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Ara's Shawarma is pretty tasty. I've been getting the beef shawarma wrap each time and I enjoy it. I need to try the crispy version as that looks more like the one that has gone viral. Anyway, this is a good spot if you're looking for something on the healthier side. The staff seem to be indifferent. They're not really friendly nor are they not friendly. The place is clean but we were there the first week of July and they had no air conditioning on. It was hot as hell inside! They really should get that fixed because it's hard to enjoy a meal when you're sweating in a stuffy restaurant.
First the directions on yelp interface with Google not to well... So I had to make a bunch of extra turns to get to the location... Street parking on Ventura isn't bad 1.81 for an hour and it added the remaining time from the previous person so I ended up wirh 1hr 44 :). Lets get to why wifey and I came... She saw a video on the Crispy Beef Shawarma and Tallo Fries... The order 2 Crispy Beef Shawarma (15.99 each) I ordered the combo which gave me a drink and the tallo fries for 3.99 more. My wife wanted to try the hummus so that was an extra 3.99 and it came with one pita bread. Our food arrived delivered with a Pomegranate sauce to drizzle on the zcrispy beef and let me tell you that was freaking delicious so delicious I used it for my fries!!! While we were eating we over heard they had a house hot sauce which I got up and asked for 2 so we could try it out!! I didnt want to leave obviously without trying it.. The House Hot Sauce had real good flavor with hinys of the Middle East!!! Perfect spot for something different Yes!! Really clean inside helpful staff and music that sets the mood!!! Overall 5 Stars for the food, service, ambiance
Literally came back the next day to pick up another order for my family to try and they loved it! One of our favorite places to eat now. This time we ordered two Crispy Chicken Shawarmas and two Crispy Beef Shawarmas. Both were good, but the general consensus was that the chicken one shined. The food here is delicious and we'll definitely be coming back very soon!
Saw an Instagram food influencer post about how good the crispy shawarma wrap was and it did not disappoint. Juicy, flavorful, delicious and the meal comes with a giant box of fries. Friendly staff, super clean, and easy parking lot parking too (free on the weekends). Definitely recommend.
We're big foodies and have been wanting to try more Middle Eastern spots, so we stopped by while passing through the valley and wow, so glad we did. First off, the customer service was amazing. The manager, Tigram, was seriously the sweetest--exactly how you hope to be welcomed when you walk into a place. He even followed up to make sure everything was okay, which made the experience that much better. The ambiance is super chill, really spacious, and I especially loved the red theme and decor it gives such a cool vibe. And the food... omg. We got the crispy wraps with chicken and beef (plus fries), and it was a total hit. Hot, fresh, flavorful, and perfectly crispy. The chicken seasoning and juiciness were incredible, and the blend of everything together was honestly to die for. And the meat ratio to veggies was on point!! Good portion of meat. Definitely coming back
We were in the area and decided to try Aras Shawarma for lunch--it's in the spot that used to be Veggie Grill--and we're glad we did. We both ordered the chicken shawarma wraps, and the portions were big and very filling. Ordering was super easy with the self-serve kiosks, and the restaurant itself is spacious, clean, and bright with a large indoor seating area. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and I really liked the artwork inside--it adds a nice touch to the space. The chicken was fresh, juicy, and well-seasoned, and the fries were crispy, hot, and generously portioned. We shared one order of fries and it was more than enough for both of us. Parking options are convenient with metered street parking available, plus a paid lot in the back. Overall, everything was smooth from ordering to seating to food quality. We'll definitely be back--next time we're planning to try the kabobs. Solid spot for a satisfying, casual lunch in Encino.
Went on a Tuesday night 06/16/2026 and ordered the Viral "Crispy Beef Shawarma" and "Crispy Chicken Shawarma".. The place was a ghost town. Ordered extra sauce on the side, extra $1 or $2 depending on what you get. The Crispy Chicken Shawarma literally felt like I was chewing on the cartilage of a chicken thigh, they gave me lamb instead of beef, and it was the most gamey tasting lamb I've ever had. The side of fries were soggy as soon as I got in the car, and they were cold. Attached photo is the food you get when you order, I'm 1000% convince they pay for all these influencers on tik tok and instagram for their reviews. It's also paid parking, or you can try parking on Ventura Blvd in Encino, which is impossible. I honestly don't really complain about food, but this is horrible. $50+ down the drain just to lose my appetite. There are other non viral social media places that serve better quality food for cheaper.
Today I ordered to go from Doordash one lamb plate and one Shawarma plate, both with Greek salad! A true delight: the meat is super moist, and their food is really fresh They have three locations and I highly recommend that place for you guys to order! ‼So delicious and tasty
Came here on a Friday night since the Encino location is in a better area than the other one in NoHo. Plenty of street parking. We all ordered the viral Crispy Chicken Shawarma, and a small side of fries to share. The shawarma was delicious especially with the garlic and pomegranate sauces, which gave it such a unique flavor profile. We also asked for their 3 different sauces to dip our fries in, and all of them were so good especially the spicy one! Do not sleep on their fries which were so crispy and flavorful! Will definitely be back often to get our shawarma fix!
Ara's served up some pretty solid flavorful Mediterranean food. We stopped by here a few times for lunch already and both time food was delicious. Order is simple, they have a kiosk that you can order from or the counter. So far the plates that we have tried: Lamb Lula Kebab Plate: The lamb Lula was delicious. Very moist and flavorful. Chicken Shawarma Plate: This was pretty good but it was a little bit to dry for me in my opinion. Chicken Thigh Plate: This was fantastic. The chicken was perfectly done. So moist and tender. The chicken thigh plate took about 10 minutes to be served but it was worth it if you're not in a rush. Each plate comes with 3 different sauce. Overall, we have enjoyed our last couple visits here and would definitely return. Service was friendly. As for parking they have a back parking lot in the back and street meter parking.
Located just next to the Katsuya in Encino, Ara's Shawarma serves up meaty bowls and wraps with a Mediterranean twist. I've had the chicken bowl and the beef bowl - I'd order both again. Lots of flavor! Perfect for two to share, or to make another meal for later. They sell chocolate covered strawberries here, which is pretty fun. I haven't tried them, but I'm sure I'll cave in one of these days. The interior of the shop is quite artsy and inviting. This place is relatively new, so it's so clean and fresh. Service is efficient and the staff are helpful. I usually wait about ~10 minutes max for my order. Your best bet for parking is metered street parking out front. Don't forget to pay the meter and read those street signs carefully before leaving your car.
For any restaurant I think food is the main thing. I had the beef and lamb. All the ingredients were excellent except the pita which was either stale or just poor quality. I'm inclined to believe stale because everything else was wonderful. I'm certain if I had asked for another pita they would have accommodated. The staff was excellent too. Usually I mention little about staff unless fine dining but in this case they deserve mentioning. Very nice. It is a little difficult to find and parking, while validated, isn't easy to find on your first visit. Nonetheless I'm certain to return
My first time here, the food is good and tasty. I had the chicken Shawarma over basmati rice. The place is clean, nice atmosphere and I will definitely be back.
18 days ago
15 days ago
Came here because of Tiktok. It was fine - here's what you need to know. But tldr the hype is fabricated and paid for and the food is mid but not awful. Don't come here special for it but if it's near you, give it a shot. + Pomegranate sauce is killer - you'll taste it in the first bite and that's it + Meat was flavorful and decent + Crispy bread was fun, not burnt, I enjoyed it - The tomatoes and other veggies are HOT AND STEAMY. I thought this was foul, but it may not bother everyone - Sauces - a lot were promised and I didn't feel like I noticed any of them except the barely there pomegranate in that first bite (the videos show them adding it to the end so...) I may come back to try the chicken, but if I do I'll ask for all the sauces extra on the side, and the pickles etc also on the side. read more
3 months ago
Ara's Shawarma is pretty tasty. I've been getting the beef shawarma wrap each time and I enjoy it. I need to try the crispy version as that looks more like the one that has gone viral. Anyway, this is a good spot if you're looking for something on the healthier side. The staff seem to be indifferent. They're not really friendly nor are they not friendly. The place is clean but we were there the first week of July and they had no air conditioning on. It was hot as hell inside! They really should get that fixed because it's hard to enjoy a meal when you're sweating in a stuffy restaurant. read more
First the directions on yelp interface with Google not to well... So I had to make a bunch of extra turns to get to the location... Street parking on Ventura isn't bad 1.81 for an hour and it added the remaining time from the previous person so I ended up wirh 1hr 44 :). Lets get to why wifey and I came... She saw a video on the Crispy Beef Shawarma and Tallo Fries... The order 2 Crispy Beef Shawarma (15.99 each) I ordered the combo which gave me a drink and the tallo fries for 3.99 more. My wife wanted to try the hummus so that was an extra 3.99 and it came with one pita bread. Our food arrived delivered with a Pomegranate sauce to drizzle on the zcrispy beef and let me tell you that was freaking delicious so delicious I used it for my fries!!! While we were eating we over heard they had a house hot sauce which I got up and asked for 2 so we could try it out!! I didnt want to leave obviously without trying it.. The House Hot Sauce had real good flavor with hinys of the Middle East!!! Perfect spot for something different Yes!! Really clean inside helpful staff and music that sets the mood!!! Overall 5 Stars for the food, service, ambiance read more
Literally came back the next day to pick up another order for my family to try and they loved it! One of our favorite places to eat now. This time we ordered two Crispy Chicken Shawarmas and two Crispy Beef Shawarmas. Both were good, but the general consensus was that the chicken one shined. The food here is delicious and we'll definitely be coming back very soon! read more
3 months ago
Saw an Instagram food influencer post about how good the crispy shawarma wrap was and it did not disappoint. Juicy, flavorful, delicious and the meal comes with a giant box of fries. Friendly staff, super clean, and easy parking lot parking too (free on the weekends). Definitely recommend. read more
We're big foodies and have been wanting to try more Middle Eastern spots, so we stopped by while passing through the valley and wow, so glad we did. First off, the customer service was amazing. The manager, Tigram, was seriously the sweetest--exactly how you hope to be welcomed when you walk into a place. He even followed up to make sure everything was okay, which made the experience that much better. The ambiance is super chill, really spacious, and I especially loved the red theme and decor it gives such a cool vibe. And the food... omg. We got the crispy wraps with chicken and beef (plus fries), and it was a total hit. Hot, fresh, flavorful, and perfectly crispy. The chicken seasoning and juiciness were incredible, and the blend of everything together was honestly to die for. And the meat ratio to veggies was on point!! Good portion of meat. Definitely coming back read more
We were in the area and decided to try Aras Shawarma for lunch--it's in the spot that used to be Veggie Grill--and we're glad we did. We both ordered the chicken shawarma wraps, and the portions were big and very filling. Ordering was super easy with the self-serve kiosks, and the restaurant itself is spacious, clean, and bright with a large indoor seating area. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and I really liked the artwork inside--it adds a nice touch to the space. The chicken was fresh, juicy, and well-seasoned, and the fries were crispy, hot, and generously portioned. We shared one order of fries and it was more than enough for both of us. Parking options are convenient with metered street parking available, plus a paid lot in the back. Overall, everything was smooth from ordering to seating to food quality. We'll definitely be back--next time we're planning to try the kabobs. Solid spot for a satisfying, casual lunch in Encino. read more
4 months ago
Went on a Tuesday night 06/16/2026 and ordered the Viral "Crispy Beef Shawarma" and "Crispy Chicken Shawarma".. The place was a ghost town. Ordered extra sauce on the side, extra $1 or $2 depending on what you get. The Crispy Chicken Shawarma literally felt like I was chewing on the cartilage of a chicken thigh, they gave me lamb instead of beef, and it was the most gamey tasting lamb I've ever had. The side of fries were soggy as soon as I got in the car, and they were cold. Attached photo is the food you get when you order, I'm 1000% convince they pay for all these influencers on tik tok and instagram for their reviews. It's also paid parking, or you can try parking on Ventura Blvd in Encino, which is impossible. I honestly don't really complain about food, but this is horrible. $50+ down the drain just to lose my appetite. There are other non viral social media places that serve better quality food for cheaper. read more
Today I ordered to go from Doordash one lamb plate and one Shawarma plate, both with Greek salad! A true delight: the meat is super moist, and their food is really fresh They have three locations and I highly recommend that place for you guys to order! ‼So delicious and tasty read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Thanks so much, Regine! We’re so glad you’ve had great experiences…
3 months ago
3 months ago
Came here on a Friday night since the Encino location is in a better area than the other one in NoHo. Plenty of street parking. We all ordered the viral Crispy Chicken Shawarma, and a small side of fries to share. The shawarma was delicious especially with the garlic and pomegranate sauces, which gave it such a unique flavor profile. We also asked for their 3 different sauces to dip our fries in, and all of them were so good especially the spicy one! Do not sleep on their fries which were so crispy and flavorful! Will definitely be back often to get our shawarma fix! read more
Ara's served up some pretty solid flavorful Mediterranean food. We stopped by here a few times for lunch already and both time food was delicious. Order is simple, they have a kiosk that you can order from or the counter. So far the plates that we have tried: Lamb Lula Kebab Plate: The lamb Lula was delicious. Very moist and flavorful. Chicken Shawarma Plate: This was pretty good but it was a little bit to dry for me in my opinion. Chicken Thigh Plate: This was fantastic. The chicken was perfectly done. So moist and tender. The chicken thigh plate took about 10 minutes to be served but it was worth it if you're not in a rush. Each plate comes with 3 different sauce. Overall, we have enjoyed our last couple visits here and would definitely return. Service was friendly. As for parking they have a back parking lot in the back and street meter parking. read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Thanks so much, Kevin! We’re glad you’ve been enjoying our plates…
Located just next to the Katsuya in Encino, Ara's Shawarma serves up meaty bowls and wraps with a Mediterranean twist. I've had the chicken bowl and the beef bowl - I'd order both again. Lots of flavor! Perfect for two to share, or to make another meal for later. They sell chocolate covered strawberries here, which is pretty fun. I haven't tried them, but I'm sure I'll cave in one of these days. The interior of the shop is quite artsy and inviting. This place is relatively new, so it's so clean and fresh. Service is efficient and the staff are helpful. I usually wait about ~10 minutes max for my order. Your best bet for parking is metered street parking out front. Don't forget to pay the meter and read those street signs carefully before leaving your car. read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Thanks so much, Kathy! We’re glad you loved the bowls and the vibe at…
For any restaurant I think food is the main thing. I had the beef and lamb. All the ingredients were excellent except the pita which was either stale or just poor quality. I'm inclined to believe stale because everything else was wonderful. I'm certain if I had asked for another pita they would have accommodated. The staff was excellent too. Usually I mention little about staff unless fine dining but in this case they deserve mentioning. Very nice. It is a little difficult to find and parking, while validated, isn't easy to find on your first visit. Nonetheless I'm certain to return read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Hey Mike! Thank you so much for the thoughtful review we really…
6 days ago
i went here tonite with my wife and 3 small children for our first time the young kid had no personalty seemed like he was doing me a favor taking my order no suggestions nothing we ordered 3 basic lula kabob plain sandwiches which 1 was burned .i showed the young gentleman the lula kabob for my 8 yr old was burnt he said he would replace it which was the right thing to do but now were all done eating and waiting for my young daughters sandwiche this place is way over priced for a shawarma spot and food burnt not what i expected from this spot paid $92.00 for 2 adults 3 small children left $3.00 tip these small sandwiches with no fries no drink nothing just ridiculous and disappointed. read more
7 days ago
1 year ago
Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Got the deal on Instacart so I have decided to give this place a try. Arrived at night around 8 pm just for pick up but found parking on Ventura and they have pretty nice outdoor seating so just ate it there. Ordered chicken kabobs, rice, hummus, salad, pita bread, grilled onion, tomatoes and jalapeño. Chicken was cooked right, meat was juicy and delicious. I like the fact that they included grilled vegetables. It was a good portion and tasted great so I would repeat to try their beef items. read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Hi Harrison! Thanks so much for giving us a try and for taking the…
25 days ago
6 days ago
8 days ago
Ara's Shawarma (Encino) is a solid go-to when you're craving something quick but flavorful. The shawarma is juicy, well-seasoned, and made fresh, with generous portions that actually fill you up. Service was friendly and fast, even during a rush. Simple, satisfying, and definitely a spot I'd come back to. read more
I was craving some Mediterranean food and found this on Uber Eats. The place has a buy one, get one promo, so I ordered the beef/lamb gyro plate with rice. It's packed well--tons of meat! For two gyro plates, it's a bargain. read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Hi Ed,…
9 months ago
I got the family all chicken meal. Came with kabob and other skewers. Lots of chicken! All flavorful and perfectly seasoned and cooked. One was ground chicken, breast and thigh. In the meal came also rice, hummus, cabbage salad. Generous portions. Tasty and fresh. Will definitely order again! read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Hi Mimi! Thank you so much for the amazing review we really…
Ara's shawarma always 5/5 for me. Tried the LA location and the North Hollywood all have the same great taste. Got my dogs groomed here in Encino and wanted to try this Encino location. This location is much bigger and a great outdoor patio for your doggies. Not to mention, their staff here is very friendly and fast service! (NoHo location has a little longer wait time) Thank you Encino Ara's Shawarma! read more
4 months ago
5 months ago
For some reason , this place popped up on my social Media feed with grubbing with Greg, he made it look so good! and since my husband and I love middle eastern cuisine we had to try! Food came out fast and Husband gave it a 8/10 we always play this game but I? I wasn't quite a fan like he was, why? I opted for the beef shawarma while he scarfed down the chicken shawarma, and I instantly smelled the strong scent of the lamb, it was overpowering and I thought they must have gotten the meats wrong in the kitchen from My order, regardless, I had asked my husband To give it a try and he said I was crazy! The gyro was big and nice and crispy chicken was about $13 and the beef was $16... comes with your choice of sauce so you can't go wrong with the garlic spread and tried a little bit of the pomegranate sauce as well. He ended up having both and at the end of the meal, he asked the employee at the register if they had swapped the meats, full disclosure, they cook the shawarma with lamb fat 5% and that was that! Fun spot, I would come back here for the chicken shawarma. Personal preference. read more
Quick service. Mike behind the counter was friendly and very polite. Falafel and Baklava taste good. Will definitely recommend this place. Open till late. Good for a li'l pick me up at night time. read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Hi Hetal, thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the…
18 days ago
3 months ago
As you can see, I basically just paid for a meal--but it was completely tasteless. It's not real shawarma. They serve it in a sealed foil container; the hummus, tahini, pita, and salads all lack flavor. Wow, I do not recommend it at all! The service involves minimal interaction--you order via a computer. The atmosphere is depressing; there are no people, nothing going on. It's quiet read more
20 days ago
11 months ago
Hands down best shwarma place in LA! They load up the sandwich and it's so flavorful!! Highly recommend and will definitely come back for more! I've been searching for a good shawarma place that actually had nice fillings and toppings. The meat is good quality too! I got the chicken wrap in lavash and it was 10/10! Staff is amazing too super clean restaurant read more
Business owner information
Araik P.
Thank you so much, Sarah! We’re honored you consider us one of the…
First time here. I tried beef shawarma - the meat was well marinated, veggies were fresh, pita was tasty. However the beef was over salted and veggies juice made pita wet and was dripping out. On the picture the wrap had a foil to hold everything together but in reality there was none so everything was falling off and it was really hard to eat. The place was almost empty in the fridays evening. The service was good and the restaurant was pretty clean too. One and done read more
4 months ago
5 months ago
Good service but I was recommended the crispy wrap and it tastes so weird, I cannot even eat it. I took two bites and it's like pomegranate juice or something. Very tangy. I tried this place 3 times and I really want to support it but they're making it tough. I also taste lamb. Place was clean and enjoyable. read more
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More info about Ara's Shawarma
16542 Ventura Blvd
Ste 110
Encino, CA 91436
Encino
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(747) 360-0093
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https://arashawarma.com/encino
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