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    525 Shawarma

    4.8 (11 reviews)
    Closed 1:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    The contemporary design Open Kitchen of this very unique Mediterranean Restaurant.
    Manuel M.

    I heard of a new Mediterranean Barbeque (halal) restaurant that reasantly opened a couple of months ago in a small strip mall located in East Vinton, Virginia. And as soon as I found out, I headed that way to go and try it and see what it was all about. After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And 525 Shawarma Virtical BBQ in Vinton, Virginia, is the perfect example. This family-owned restaurant is owned and operated by husband Omar and his wife Norra who are Russian immigrants. When I arrived the wife had gone out to do some errands, so I only had an opportunity to meet the husband Omar. He had a black beard and a big smile. One of the friendliest persons that I have ever met. He warmly welcomed me to his restaurant which though small, was very clean, bright, and organized with comfortable furniture and contemporary decor, and with a very unique white neon light ceiling lamp. At the time there was a couple with a third person having an early dinner. They were seated up front close to the large windows of the restaurant, and for some reason they looked to me as repeat customers. I went to the ordering counter and looked at the menu to see what to order. It was a simple menu with only three choices for the main meal, to have in either sandwich or platter, and a couple of sides. But from my experience of new family-owned restaurants, they open them this way and then, little by little expand their menu and drink choices. That was the case of an Argentinian family-owned restaurant I discovered that opened not so long ago in downtown Roanoke with one type of steak in many styles and empanadas. And now a days has a variety of steaks and other items on the menu and are waiting for their liquor license to open the bar area as well. I ended up ordering a Beef Shawarma Platter with a side of Hummus. Even though the rice and salad was included with the platter, the side of Hummus was charged separate. The salad had a selection of very fresh ingredients and was wonderfully prepared, and came with a small bowl of salad dressing on the side. It tasted wonderful. I think the owner was able to see how much I enjoyed it that he offered me a second complimentary one, which I graciously accepted. The Hummus which was made in-house was one of the best that I have ever had, if not the best. The Platter came with the beef and rice and a pita bread on top. The beef was well seasoned and cut in very small pieces.The rice was the Jasmin rice style with a tint of yellow from the seasoning. The portions were very generous. The pita bread was fresh and warm and I enjoyed eating the Hummus with it. For dessert I had pieces of their Baklava which were also made in-house. They were like none that I had ever had before. So fresh and with what only I can describe as a gourmet characteristic. What an amazing dining experience I had in this place that probably not too many people are aware of. The owner provided exceptional customer service that complimented his exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. I highly recommend this restaurant and encourage everyone reading my review to go try it out and give them your support. For places like these are like gems that enhance the quality of life of all those who live here and those who visit. Vinton is a better place because of small businesses like this one.

    Chicken Shawarma filling
    Michelle E.

    The 525 Shawarma Restaurant Review The 525 Shawarma Restaurant is a wonderfully thought out business. It is exceedingly clean, welcoming, and full of life. The aroma greeted me before I even opened the door, and once I stepped inside, I knew I was about to enjoy something special, and I was right. The owner is very kind, outgoing, and friendly. The meat on the turn looked delicious, and I decided to try the Chicken Shawarma. I was not sure how it would hold up for my drive home, so I waited to eat, but once I did, I realized it travels beautifully and would have been perfect on the go. The chicken was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, wrapped neatly with just the right balance of sauce. Everything about it felt fresh and carefully prepared. I look forward to making this restaurant a regular stop in my monthly rotation. Alhamdulillah, the Vinton area has gained an incredible place for authentic and flavorful food. I am excited to try their falafel and hummus next. I wish the owner continued success. You have brought something wonderful to the community.

    This was a very nice experience. The gentleman at the counter was very nice and kind. Asked us if our food was crispy enough before wrapping it up. As well as letting us try the fry's which were very tasty way better then McDonald's Highly recommend if you're looking for something new to try and very yummy

    Sharmeen M.

    My husband and I just moved to Roanoke and have been on the hunt for good halal food and we're so glad we found this spot! Not only is the food halal, but it's actually delicious. The wraps were phenomenal, crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. The owner, Omar, was so kind and even gave us hummus on the house since we were first time customers. Hands down some of the best hummus I've ever had. We'll definitely be back!

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    2 months ago

    Quick, super friendly service ! The food was AMAZING beef shawarma wrap was a 10/10. Would absolutely recommend

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    5 months ago

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    20 days ago

    Really good food, super clean restaurant, and very friendly staff. Highly recommend the beef shawarma

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Business owner information

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    Omer S.

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    4 months ago

    We stopped in for lunch the way to Roanoke. Omar was a wonderful host. The shawarma was delicious. We would definitely recommend.

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    Review Highlights - 525 Shawarma

    I ended up ordering a Beef Shawarma Platter with a side of Hummus.

    $26.39 beef shawarma platter

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    Petra Mediterranean Grill - The Falafel appetizer.

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    This relatively new and unassuming family-owned and operated restaurant and market is known for its…read moreauthentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Located in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke, Virginia, I decided one day to going with a friend to try it out and see for ourselves if it offered an authentic Mediterranean dining experience. While we were driving in search of the restaurant we couldn't miss it. It small size with a cute and unique architectural design structure immediately caught our attention. It's prominent triangular roof and black square sign stood out from the normal restaurant designs. The front of the restaurant was one large window with a red framed glass door. It had a covered front porch with a dining table for 4 on each side for the convenience of customers who enjoyed dining outdoor during nice weather. We parked in their small parking lot and walked in. To our surprise, it had a simple minimalist interior design decor with white tile floors surrounded by black grout, white painted walls with poster size photographs of places from the Mediterranean hanging from the walls, and simple tables with different colored chairs. One ordered from the cashiers counter located in the middle of the restaurant / market with a display case next to it with the desserts in individual plastic containers. The menu with photographs of the main dishes was high above as well as one posted on the large window outside, and small size regular menus as well. Both my friend and I ordered a Kufta Kabob Sandwich and bottled drinks. My friend ordered a Freez Pineapple Coconut and I ordered a Mango Peach one. We were asked if we wanted fries with the sandwich and we both said yes. I also asked them to include a Falafel appetizer, that oddly enough the price charged for it was $7.22 before taxes. At the end they told us what the total price was and I paid, since I was inviting today. And then was given the receipt. Later on at home I saw that we were charged a Make It Combo fee of $8.22 just for including the fries, because the drinks were charged separate a $5.18 charge. After the order we went and sat down at one of the tables in the restaurant side of the business while they prepared our order. The fact that the Market was on the other side of the small interior of the business detracted from dining ambiance of fine dining, especially with having unopened and some partially opened boxes all around. After we finished dining, we walked around the Market to take a look at the different products they carried for sale. Now as to the food, the 6 Falafels were good but a bit towards the dark side meaning overcooked. The sauce that came with it was very good however. The Kufta Kabob Sandwich was amazingly fresh and delicious and the accompanied fries were well seasoned and nicely fried. And the sauce that came with them was also one of a kind. Judging from the friendly and welcoming attitude from the owner and another employee we met, from the variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern items on the menu, and the amazing flavor of the food we had, this is definitely the place to go if you're in the area for Mediterranean cuisine.

    Petra was ok, but given the area it may be the best Roanoke has to offer for Mediterranean food…read more The service was good and the wait for the food wasn't long. However, the food itself was just ok. The falafel was tasty, but the rice had peas and carrots in it, which I never seen at a mediterranean spot. So much of the food left a lot to the imagination. Again, compared to other local spots, this may be top notch, but it was just ok to me.

    Bethlehem Restaurant & Grocery - The Falafel appetizer with the bottle of Mango Nectar.

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    Friendly staff, excellent service, and the food was fresh and very flavorful! It's part grocery…read morestore/part restaurant, but not fancy. Regardless, the food was superb! I got a gyro with fries. Highly recommend for a quick meal.

    This Restaurant and Grocery carries a wonderful variety of Mediterranean items on its menu. The…read moremenu is posted on the wall.behind the counter with colorful photos of each dish. As one enters the Grocery and Restaurant it has the atmosphere of Mediterranean with a great selection of items in the Grocery as well as in their Restaurant's Menu. At their main counter I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome and given a menu to be able to compliment the one on the wall. I ordered the Falafel as appetizer, the Beef Tikka Kabab as the main entrée, the Kunafa for dessert, and Mango Nectar to drink. The Falafel was one of the best that I've ever had. Crispy on the outside and soft and moist in the inside.The Beef Tikka Kabab was served with seasoned rice, salad, and vegetables. Overall it was good but the pieces of beef were overcooked and this made them dry and tough to eat. I feel if they would have asked how do you want your Beef cooked and have cooked it this way, the meat would have been more juicy, soft, and tender. Also, the salad was good but the vegetables were missing as advertised in the menu. I like my beef cooked medium-rare, so it is tender and juicy on the inside and colorful and tasty on the outside. The dessert was good but a bit dry and you could tell it was not freshly made and served as I am custom to eating in other fine restaurants. While at the Grocery I discovered they had a box with Dubai Chocolate (one of my favorites) and purchased one while I was paying for my meal. If the management of the restaurant takes my advice on how to cook the beef I would definitely return and recomend this place to order. Mediterranean food can be so juicy and flavorful. In

    Abrakebabra

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    It is said that good things come in small packages, and this tiny Mediterranean and Middle Eastern…read morerestaurant perfectly embodies this saying. Since it opened its doors in 2017 in Salem, Virginia, this small but very popular, family-owned restaurant by Egyptian immigrants is known for its fresh made-to-order gyros, falafel, and Greek salads, just to name a few. Today I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant and discover the qualities that make this tiny restaurant in the middle of nowhere so popular. Because of its small size, most of its customers orders are take outs. But it also has a counter inside with around 3 to 4 stools so that customers who prefer to eat their food in the restaurant can. When I arrived, I parked my Lexus in a space right in front of the restaurant and noticed that there are not that many parking spots around. That is another reason why most of its sells are take-out orders. Customers can either call in their orders and drop by to pick it up, or park for a few minutes, make their order, and watch it being made, and then take it with them to enjoy at home. In good, warm weather, they do have two picnic tables outdoors where their customers can eat. Inside, I was able to meet the husband of the family who runs the business. He was very friendly and kind, a native of Egypt with a wife and 5 siblings. He gave me a warm welcome and took my eat-in order. The menu (which had Halal food) was displayed inside a Coca-Cola stand. To drink I grabbed a Mountain Dew from their drinks display refrigerator they have with Coke products. To eat I ordered their Gyro Special: Gyro meat served with rice and a small salad. It came with a special salad dressing and a sauce to put on the meat. The kitchen and the restaurant itself were very clean and all the ingredients used were very fresh and quality products. I sat on one of the stools, in front of the counter and watched him prepare my food. After paying for it with a credit card, I began to enjoy eating it. The salad was very fresh, made right before my eyes. The meat was Broiled right then and there, and the rice had a yellow tone and tasted unbearably delicious! As I was eating, the owner/chef put up a sign on the counter that read: "Please wait. I'm praying. thank you." I then figured out he must be Muslim and as soon as he finished praying I said to him: "As-salamu alaykum." He appreciated my nice words. While I was there, two other customers came in and ordered takeout food. For dessert I ordered an in-house made Baklava. The shape didn't look so good but the flavor did taste good. He told me that I could eat it with my hands but since they didn't have a restroom to wash my hands afterwards, I asked for a plastic fork to eat it with. Their prices were very reasonable and their portions very generous. I paid for the Baklava and thanked him for the wonderful service. The food was so genuine and delicious that whenever I'm in this area next time, I will definitely stop by and dine there again.

    Best gyro I've had in years. No frills. The meat shines in its simplicity: seasoning and texture…read more The ingredients in the pita were fresh and proportioned well, and the tzatziki (as another reviewer pointed out) was top notch. I also got a pita and side of hummus, and the hummus was special. I didn't ask, but I think the oil may have been grapeseed? Either way, delicious. The proprietor was kind and took pride in his specialty. I wish there was a bathroom, but you have to appreciate the intimacy of a "hole-in-the-wall" corner shop, which I say with the upmost respect.

    Cedars Lebanese Restaurant - The Beef Kabab Platter.

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    Great location and service. Nice ambiance but AC not working on a 100 degree day. Food portions…read morewere good, but lacked flavor. Was very very bland.

    For some time now I had passed by this restaurant a number of times and today I decided to stop and…read morego try it out. Located on Campbell Ave, in the heart of Downtown, Roanoke, it occupied one of the most ideal locations for a restaurant in this area. It's windows were always very lively, lit up with many small lights and one red OPEN neon light sign. The interior looked very distinguished yet at the same time comfortable with hardwood floors, dark red ceilings, and black furniture. It was decorated with a combination of Lebanon posters and moments, as well as framed articles and Award Certificates of the restaurant. When I arrived the owner greeted me very warmly and invited me to take a seat wherever I liked, and provided me with a menu. My server, Mohammed then came by and was very helpful in helping me learn about Lebanese food and picking out the items from the menu to pick out. I ordered a Gold Peak Sweet Tea to drink, Falafel as appetizer, and a Beef Kabab Platter as the main entrée. The Falafel was the best that I have ever had, crispy on the outside and soft, moist, and very tasty in the inside; and with an extraordinary presentation on a plate. The Beef Kabab was very well maintained and served with grilled onions and tomatoes, accompanied with white rice and two tiny dishes with sauces, however I was very disappointed because the chunks of Beef were not at all tender, and thus very tough and dry inside. I knew that if they had been cooked medium rare, like I always like my meats, it would have been different, and because everything else about the food, ambiance, and service of the restaurant I enjoyed so much I decided to give it a 4 Star review with the hope that when the owner and chef read my review, they would pay attention to this very important detail, and next time I visit or anyone else, they place special attention to this, since when beef is overcooked, no matter how soft and tender it is, it becomes extremely tough and dry, and very uncomfortable to chew and eat, or even enjoy. For dessert I ordered the traditional Baklava and it was delicious. In conclusion, if it were not have been for the above-mentioned problem, this restaurant would have received a 5 Star review. But since I was very impressed with the menu, the ambiance, the awards received, the other food I ate, and most of all by the amazingly wonderful way I was treated and customer service received, I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt, give it a 4 and return once again. I urge everyone reading this review to do the same with the hope that one little but important detail don't hinder an otherwise extraordinary dining experience.

    Falafel House - A fork holding a Falafel that was dipped into the sauce.

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    Wow, best we've ever had. If you like All the options of middle eastern street food: gyros,…read morefalafel, baklavas, hummus, falafel, shawarma, and kebabs, as well as salads like fattoush and tabbouleh, Baba ghanoush, dolmades and mansf. I've never seen such a wide variety of baklava The numerous options for spices and condiments was awesome to cover everyone's individual tastes In a nutshell, if you've never tried this style of food this would be a great introduction. ALL the ingredients are fresh! Portions are generous and the pricing is reasonable So give it a try and report back. We were in town visiting from west coast. I've eaten at several restaurants that serve this style of food. None compare

    This restaurant carried Mediterranean and Greek food. It was very clean and contained very fresh…read moreingredients. The decor was very simple. It had booths to seat in and the walls contained poster size enlarged photographs of different Mediterranean food. The owner was very friendly and took my order when I arrived. I ordered a Falafel appetizer and as main course a Beef Shawerma Sandwich. He asked me if I wanted it with fries and I said yes, and they were very good, but given the option I would have probably taken a salad. The Falafels were amazingly good; crispy in the outside and soft and moist in the inside. The sauce that came with them was also very good. The meat of the Shawerma was nice and tender with just the right spices. For dessert I asked for a Baklava. It was good but a bit dry. There was another tray with Baklavas that looked fresher in the bottom of the display case, but it was covered with a plastic wrap and hadn't been opened yet. Overall the food was very good and I will definitely come back for more when I want to eat Mediterranean food again, and I recommend the restaurant to all those reading this review.

    525 Shawarma - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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