepes. Sometimes they have specialty items. Try everything, especially if you can't pronounce it.
(5)Omar S.
Delicious Arabic & Turkish dishes. Whatever middle eastern grocery you want you can find it at byblos. This place has the best falafel sandwiches. Fresh pita bread is available every Monday and Thursday.
(5)Gus S.
"What's your favorite Lebanese place in Seattle?" is a question I often get asked. It's Byblos Deli. It's a deli, not a restaurant, but the quality and authenticity of the food, the great customer service, and the grocery section (best pita bread in Seattle, and a great selection of cheeses and spices), make this place a regular destination. Chef Khalil and his wife Tam revamped the place after buying it from the previous owners a couple of years ago., and have made the atmosphere more welcoming and warm (if one expects warmth in a deli). It's a short hop from the Microsoft campus, my team's secret getaway from the cafeteria food, and I usually go with colleagues for lunch or a late afternoon coffee. To my amusement, many of them adopted the place and the cuisine as their own (and who wouldn't after trying out the great specialties) You can't top the baba ghannouj, the hummus, the kebbe, or the recently introduced shawarma sandwiches. Other strong recommendations are the tabboule, the falafel sandwich, and the veggie plate. I also always look in their front fridge for any side dishes or desserts that are not on their usual menu. Chef Khalil also makes awesome crepes (Nutella/Banana/Strawberry for dessert). And a meal never feels complete without a cup of Turkish coffee made to order. And if you're an east-sider, or if by some miracle you feel inspired to, gasp! , drive from Seattle to Bellevue on a weekend, I suggest that you try the Sunday's "Knefeh" - it's a yummy cheesy dessert covered with a thick sugary syrup, served in a thin round bun, and is a staple of a Lebanese weekend breakfasts. I mentioned that authenticity of the experience is one of the strong points of Byblos Deli. You find it in the preparation of the food (which the owner and chef attends to in person), the selection on the menu (a good mix of Lebanese, Turkish and Greek specialties + the French crepes), and the small details like the presentation of the dishes (I would drop the potato chips, and replace them with a side of olives, personally), and sandwiches (tightly packed, unlike burritos). Last but not least, it's a deli and is priced accordingly, so you can be certain you'll be full with less than $15 each.
(5)Auntie M.
I was really disappointed after all the good reviews. First the good news. I got the veggie plate for lunch and the baba ghannouj was really good The tabbouli flavor was good but the bulgar was in clumps. Falafel balls were hard and dry and the same for the pita which seemed stale. I was planning on buying some pita in the store but changed my mind. My friend had the shawarma and she said it was OK but that was all.
(2)Kurtis S.
Went here for lunch (as part of my regular "let's pick somewhere on yelp and eat there" plan), and quite enjoyed it - I had fantastic Shawarma (first time trying so I can't compare), and my friend had the chicken gyro (his first time having gyro, and I didn't try it so can't compare either). It took a little while for the food to come out, but it was well worth the wait. Inexpensive and delicious - I'll definitely be back. I'm hesitant to give it 5 stars based on the small amount of table space and my inability to compare the dishes to the same dish elsewhere (for all I know Shawarma is always that delicious), however I'll revise it once I've been back!
(4)Senor E.
This was our first time here. Great Gyros but we wish they had Greek fries too. If you're not sure what to order the menu doesn't help (no photos), but the owner was very nice. Lastly, there are only four tables so seating is definitely limited. The gyros were worth it though.
(4)Sireesha S.
The place is small and cramped. Although we always seem to get the last available table - so I am not complaining much. But if you come for lunch after me, there won't be any tables left for you. Most of their space is occupied by aisles of middle eastern grocery items. I agree I do not have much business sense; but common sense dictates that you would allocate more space to your profitable business. Which is their case is their restaurant. So why they have fewer tables than aisles, I do not understand. The food is good, though mostly cold. The portions are sizable for the price paid. And the owners are nice and sweet. Well, 3 reasons for the 3 stars.
(3)A S.
THIS PLACE IS A GEM! Went here for some unusual items for my new Mediterranean cookbook, found almost everything! Got lunch, the chicken gyro- very good! The owner had me try the kibbeh, and in a word- PERFECTION! This was the best kibbeh I've ever tasted! The outside was crispy, the inside moist with a delicious spiced beef filling. All the many other kibbeh I've had have been greasy or dry. Not at Byblos! This is going to be my new healthy take-out go to place!
(5)Craig R.
The short: -One of the best shawarma sandwiches I've ever had -The guy who owns the place is incredibly nice -There is a ton of repeat business that comes in and talk to the owner on a constant basis (good sign in my opinion) -It is very affordable for a lunch/dinner option in the area -I've only come later in the evening (6 PM or so), but it's really fast cause nobody else is there -It is kind of a pain in the neck to get in and out of the parking lot depending which direction you might be coming from, but all of 20th is like that between 148th and 140th, stupid road design I've never done any shopping here, I just come for the sandwiches, so I can't speak for the rest of the merchandise...
(4)Kevin P.
When you first walk in it looks like a Greek grocery store. The owners a really friendly and explained to me what every item on the menu was. For the most part all the items are made in house. I tried a couple of smaller items the first time i was there and they were really good. When i came back another day for lunch I ordered a gyro. The gyro and a bag of chips for $6 was a good deal and very tasty. The gyro had a lot of meat and was very good. I would definitely come back for another gyro.
(4)Ratish K.
Best garlic chicken shawarma, falafel sandwich... Chips comes free ;-)
(5)Jens J.
Byblos was a random pick for lunch today. This is a small grocery store with a tiny deli and sandwich-making operation. There's three or so tables at the front. The blackboard menu behind the counter also listed other types of gyros, hummus as well as a few dessert items. I placed my order for a chicken gyro with the gentleman standing at the cash register (gyro was $6.58, including tax). While a lady in the store made my gyro, I strolled around and looked at the merchandise. Besides a few cheeses, spices, cookies and crackers, there were some colorful (both figuratively and literally) goods, including pickled turnips and "feferoni" (Macedonian pickled peppers). I grabbed a bag of "Biskit Krakers" to go with my sandwich (which turned out to be unnecessary because they give you a small bag of complimentary Lay's potato chips with your sandwich). These biskit krakers taste like Ritz crackers and are shaped like little fish. As I was waiting for my sandwich, the lady was speaking very sharply (in her native tongue) to the man who took my order. It must have been her husband. The gyro was fresh and flavorable. The seasoned chicken was actually two rectangular strips that were only as thick as a slice of bologna. Also on the pita bread were two different sauces, tomato, pickled pepper, onion and lettuce. I was fairly pleased with the gyro. It could have stood to have less lettuce, but at least the lettuce was fresh!
(4)Tony B.
This review is just about the food I got, not the full deli since I didn't do any shopping there (looks like you can get what you need though from a Mediterranean standpoint). I was looking for a new Greek place for gyros and came across Byblos here on Yelp. Given the great reviews and high ratings I thought I'd give it a try. All in all it's just OK. Nothing I would go out of my way for or probably even come back to since I have to drive a bit and there's a tastier place here in the main part of Redmond. I got the traditional gyro, and was a bit surprised that it was cold. I figured, big deal gyro meat should be fine cold. While it is, there's something about a hot gyro that the meat has just come off the rotisserie of. I did like that they size wasn't overwhelming and overflowed the pita. And while there could be seen hints of greatness in the pita, having it cold (they should butter and grill it before putting in the gyro toppings IMO), it didn't stand up to the filling and basically fell apart about halfway through. If you are in the area and really need a gyro fix you could do worse, but you could also do better.
(2)Robert L.
Hands down the best chicken gyro I have ever had. Expect to wait 5-10 minutes for your order as the owner is making sure your gyro is perfect!
(5)heidie c.
So Happy I found a place that makes a fantastic falafel sandwich! Really friendly service to go along with the delicious food.
(5)Original B.
I work long evening shifts in Bellevue cramped in a tiny office, and eating a good take-out meal is usually the highlight of my work day. I decided to finally try Byblos Deli and was very satisfied. Quick service, delicious shawarma, yummy (and nicely portioned) baklava. I usually go to another place for my Mediterranean fix but I think I'm going to start driving the extra few miles to Byblos Deli from now on, my experience was quite positive. Very nice grocery products as well, definitely coming here when I need Mediterranean ingredients.
(4)Huy N.
As soon as we walked through the front door, the staff immediately came to helped us at the front counter. We ordered the hummus plate, beef shawarma and bastirma beef...All were DELICIOUS!!! Best part was the wraps were made in front of us, its was fun to watch our food come together. We also ended doing a little shopping for some new things to try. Definitely will be back to try the rest of the menu.
(5)David J.
Their crêpes were fantastic, made with ingredients that tasted very fresh! Likewise - the stuffed grape leaves (vegetarian) were delicious. Also - check out the filo and honey rolls (not sure if it's technically baklava, or just something similar) - very good!
(4)Casey J.
I averaged the stars. 4 stars for the store and cleanliness. 2 stars for the gyros and falafel. Worst falafel I have ever, ever had. Its not fried. Its microwaved. It was like a falafel flavored cupcake. Very, very strange. The gyro was average. Same as you would find in any shopping mall.
(3)Amanda W.
Byblos Deli is my favorite place in Bellevue. They have fantastic food and grocery selection. Their gyros are to die for and their crepes are so light and tasty. The owners are so incredibly friendly and helpful. I absolutely love going here and I recommend it as often as I can.
(5)He M.
I'm lebanese and i come here often for their goods. I love the moroccan olives, cheeses (halloume, sheep kaskaval...), labne and veggies. Zaatar has been hit and miss. You can get fresh pita on the day they deliver a fresh batch.
(4)Geoff F.
There aren't many places to sit in this grocery/deli, but it's worth going and grabbing some food anyway. We had the gyros, a chocolate and berry crepe, and the baba ganouj. The gyro is a pretty standard gyro, but stood out for the size and quality. I'm a pretty good eater and could barely finish my gyro. The lettuce and tomato were fresh and lovely and the tzatziki was tangy. The baba ganouj was extremely garlicky (in a good way) and creamy. I'm looking forward to going back and trying some of their other dishes.
(4)OJ J.
My wife and I go their regularly for lunches and shopping. The shawarma is amazing. Their hummus is the best hands down. I love this place.
(5)p e.
Byblos is not only a good place to stock up on all your Mediterranean groceries; it's also a great place to get lunch. You don't have to order off the sandwich menu (which is good stuff). I usually order items from the fridge and they heat them up. Try this: spinach pie, olives, and stuffed grape leaves. mmmmm!
(5)Ali S.
Love this place! You can pick up fresh hummus, a spinach pie, and some kibbeh to go. They have fresh pita for sale and also lots of hard to find middle eastern spices. Check it out if you are in the area. The man and woman that run the place are super sweet. I love going in there.
(5)Aid W.
Authentic Middle Eastern-Turkish food. Their falafel are awesome as are the gyros. The homemade yogurt is to die for. And, the pickled turnips. Try everything in the deli. And, pick up a salted whole herring to go. It will bowl you over! The couple who own the place run it. A family-owned, family-run neighborhood deli. It is simple awesome and has been for years......
(5)Amy S.
The best hummus I have had in a long time!!! Always clean and the service is excellent! I will be back soon!
(5)Marc S.
Ordered a lamb shawarma sandwich here for dinner tonight. The first thing I noticed upon entering, was the aroma of exotic spices. That alone was worth the trip. Next, I wandered through the store, admiring all of the strange and wonderful merchandise, from hookahs to specialty foods, teas, well...you get the idea. It's fun to inconspicuously settle down at one of the tables, observe the goings-on, and just listen to all the conversations in Turkish. One major advantage of this place is the price! $6+tax gets you chips along with your sandwich. The shawarma was very good, though (being nit-picky) just a tad dry. It was reasonably generous, but I would have liked just a bit more meat. For the PERFECT shawarma sandwich, I would still choose Garlic Crush. However, for a tasty schawarma, PLUS price and atmosphere, Byblos Deli wins hands-down. ---Almost forgot: be sure to get here early for dinner since Byblos closes at 8pm (7pm on Sunday)
(4)Stacy B.
Awesome food - friendly staff. I eat here once a week!
(5)Anne R.
Great homemade hummus. The large pitas they sell in a bag are a must try. You will never want to eat the dried up disks grocery stores sell ever again.
(4)Carla F.
Byblos has been a lunchtime destination for years, a daylight refuge discovered during my "tour of duty" at the big MSoft. As a regular, I got to know the former owners and they were always quite nice to me. Often, they would invite me to sip Lebanese coffee with them or to sample special desserts, and newly-arrived nuts or figs. As of April 2011, the deli has new ownership (former owners retired), and although some things have changed slightly, I'm happy to report that the chicken gyro is still very much a fan-favorite. The deli itself is just that, a deli counter with only 4 small tables, and a few rows of Lebanese & Mediterranean groceries. If you're looking to stock up on hummus, pita, dolmas/dolmades and babaganoush, you must stop here. You won't be sorry. Lunchtime menu items are a reasonable $6-$10 and most come with a small bag of Lays chips, if you're into those (I try really hard not to partake in the side item, but once in a great while they cry out to me. Do you blame me for the occasional transgression? Mmmhmm, thought not.) Everything in the display cooler is freshly made, plus they have a selection of different olives. Gyros/shwarmas are all made-to-order. Lunches are made quickly, but if you need immediate sustenance, you can call ahead for pick up. The owners and staff are very welcoming and offer pleasant smiles with the tasty food.
(4)Sim M.
Falafel, hummus and baba ganoush are delicious, you could taste the freshness and flavor. The only thing they can change is try being welcoming and friendly.
(4)Zinzan R.
The people working here are weird and rude. They stare at you, even when you're negotiating their sandwich. Dinner apparently closes at 7:15, though it is not noted. If you ask, you won't get a 'sorry' out of them. Although the food is not bad, I don't think I'll be visiting this place again. Gyros 2 Go in Redmond has far better service.
(1)Anton K.
Their shawarma is tasty! Their shop is also good and owners are nice people.
(5)Dianne B.
Byblos has the aroma of every spice you've never heard of. It's a Mediterranean Delicatessen on NE 20th st in Bellevue. Instead of potato salad and salami, imagine ordering baba ganoush and dolmades. I get Gyros and Lamb Schwarma to go. For potlucks, I pick up hummus, baba ganoush, Pita King pita and a selection of cookies. For fun I bought Turkish delight. Delightful. As a bonus I run into friends there pretty often. All in all, a good place and nearby.
(4)Jeremy W.
Great little store, food was good. Was looking for kebabs and Turkish Delight. They had both. Sadly, the owners (older couple) don't seem to enjoy actually interacting with customers and it shows.
(4)Nadine W.
Wonderful gyros and very well made baklava. I've been to Greece several times and can confidently say that this Gyros are among the best I've had in the US. The taziki sauce is very good and they make the baklava with high end honey which really makes the difference in the end product. It's not really a sit down place. They have a long counter that you can order from and then the rest of the room is a Mediterranean grocery store. You can find hard to find items like pomegranate syrup and Turkish honey.
(4)