Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Al Shami

    4.8 (11 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Al Shami Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Al Shami

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    H J.

    Very fresh food, great staff. They make everything from scratch with quality ingredients. All food is great and authentic. Their shishtawook sandwiches are a must try

    a tapestry hanging on a wall

    See all

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of H J.
    0
    9
    27

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The food is amazing and authentic! One of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in town. You must try the kibeh, they make the best.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Al Shami

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Beirut Restaurant & Spirits

    Beirut Restaurant & Spirits

    4.3
    (294 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    I really wanted to love Beirut and will give it another chance, but my first impression wasn't…read moregreat. I came in as a solo diner and was seated quickly, although my table was kind of nestled underneath the high outdoor bar. That meant hearing some of the bartender's phone conversations. I ordered a glass of Lebanese rose wine and liked it! But my meal wasn't impressive. The vegetarian grape leaves (one of my favorite dishes, generally) were OK, although several were split up on my plate (but hey, it happens). I thought the flavor was underwhelming; there was a lot of acidity but nothing else. I also ordered a side of "extra crispy seasoned potato fries" which just turned out to be generic crinkle fries with salt. Definitely wouldn't order those again. I thought maybe there would be some sort of twist on them? The big frustration was service. The restaurant was far from full when I went -- I counted maybe a dozen seated tables. After I finished eating, I spent more than 30 minutes trying to get my waiter's attention to get my check even as I sat with my plates pushed away, glasses empty, and credit card out. He walked by multiple times to wait on and check with other tables, and I saw at least five other employees working in the front of house and walking by me. Even when I got his attention for the check, it took quite a few minutes to get it, despite him walking out to other tables. (Although I will note he seemed busier than the other employees!) My check before tip came to $24, which felt on the pricey side for what I got. I hope I'm wrong, but I got the vibe that I wasn't exactly their favorite type of guest -- a solo diner who wasn't smoking hookah. (I noticed another solo non-smoker go similarly unnoticed by staff.) Maybe they heavily favor regulars, too. But they weren't at capacity, and I'd have gotten out quicker had I been able to pay. Maybe it was just an off night. But it's just not a great feeling to be ignored.

    My wife and I tried their lunch buffet for the first time and overall, it was a good experience. At…read more$15.99 including a drink, it's a solid deal. The food was tasty, but we were disappointed with the limited meat and fish options. Roasted chicken was the only choice available. I like protein so I ended up just loading up on chicken. We were hoping for a bit more variety in that protein area.

    Photos
    Beirut Restaurant & Spirits
    Beirut Restaurant & Spirits
    Indoor seating & on the other side of the window is the outdoor patio

    See all

    Indoor seating & on the other side of the window is the outdoor patio
    Fast Eddy's Quick Mideast

    Fast Eddy's Quick Mideast

    4.8
    (435 reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    The food is always so flavorful here. The staff is so friendly and the place sm heavenl…read more Go check out this local family owned spot

    My husband and I went to a special 6 Course meal event hosted by Fast Eddy's and Jacksonville…read moreRestaurant Reviews and we had such a great time exploring some of Fast Eddy's food. We started with Hummus and Tata Chips, which was crispy pita chips with a standard (but delicious) hummus. The Tata chips had great flavor, like Stacy's Pita Chips but better! The firat course was White Bean Fahsulia, which was a rich and hearty bean stew that packed huge flavor! Second course was Falafel with Tahini Sauce. These were a nice little bite between dishes. The center of the falafel was light, fluffy, and flavorful! Course 3 was Masaka-Ah served with Timan Asfur Rice. While this dish was good, it was my least favorite of the evening. I ate half of the stew and passed the rest off to my husband, who loved it! Course 4 brought us Dolma's served with Roasted Vegetables. I LOVE stuffed grape leaves and these were seriously on point! Tart and tangy up front followed by a whole lot of savory. Course 5, my favorite, was the Spicy Curry Chicken served with White Rice. This was the dish that made me fall in love with Fast Eddy's food and had me coming back for more. I took a couple bites and got a to-go container to enjoy this later at home. Finally, we reached the end of our dinner and Course 6, dessert, came out. Freshly made, sweet and decadent, traditional baklava. Filo dough, crushed walnuts, butter, and honey. This just melted away once it hit my mouth. I don't eat a whole lot of sweets but this had me closing my eyes and enjoying every bite. Every time I've visited Fast Eddy's the staff has been amazing, friendly, and hospitable. And of course, the place being completely decked out with rock and metal music memorabilia, i feel right at home here. Oh, and there's never a time where I leave that place without an order of the Pasta Anatoli to-go!

    Photos
    If you love classic hard rock, you'll easily love this place.
    If you love classic hard rock, you'll easily love this place.
    Derby Fillies + Mac n' Cheese
    Derby Fillies + Mac n' Cheese
    Chicken Big Eddy. YUMMY!

    See all

    Chicken Big Eddy. YUMMY!
    Hala’s Mideast Eatery And Market

    Hala’s Mideast Eatery And Market

    4.4
    (162 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    What a hidden gem!…read more From the outside it looks like a run of the mill strip mall market but then you walk into a beautiful little cafe style restaurant with a bar, decked out with stylish leather chairs and fashionable tables. The food was absolutely to die for with a good mixture of Palestine and Greek choices. The tea service was adorable, and we had more fun trying new things and talking to our amazing server than we ever anticipated. If you want to take someone out that if a big foodie this place would seriously impress!

    Halal Food in Sunni Islam - Conditions (Translated and Organized)…read more In Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, "halal food" refers to food that is permissible according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad . It must meet several conditions related to the nature of the food, its preparation, slaughtering process, and consumption. 1) Lawful Nature of the Food Itself The basic rule is that all foods are permissible unless there is clear evidence of prohibition. Forbidden foods include: * Pork and its derivatives * Carnivorous animals (such as lions, wolves, dogs) * Animals declared impure or harmful * Animals explicitly prohibited in Islamic texts (e.g., domesticated donkeys in most cases) 2) Conditions of Islamic Slaughter (Dhabihah) For meat to be halal, the animal must be slaughtered correctly: * The slaughterer must be a Muslim or, according to many Sunni scholars, from the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) * The name of Allah must be mentioned at the time of slaughter ("Bismillah") * The windpipe, esophagus, and main blood vessels in the neck must be cut * A sharp instrument must be used to minimize suffering * Blood must be fully drained from the body * The animal must be alive before slaughter 3) Purity and Absence of Impurity (Najasa) Food must be free from any religious impurity, such as: * Flowing blood * Urine and excrement * Contamination from impure substances or unclean surfaces * Contact with alcohol if considered ritually impure or prohibited in consumption 4) No Mixing with Haram Ingredients Even if the base food is halal, it becomes haram if mixed with prohibited substances: * Alcohol or intoxicants used as food ingredients * Pork-based gelatin or enzymes * Fats or oils derived from forbidden animals * Any additive derived from impure or prohibited sources 5) Lawful Means of Acquisition and Preparation The food must be obtained through lawful means: * Honest trade and lawful purchase * No theft or usurpation * No use of unlawful wealth such as interest (riba), bribery, or fraud 6) Utensils and Cooking Equipment * Utensils must be clean and free from najasa (impurity) * If previously contaminated, they must be properly purified according to Islamic rules * Utensils of People of the Book are generally permissible if clean 7) Intention and Consumption Ethics * Food should not be used to harm oneself or others * Excessive waste (israf) is prohibited * It must not be used directly for sinful purposes Summary In Sunni Islam, halal food is not only about the type of meat. It is a complete system involving: * lawful ingredients * proper slaughtering * purity from impurities * lawful earning and preparation * ethical consumption

    Photos
    Hala’s Mideast Eatery And Market
    Meat Trio and Grilled Chicken Combo Plate
    Meat Trio and Grilled Chicken Combo Plate
    Meat Trio

    See all

    Meat Trio
    Ruz Bukhari - Afghan Cuisine

    Ruz Bukhari - Afghan Cuisine

    3.8
    (37 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Afghan Cuisine…read more Afghan cuisine is one of the richest and most diverse culinary traditions in the region. It has been influenced by Persian, Turkic, Indian, and Central Asian cultures. The food is generally aromatic, flavorful, and based mainly on rice, meat, bread, and mild spices. 1) Famous Rice Dishes Qabuli Palaw The most famous Afghan dish: * Steamed rice * Lamb or beef * Shredded carrots and raisins * Almonds and mild spices Chalaw Gosht * Plain white rice (chalaw) * Cooked meat (usually lamb or beef) * Served with meat broth or tomato sauce 2) Meat Dishes Kebabs Kebabs are very popular in Afghanistan: * Afghan kofta kebab (minced meat kebab) * Chanjeh kebab (grilled meat chunks) * Chicken kebab They are usually served with rice, bread, and salad. Qorma (Stews) * Meat cooked with vegetables or legumes * Examples include meat qorma or vegetable qorma * Slow-cooked for rich flavor 3) Bread and Simple Dishes Afghan Naan (Tandoor Bread) * Large, round flatbread * Baked in a traditional clay oven (tandoor) * Staple food served with most meals Mantu * Steamed dumplings filled with meat and onion * Topped with yogurt and tomato sauce Aushak * Dough filled with leeks or vegetables * Served with yogurt and meat sauce 4) Soups and Light Meals Shorwa * Meat and vegetable soup * Commonly eaten during winter 5) Desserts and Sweets Halwa * Sweet made from flour, sugar, and oil Sheer Birinj * Rice cooked with milk, sugar, and sometimes cardamom Key Features of Afghan Food * Heavy use of rice and meat * Mild (not very spicy) flavors * Use of spices like cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon * Special dishes are often served during gatherings and celebrations

    I've been wanting to try Ruz Bukhari for forever now and while in the neighborhood some weeks ago,…read moreI finally got the chance. Now I know what I've been missing! I opted for the lunch buffet and it was great. Lots of variety and all the food was delicious. That day they had a beef & potato stew, a chicken & tomato stew, stewed eggplant, a bean dish, spring rolls (??? but they were good), fried fish, kofta kabobs, hummus, tabouli, baba ganoush, coconut cake and baklava among other things. Also, shortly after I was seated, a basket of soft, warm grilled pita was brought out from the kitchen to me. I've seen pix of their food on the 'net and it looked good to me but it actually tasted even better than what I'd imagined after having looked at the pix. The wonderfully spiced kabobs and the smoky baba ganoush were particularly good. I don't even like baba ganoush but I went up for seconds and devoured every last bit! Best I've ever had. I never get rice at a buffet and the owner implored me to but I balked. Now I'm kicking myself for that because after having looked at others' pix of this special preparation, it looks amazing. Next time. What bummed me though was that as incredible as it all was, the place was deserted! I'm a slow eater, was in there for over an hour having arrived at noon and the entire time, I was the only soul in there eating. Please support this place, you'll be doing yourself a huge favor. And please forgive my food pix - the art of attractive plating has never been my strong point. Just trust me - it's all delicious.

    Photos
    Decor
    Decor
    Uzbek Palao Special Request!
    Uzbek Palao Special Request!
    Lamb and Chicken Seekh

    See all

    Lamb and Chicken Seekh
    Persepolis Cafe

    Persepolis Cafe

    4.4
    (49 reviews)
    3.9 mi

    The best Baklava I had in Jax! I love that they were homemade and very sweet, nutty, with a hint of…read morecinnamon. I also loved the kind lady upfront! I appreciate her recommendations and opinions on what's best on menu.

    Halal Food in Sunni Islam - Conditions (Translated and Organized)…read more In Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, "halal food" refers to food that is permissible according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad . It must meet several conditions related to the nature of the food, its preparation, slaughtering process, and consumption. 1) Lawful Nature of the Food Itself The basic rule is that all foods are permissible unless there is clear evidence of prohibition. Forbidden foods include: * Pork and its derivatives * Carnivorous animals (such as lions, wolves, dogs) * Animals declared impure or harmful * Animals explicitly prohibited in Islamic texts (e.g., domesticated donkeys in most cases) 2) Conditions of Islamic Slaughter (Dhabihah) For meat to be halal, the animal must be slaughtered correctly: * The slaughterer must be a Muslim or, according to many Sunni scholars, from the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) * The name of Allah must be mentioned at the time of slaughter ("Bismillah") * The windpipe, esophagus, and main blood vessels in the neck must be cut * A sharp instrument must be used to minimize suffering * Blood must be fully drained from the body * The animal must be alive before slaughter 3) Purity and Absence of Impurity (Najasa) Food must be free from any religious impurity, such as: * Flowing blood * Urine and excrement * Contamination from impure substances or unclean surfaces * Contact with alcohol if considered ritually impure or prohibited in consumption 4) No Mixing with Haram Ingredients Even if the base food is halal, it becomes haram if mixed with prohibited substances: * Alcohol or intoxicants used as food ingredients * Pork-based gelatin or enzymes * Fats or oils derived from forbidden animals * Any additive derived from impure or prohibited sources 5) Lawful Means of Acquisition and Preparation The food must be obtained through lawful means: * Honest trade and lawful purchase * No theft or usurpation * No use of unlawful wealth such as interest (riba), bribery, or fraud 6) Utensils and Cooking Equipment * Utensils must be clean and free from najasa (impurity) * If previously contaminated, they must be properly purified according to Islamic rules * Utensils of People of the Book are generally permissible if clean 7) Intention and Consumption Ethics * Food should not be used to harm oneself or others * Excessive waste (israf) is prohibited * It must not be used directly for sinful purposes Summary In Sunni Islam, halal food is not only about the type of meat. It is a complete system involving: * lawful ingredients * proper slaughtering * purity from impurities * lawful earning and preparation * ethical consumption

    Photos
    Decor
    Decor
    Mix Meat and Chicken Gyro Wrap ($9.99) ~ I highly recommend this ~
    Mix Meat and Chicken Gyro Wrap ($9.99) ~ I highly recommend this ~
    Persepolis Cafe

    See all

    Ya Habibi Slice & Spice

    Ya Habibi Slice & Spice

    5.0
    (20 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    I had such a great time here! First off, love the name…read more Found this spot on Yelp, as it was close by to where I was working that night. The owner came over and spoke with us, and told us his story, as well as answering any questions. We dived right into small pizzas called maneesh- I selected the Cheese and Zaatar- and it was delicious! Behind us, there was a table set with items for a dinner buffet. The owner also assured us we should check out the Dubai chocolate store next door- so we did! Thank you so much!

    Came here for the buffet around 5:30pm and had the place to ourselves. The buffet options were…read moreimpressive especially if you love meat! My husband was thrilled! They have pita, hummus, baba Ghanoush, salad, cauliflower, potato and lentil soups, chicken, couscous with chickpeas (not sure), beef kofta, chicken kebob, and my favorite lamb with rice. Everything was delicious and flavorful. I was not familiar with the lamb and rice dish but our server told us that the last item at the end of the buffet table was actually the sauce for the lamb. It really elevated the flavors, sooo good! They also have coffee (tasted like a Turkish coffee) and tea plus of course, a dessert. I forgot the name of the dessert but it was the only thing that we did not particularly like because it was too sweet for our taste but I'm sure other people will like it. Do come and try this place, you will not be disappointed!

    Photos
    Couscous and Chicken
    Couscous and Chicken
    Ya Habibi Slice & Spice
    Ya Habibi Slice & Spice

    See all

    Al Shami - syrian - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...