It is said that good things come in small packages, and this tiny Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant 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. read more

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Best gyro I've had in years. No frills. The meat shines in its simplicity: seasoning and texture. 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. read more

Abrakebabra - Gyro Pita - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

This little gem made me feel like I was in NYC. Its a tiny takeaway restaurant with amazing food! The menu is small but what a great value you get. I ordered a falafel sandwich and baklava and both were so fresh and delicious. The gentleman fried the falafel and made my sandwich right in front of me. It was fast and friendly service and I can't wait to go back! read more

Abrakebabra - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Got lunch from this little hole in the wall eatery recently. This is a take it to go place, small like tiny, walk in mediterrean food shack. Walk up counter service with a small register area, open kitchen and grill with counter. No tables or chairs and a bulk drink box. Thats about it. Place your order and its prepared right in front of you, within just a few minutes. I went for the Falafel plate with salad. Nothing fancy but really freakin good. Freshly prepared falafels over a nice mix of salad greens, olives, with feta, tomato slices, peppers, cucumbers and a nice v&o dressing on the side. This little eatery is a really nice vegetarian lunch option and worth a stop. The owners are kind and gracious. 4 Stars recommended 01020 read more

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I've been going there for about 7 years. It's the best tasting, most packed up Gyro in the valley. The fresh toppings are awesome too. A big city type spot in Salem. I'll be back read more

Abrakebabra - Packed Gyro with sauce only! Chicago style for the win - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Great Food good price. Most definitely we will be back again. The Gyro was GREAT... Falafel YUMMMMO read more

Abrakebabra - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

I've tried to come here on my works lunch for 3 times because I haven't had it yet and the hours say they are open and yet they are closed. not worth trying again. read more

Oh my! Was second guessing it at first but I will be going back next time I am in Salem The gyro were delicious and pack with lamb read more

Disappointing experience. Ordered the Lamb Over Rice Special and Falafel, but the food was subpar. The rice and lamb were old and cold, and the falafel was a letdown - the taste was off and unlike any falafel I've had before. To make matters worse, the sauce was sour and tasted bad. Definitely wouldn't recommend.i had to throw the food. read more

Big flavor packed into a small corner! Service was quick and the food was delicious! Sit down would be nice but it's a big ask for a small location. Would certainly stop in again if I'm out here on business again. read more

Our second time here today. Was a great experience just like the first time around. The gyros are sensational.

Got the hummus and pita and greek salad with falafel. Everything was exceptional and fresh and the service was great. Highly recommend! read more

A friend and her brother took me there and wow, what a delicious treat it was! Great food and everyone was so so friendly! We had lots of laughs and made a wonderful memory. read more

Drove to it and almost judged a book by it's cover. Luckily, I decided to stop and eat. The food was great. Generous portion size, fresh everything and done quickly. What more could you ask for? read more

I'm a little torn about this place. I LOVE a good mom and pop local place. The sandwich meat was fresh, warm, and toppings plentiful. I, personally, am not a fan of cinnamon in my meat and that's the only downfall to this sandwich. The toppings were super fresh and crisp and the tzatziki sauce was beyond delicious. And I liked the way that you got a whole round pita stuffed instead of the half pocket. Fries: Big nope from me. I asked for them well done and I think he forgot about them cause they were basically black when they came out. Watched to see if he would actually serve them and he did. Had to have them redone. Even redone I'm not sure they should have been served. On top of the fact that a side of fries is $5.50! I know prices have gone up but there is no way these fries should cost $5+. All in all, if I go back I may try a platter or a salad. But with the meat having cinnamon I may not be back at all. The store itself is a bit shabby, not a lot of decoration but also not really meant to eat in so I get there being a lack of ambiance. I wish them all the luck and it seems they are doing well. Just probably have to get my local gyro fix elsewhere. read more

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Very good gyro and chicken meat in the pitas. Tasty rice with the dinner meals too. Worth stopping by, even if you're from out of town like me read more

Amazing food! Tried Abra Kebabra for the first time and all I can say is that it has to be the best gyro in the area. The lamb was tender and the toppings were all fresh. The fries were cooked on the spot and were delicious. Bottled coke products were available on standby. Be aware that the owner observes Muslim prayer times, so while they are open, there may be a small wait to get service during prayer times. The only seating I saw was a small picnic table outside, so be prepared to take your order to go. Parking was a bit tricky, as the only "parking lot" was on a one-way street, but the road in front of the building seems to also be available for parking, but it was unclear/unmarked, so we drove around the building twice to figure it out. Very authentic, "hole-in-the-wall" dining spot. I highly recommend. read more

This is as authentic as you get without camels tied up in the parking lot. I got the lamb gyro served up in a pita. Lots of meat, good seasonings. Very tasty. No real seating, so it's to go or no go. read more

What a great place!. We were there today for lunch and the gyros were just totally amazing. Made to order right there as you wait. Best gyro ever! read more

We were traveling in our RV on 81 and decided we wanted to find Mediterranean food for lunch. This place was perfect! It's a tiny location with the owners working both the counter and making the food. The food here is as authentic as it gets. I ordered the Greek salad - it's a huge portion but so many veggies and the gyro meat was not greasy so I felt really good after eating it. I also ordered the pita and hummus, which was delicious. My hubs ordered the Gyro Special - it was a man-sized lunch portion and he also ordered fries too. No indoor dining, but that was okay because we ordered take out and ate in the RV. We were also able to find one spot to park outside with our 39ft RV! I highly recommend this restaurant for those who love fresh, authentic Mediterranean. read more

Abrakebabra - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

If you're traveling and looking for something fresh, delicious and unique - this is the place! Wish we had pictures but we inhaled our delicious gyros. The owner is kind and has a smile for you! This place is great! Don't miss out! read more

Posted my first review 10 years ago, and still love going here. Since COVID the toppings bar is gone, but the standard toppings on the gyro are still delicious. Don't forget the baklava! read more

Well ain't this the cutest little hole in the wall you've ever seen! I pass this place all the time on my way to my sister's farm in the county (she owns the cutest little cows!) and I've always been intrigued. So after one long Thursday of feeding the cows, me and sissy made our way over the Abrakebabra to see what was happening. We were simply blown away! The man at the counter was straight to business, knew what I wanted and had it ready in a jiffy! I got a chicken gyro and I was nearly brought to tears. Just delicious! So flavorful it brought a smile to my face! God bless that sweet man and the chickens that gave their lives for my delicious food! It was quaint and it was cute. I liked it a lot. This man knows how to cook some meat! Highly recommend this place, I will be going back soon for more delicious chicken! Johanna out. read more

This is some of the best gyro I've had in my life and I have had a lot of gyro. Very good

it's fast. the owner's friendly. parking's easy. falafel's are fresh. gyro meat is rotating on a spit (autodoner) tomatoes are fresh. price is right. Salem, Va is lucky to have this place. read more

Abrakebabra - cucumbers. tziki, tomatoes, soft, warmed pita pocket. - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

If you are looking for a great lunch spot with an amazing gyro and the best tzatziki sauce in town, then this is the spot. My husband and I go here once a week and get the gyro's to go as there is really no spot inside to eat and it's a take out kind of place. The owner is super friendly and always quick with a smile and that makes this place even more special! The pita is fresh, the fillings delicious and always loaded. The price is right for the amount he puts into the pitas. Don't let the location turn you away!!! You might think it's a dive and not worth it, but believe me, you'll wish you went! read more

The food here is delicious and served fresh. The owner is so kind. I love the cucumber sauce. The gyros are the closest to Mamones in NYC. The meat is tender and well seasoned. He packs the meat on. YUM read more

This is my favorite spot for Mediterranean food it hits the spot everytime when I get a craving love this place

Outstanding Gyro and felafel. Fast service. A hole in the wall take out. Maybe best handheld sandwiches we've ever had. Highly recommended!

Hubby and I were in town for a Job's Daughters meeting. We arrived early and hungry. So we hit up our Yelp friends and again, not disappointed. Abrakebabra is a teeny tiny hole in the side of a building but let me tell you... it was the best falafel I've eaten in the U.S. It was moist and crunchy, flavorful and oh so delish! Justin had the typical gyro and I had the chicken gyro. The meat was juicy, pita was firm yet soft and held up to the insides. The cucumber sauce is also yummy!!! Love love love this place. Totally recommend if you are looking for a grab and go. There is no seating inside, two picnic tables outside. Only downfall, no shade. So we took it up the street and sat under a tree! Yummy! read more

Great food. Just need some indoor seating. We loved the chicken salad, gyros, and hummus.

DELICIOUS gyro and gyro salad! We ordered over the phone and picked up. Our order was correct and made quickly. I'm grateful for this amazing spot just 5 minutes away from our friend's new home in Salem! Tzatziki sauce had a lil something extra in it, maybe cinnamon? MOUTHWATERING! Wish I popped pics but we demolished the food too quickly. read more

Good place. Great Gyros. Friendly owner couple and helpers. Affordable! Small and simple, but recommended!

Excellent food! Best gyros around-quaint little place-I did pickup-super quick service as well!!

Tiny place with wonderful food. The falafel was very tasty and the fixings bar had all kind of tasty thing to add. The pita was light and crispy. The owner was very nice and told us how he ended up in Salem from Cairo! read more

Abrakebabra - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Best falafel in Roanoke. They give you a big pita pocket with the falafel and a delicious fresh cucumber sauce. After that you go to the topping bar and add whatever you want! Delicious seasoned chickpeas and lots of veggies. Very kind friendly faces there. The price is hard to beat! A huge falafel pita isn't even 6 dollars! read more

Amazing little family owned restaurant! Its a small little restaurant with no seating inside, just two picnic tables outside, but the food is absolutely to die for! Gyro's and falafels are amazing and they are normally very efficient with getting it made and out to you. Highly recommend! read more

Abrakebabra - Menu as of 06/04/2022 - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Exactly what it should be! Simple and delicious. No bells, no whistles. Great gyro!

This little place has excellent food. Everything was fresh, and delicious. The only reason I deducted a star was because our takeout order was just wrapped in paper, and not placed in a foam or other type of takeout container. Since this was a picnic lunch, it made for a very messy time as the contents of the paper wrapper got soaked, and it started to break causing the contents of the sandwiches to fall all over. I will go back for sure, but I will make certain that if the food is not placed in a container, to ask, so we won't have such a mess. I am not certain if this is how the sandwiches are usually packaged, or if they were just having a very busy day and the foam containers were overlooked. Don't let the outward appearance fool you, this place is the real deal. Give them a try. read more

Great Gyros and Hummus. Baklava is probably the best I've ever had. The only bummer is they don't have the toppings bar open anymore because of Covid I guess. read more