[[HIGHLIGHT]]This was the perfect place to go for Yom Ha'Atzmaut -- Israel Independence Day! I guess that's not too surprising, since it is an Israeli restaurant, but it was really nice to see it decorated both outside and in with flags hanging from a string, little flags at each table, and a big one on the wall inside ....[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've eaten here many times for years plus gotten take-out from here way way way more times than I have kept track of, and have tried many things on the menu. As a potato lover, I absolutely love the oven-roasted potatoes. For me, I would say they are better than the fries -- I only know this for sure because I finally ordered both at once, ha ha, and ended up unintentionally doing a side-by-side comparison. The fries are great! It's just that the roasted potatoes are even better! I enjoy the grilled eggplant, hummus with mushrooms, and would say the falafel is absolute perfection. Even my cousin who doesn't normally like falafel or hummus likes both of these things here. She said the falafel is cooked just right, being crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I agree! Not only that, they look good, too! The shape, size, and colours outside and in are highly enticing .... [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a really nice place for a family gathering -- speaking of which, I can report on what I've heard my family members saying about foods I haven't tried, and the upshot is ... everything is wonderful![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff are also very nice and caring, attentive, knowledgeable and helpful. Most importantly: you will not go hungry here! You will leave sated and satiated, having indulged in Middle Eastern or American culinary delights .... Highly recommended! :-D read more

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I cannot recommend this restaurant. The service was friendly, but unfortunately the food was not good. Two or three of the dishes that contained beef tasted off, almost as if the meat was old or not in good condition. Since we were sharing the dishes among four adults, the plates were already finished by the time everyone tried them. We informed the staff that something was wrong with the food, but the only response we received was that they checked the date on the meat. As many people know, meat can still spoil even if it is technically within the date. I left feeling very disappointed and even had a stomachache afterward. Sadly, we will not be returning. What makes this more disappointing is that we visited years ago and the food quality and dishes were completely different. We came to celebrate a birthday, but instead left upset -- and we still had to pay for everything. read more

I recently went here with a party of four on a moderately busy weeknight. While we were seated immediately, it took a while and flagging several servers to place our order and get our check. Once we ordered, our food came in a timely manner. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is white tablecloths, but nothing fancy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Al Ha'esh starts with complimentary pita and tahini for the table, which is nice but nothing spectacular. We shared a large Israeli salad platter which was good (highlights include the Israeli salad and beets. I got the lamb kebab for my entrée, which was well-seasoned but very dry. It also needed some more fat and a sauce. The roasted zucchini and other vegetables were solid. Overall, Al Ha'esh is an OK but unremarkable kosher restaurant. read more

My partner and I came for dinner tonight with a couple who keep kosher. We all enjoyed the meal and found the service to be excellent. We started with the large salad platter ($15), which includes hummus, eggplant, tehina, Israeli salad and 2 chef's choice salads. Tonight, the chefs choice were beets and health salad. It was served with a nice portion of pita bread. The salads were very tasty, especially the eggplant, beets and Israeli salad. It's an excellent appetizer for a table of 4. For entree, we each got the Al Ha'esh 2 skewer dinner with two sides and pita. It's $27 for any combination of meats, including chicken, beef and lamb. I got the dark meat chicken and lamb skewers. For my sides, I got basmati rice and roasted zucchini with za'atar. Both the chicken and lamb were well prepared. The chicken was moist on the inside and had a nice char on the outside. The ground lamb was seasoned beautifully and had an excellent flavor. The sides were the weak part of the meal. I thought the basmati rice was meh - I didn't think it was very good. It was clumped together and pretty flavorless. The zucchini was fine - I didn't get any flavor or sense of za'atar seasoning, though. The service was excellent. When we walked in the door, we were greeted warmly and then after being seated were treated as welcomed guests. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is comfortable and nicely designed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Another drawback is that I will say it got a bit loud and was hard to hear our friends on the other side of our table for four.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The restaurant is a bit pricy compared with non-kosher restaurants that serve schwarma/skewers (like Moby Dick). But then again, it's kosher, so if that's important to you, I think the food and service here are good overall and we all enjoyed our meals. read more

There was hair in my food and I was just so disgusted. The server kind of just brushed me off and didn't want to get into it. It was so frustrating. She was acting like I wanted free food or something but I was literally just horrified and I just wanted a new entree. I didn't eat the new entree bc I was scared and grossed out. Never going here again. read more

Food was excellent, and our waiter, Isaiah, was helpful, friendly, and a really nice fellow. We had the pargiot (young, dark meat boneless chicken) skewer and the super burger. Both excellent and generous with portions. I had to bring half my burger home and it was still excellent the day after. French fries and the rice were very good.One thing I did not like were the roasted vegetables side. It was scanty and heavily cauliflower, green beans, and some carrots.The seasoing was bit on the spicy side, but not too much. Seemed like from a frozen bag mix. No broccoli, zucchini, onion. Disappointing but the meal was truly enjoyable. Will certainly come again. Food: 5 read more

The food was good. We tried the turkey schwarma. Really good value. The pita was fresh. They give you a lot of food for your money.

Very good food, I've been coming here for years. High equality ingredients. Huge plus they are closed on Shabbat!!!!!

Great food, nice service! The steak if fabulous, and a great value!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]We always have fun when we are here![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Love this place!! Everything here is good. Problem here is pacing yourself. The side salads with the tahini and pitas could make a meal. The turkey shawarma is fantastic, great spice and together with tahini or hummus and pita, just perfect. The roasted zucchini were a great choice over fries as a side. Service was also good. Wondering when I'll next be in area to go here. Might just need to make a special trip for it! read more

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Nice and plenty. KOSHER! Meat on skewers a bit tough here and there. Cauliflower was overcooked way before it was served - was taken off the bill! SERVICE WAS AWESOME! All were helpful, pleasant, efficient. Made you feel good. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]We loved absolutely everything about our lunch today in this restaurant - their beautiful dining room, their incredibly nice and helpful staff, their really delicious food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything was perfect. We intend to become regulars, and to bring family and friends along with us. read more

I don't always take the time to write reviews - but when I have a real great dining experience I like telling people about it. I visited AL Ha'esh with 7 other people and everybody loved their food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You know you will love it while you are in the parking lot! It smells so good![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the Jerusalem mix and it couldn't have been better. Great vegetables too. They really season their meats expertly. They don't rush you and they have great desserts. Parking is a cinch! Thanks for the great time Al Ha'esh! read more

I absolutely love Al Ha'esh and have become a regular. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything from the service to ambiance to the food has been excellent.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their home-made schug (hot sauce) is phenomenal and everything I've had (salads, shish kabob, branzino, shawarma, etc.) has been great. The owner is someone I've gotten to know well and it feels good to support the business of such a great, honest and ethical man. I routinely take guests to Al Ha'esh and everyone I bring it loves it too! read more

We ate here and loved it. The hummus and falafel and all the salads were especially delicious. Very attentive service, spacious dining room. Even the desserts were exceedingly tasty. I highly recommend! read more

A friend and I had a lovely lunch at this place new to us. It was so good and friendly, we started composing our YELP review before we finished eating! I can't wait to tell you about the great menu, quality of food, friendliness of the servers, and unique experience we enjoyed. All meals are freshly prepared, ample in size, and perfectly spiced. The Israeli menu is delicious and a welcome addition to our list of restaurant favorites. Located in a strip mall in Rockville, the owners have created a well decorated and comfortable oasis that you will feel fortunate to discover. Each dish is well conceived and beautifully presented. Don't miss a chance to visit a yummy kosher restaurant with easy parking and the best food west of Tel Aviv! read more

Delicious. I like the ambiance as I don't have many nicer eat in kosher restaurants nearby. A lot of options too.

4 stars for the starter salad, and the merguez sausages -The salad is a bunch of small plates of different veggies-- like an israeli version of banchan, lol. Mushrooms were my clear favorite -My jewish friend thought the sausages were just alright, but what does he know? (haha, probably more like what do i know...) but it was the best (and only...) merguez sausages that I have ever had. 3 stars for the chicken skewers and grilled eggplant -Chicken could be tastier, and definitely could be larger in portion size. -Eggplant is good but nothing special. 2 stars for lamb chops -They weren't bad to the point that I didn't want to eat them; I just wouldn't order them again. Our server was pretty good for what he was dealing with. There was only one waiter for the whole lunch staff. So when a large party came in, he kind of got tied up. read more

The worst food I don't understand how people still coming Here Noting taste good The snitzel from yesterday I believe read more

Al Ha'esh - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

We have dined here many times pre-COVID and enjoyed takeout after. The food has always been amazing! I usually go with chicken skewers, 2 so I can share with my 5-year-old son and we have usually have leftovers with the Israeli salad as a side, this is redundant unless you love this salad like I do! Redundant because it comes with the tasty sides they serve alongside every meal. My partner always orders the beef skewers with rice, We get fries for my son and usually hummus or the eggplant. Overall, everyhing has always been fresh and delicious! There was one time out of ten that we experienced a hiccup with a pickup order and the manager apologized profusely and fixed it immediately. Highly recommend this place! read more

Portions are nice and food is fresh at Al Ha'esh. We especially enjoyed the Tahini Sauce and Zataar seasoning on the veggies. Bread was hot and fresh and service was great. We'd visit again! read more

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Amazing Mediterranean food. Have been going here for three or four years and it is always amazing. Service it a little bit slow but the quality of the food 100% makes up for it. Would recommend this place to anyone who wants some amazing Mediterranean food. read more

Al Ha'esh - Jerusalem Mix - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

Pretty slow service, but cut them a break--it's opening night! We felt welcomed and like our patronage was genuinely valued. The food was delicious. We had the grilled eggplant, hummus, salads, lamb and beef kabobs, and schwarma. Meat was tender and spiced well. The pita was fresh and fluffy. Somehow we found room for dessert. Baklava could've been better. It was too thick and chewy. But the chocolate mouse cake was lovely. I think the new decor also looks much nicer--more appropriate for a sit-down meat restaurant. I'd come back for sure! read more

Al Ha'esh - Grilled eggplant with salads - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

The service was horrible not because the servers weren't trying but because they were severely understaffed. My sister ended up running up to the counter to put in the order. The food was alright not worth the wait. The only reason for 2 stars is the staff was clearly trying but there was only 2 of them. read more

This is a small local restaurant in small shopping center by the Jewish Grocery. I love the decor inside, it is clean and modern. The day we went, arrived at 5pm and there were only like 2 people seated. It was amazing how packed the restaurant was after we showed up. Our server, Kyle, was quite awesome. He explained some of the dishes and took our order very quickly. Their bread is different then pita, it is heavier/more dense, and more like a thick fry bread. It is complementary, and can have more if you want. It was different and good, just too heavy to eat with all the salads. The "Salads" are simply good, there are a lot of them and they gladly refill any you seem to have a "love" for. My favs were the chickpea salad, tomato salad, and the Baba Ghanoush. I liked the pickled beets, which is something I usually don't eat. All of the varieties of hummus were on the appetizer menu, so we wanted to try to the hummus with meat. The Hummus was very good, not exceptional, but good. It was missing extra garlic or lemon juice, still traditional and was made smooth and creamy. The meat also was good portion, but still bland. Needed extra sumac or allspice, just missing flavor. I think Lebnah would have been good as one of the sides. The Entrees to choose from were more traditional and less "trendy". My Jerusalem Mix was good, I added the chickpea salad, some tomato salad with Tahini and was really flavorful, which is why the salads are good with your Entree, it will add flavor and I asked for Harissa and they gave me their version of hot sauce. It was perfect. I would like to go back again and order something different. Try the Falafel, The Variety of Kabobs & Lamb. Really, the salads alone are worth going back for! I hope they will put Lebnah (yogurt) on the sides menu. read more

Al Ha'esh - Full salads with pita & hummus with meat - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

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Kudos to the Yelpers that have shown pictures and written about this place. I would have never come here if it weren't for you! It's one of the many reasons why I love Yelp...discovering new places and new foods! Appetizers: Salad Experience - This is amazing! It's like the little dishes you get a Korean Rest. The marinated mushrooms are addictive. The beet salad, white sauce, and cucumber salad were also standouts. It's unlimited! The second round we ordered included different salads. Chickpeas, couscous, and eggplant were introduced! "Pita" Bread - This bread has much more middle then traditional pita seen at Greek restaurants. It's super soft, but much more a traditional bread concept. Ground Beef hummus - we must of have been hungry. We gobbled this up immediately. Falafel - crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. Very well seasoned. Served with a side of cabbage slaw. Entrees: Ground beef skewers - well seasoned, a little drier than I prefer but still yummy. Dark meat chicken skewer - usually I don't like chicken when eating out and about. This was surprisingly good. Still liked the other items better but still good. Chicken Liver skewer - OMG! Maybe I've never eaten chicken liver. Maybe it's because I love pate. This is such a strong, unique pate flavor. Such a unique and delicious offering. Lamb Chops - very good. Maybe a little pricey. Still would eat again though because it was super yummy. Ribeye - my husband loved this. He ordered it medium. I thought it was cooked perfectly. Fountain sodas are the beverage options. Orange crush and lemonade are offered in addition to Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, and Dr. Pepper. My only complaint is there was no unsweetened iced tea. Minus a star. Please offer an less sugary beverage besides water. I did ask for lemon, but it never came... read more

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While looking for a place to eat for lunch, I came across Al Ha'esh! It's tucked away in a little strip mall very close to my office, so my coworker and I came in to check it out. I was not familiar with Israeli salads, but if you order any of the entrees, you get the complimentary 7 little side veggies/salad and pita bread. It's like Korean banchan! If you just want that, it is $7, and I'm pretty sure I could easily be satisfied with that. My favorites were the tomatoes (slightly spicy), mushrooms, and beets. When we got 2nds of everything (also unlimited "refills"), instead of the olives, they gave us couscous. I ordered the beef and chicken with onions entree with a side of roasted zucchini. So much food that I saved half for another meal (and stuffed my to-go box with some of those side salads too). My coworker ordered the grilled eggplant and I actually enjoyed a bite (usually I'm a bit wary of eggplant). Service was wonderful, although I wonder if the two waiters ever communicate with each other because one would come up and ask us if we needed anything, and 2 minutes later the other one would come and ask the same thing. Regardless, I will definitely keep this place in mind for future work lunches! read more

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I was appalled bringing friends here. The food is always incredible, but the service is very disrespectful, and act like they were doing us a favor every time we asked anything. read more

I was Yelping one afternoon, looking for a place to take my mom to dinner, when I stumbled upon Al Ha'esh. My mom loves carbs (pita, naan, bing, tortilla, bread, all of it), and Al Ha'esh has unlimited pita with the unlimited salad. Done. So the unlimited pita and "salad," which are actually 9 small plates of side dishes (like banchan you get at Korean restaurants), come with any order of an entree or $9 per person. We have been back several times, and I have to say, the pita and salad are probably the only things I thoroughly enjoyed. The pita were warm and fluffy. Out of the salads, my favorites were the beets, grilled mushrooms, and tahini. For entrees, we have gotten the grilled eggplant, beef kebab, schwarma, schnitzel, and Jerusalem mix. They were all just alright. The eggplant and schnitzel could've used more seasoning. The kebab and schwarma were a little dry. The dinner service here is also a hit or miss. It's annoying when you actually have to flag someone down to bring out more pita and salad and to refill your water glasses. read more

Really yummy. Great food and a go to for easy take out! Quick and consistent- will be back again and again!

I usually love to go to this place because their food is so good. It's far away from me so when I go there it's a special trip. Today I went there and when I walked in the waitress was sitting at the bar playing on her phone, she never looked up. I thought she must be a doordash person. I looked around for customer service people so that I could at least let them know I was there and pick a table. The waitress started rambling to a waiter in Spanish, I could tell she was asking him whether to give me a lunch or dinner menu. It seemed like she was making it more difficult an issue than it needed to be. He left and then she got up and chose a menu, but then put it back, went to the kitchen and started rambling in Spanish again. All this time she never looked in my direction. I got up to leave and the waiter came back out and asked me if anything was wrong, I said your waitress isn't very good, is she? He said "oh she doesn't really do well with English". He was the one that brought me a menu. I asked if he would take my order instead of her and he said yes, but then he went into the back and again I was just left sitting there. I got up and left. I understand it's very hard to work in a language that's not your own, and I would never hold that against somebody, but attitude is a whole other matter. This waitress's unfriendly and disinterested attitude and demeanor really stunk up what is otherwise ordinarily a beautiful place with a wonderful, serene atmosphere. Terrible service from a terrible waitress, if I ever go back there again and that same waitress is there, I will just leave without a second thought. It was not even busy in there, I can't imagine how that place functions with her when they have customers. read more

Sooo just ordered shawarma and what I got was dried rice and burned up meat. I'm not happy. Ask for a better cut and the told me that's what it all looks like. I told them I don't want it burned up like this and the have just left us here read more

Al Ha'esh - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

My friends and I have been coming here for years. The food is good and up until now, service was decent. It is complete and utter shame that one server (Kevin) here has ruined the restaurant. In more than one incident, Kevin was outright and flagrantly rude and obnoxious. It's not due to COVID and being short-handed, we were there when there was only one other table for two. Kevin made it clear that he was not going to help us and even laughed at us as we tried to get his attention. After sitting there for 30 minutes, we left for the last time. We will never return. read more

This is the most awesome Israeli Fleishik/Fish Restaurant (even the menu is in Hebrew & English) Even during the 9 days, we ordered the most delicious flavored fish (whole fish) called Brazino & Sea Bream. I love the 9 Israeli complimentary salads and pita & delicious chips!! Highly recommend & they get 5 stars +++! Joshua is the best server in North America!! read more

Al Ha'esh - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

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I had been looking forward to making this trip to Al Ha'esh for some time and was very disappointed. I was expecting the salatim (salads) to be completely fresh, but some tasted like they were scooped out of the jars from the grocery store next door. The seitan (vegan) kabob was dry and very small compared to the meat offerings. The french fries were honestly the only savior. However, my husband loved his chicken kabob, so there is that. The service was slow and very inattentive. We never got refills on wine or water the entire night. Definitely a crowded family atmosphere as well- there were lots of small of children there just roaming the restaurant unattended. It is also very loud, so not necessarily good for a date night. Will not return. read more

My wife and I went to Al Ha'esh yesterday and were pleased and impressed by the fast and pleasant service. Also the food was fresh, well prepare and very tasty. We left satisfied and happy. We highly recommend this restaurant. read more

This is my favorite middle east cuisine restaurant anywhere in the DMV! Abundance of food amazing atmosphere! Don't let the shopping center fool you, the place is transformed when you walk in the door! Raffa is our favorite server he anticipates our needs before we even know! Wonderful owners and very philantheopic with restaurant fundraiser nights for youth groups! read more

Al Ha'esh - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

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First, be ready to wait long time even they have empty table, because of the host woman! She didn't let us to sit a table for 5 (we were 4 people and waiting for our 5th) until the fifth person arrives. Second, if you are not jewish or not wearing kippa on your head, you will be discriminated, everything will be late for you! What is the best?! The waiter mr. James. He was incredible. He deserve ( five stars) Third, foods are ok! Do I come again? Nope! read more

It is cool that you get unlimited, tasty food, and a delicious hot sauce but the service needs work. Took a long time to get certain items like the bread. The beef items like the Jerusalem Mix and Shishlik Entrecote are very rough and not very flavor so I wouldn't recommend those but the chicken in general is good, specifically the Shishlik Pargiyot. The green beans and the french fries (battered) are very good. read more

This was our first experience and we did takeout. Service was great. If you dine in you get salad experience (which other reviewers rave about) but if you do take out, you get two sides instead. I just equated the sides to be of a larger quantity and filling enough for 1 person at $20/entree. (See picture). Same goes for the hummus appetizer with chickpeas for $7. The food was delicious but maybe we will dine In next time. We don't need excessive portions but know what you're getting if you do take out. read more

Al Ha'esh - Seitan kabob, lamb kabob, two sides. Not pictured 1 pita. - Barbeque Near Me - Rockville, Maryland