Bakery + Mediterranean Cafe I only drove by Assad's a million times, it was finally time to stop in. It's a small Middle Eastern grocery store with a small menu of Mediterranean food options. It seemed like a destination for grocery shopping. There were quite a few Arabic guests who seemed to be regulars and had friendly banter with the owner. It was great to witness communal feeling and hospitality. If you're grocery shopping, you'll find a lot of great products in the aisles. Products include olive oils, halva, dates, produce, chocolate, olives, frozen goods, dairy, teas, coffee, and a lot more. Countries represented in the aisles are UAE, Turkey, Morocco, Palestine, Yemen, and probably a lot more. Few standouts are guava, hookahs, Yemeni Karak chai, and citrus with leaves still attached looking super fresh. Of course there's spices shelf with the most pleasant aroma that transports you to the Middle East. The aisles are a little tight, but the variety is impressive. You can find enough things to cook an elaborate dinner and then some. The grocery store temperature was hot. Additionally, there were comments overheard about broken coolers, which was disappointing. It made me question the quality and freshness of perishable and frozen food. If you're hungry, there is a kitchen at the front of the store with the spinning shawarma meat. There is a small menu displayed. There are also a few other options. At checkout, you'll find ready food - pitas, meat pies, and other delicacies. Nothing looked super fresh. You can place an order at the kitchen for the food and pay at checkout. You can order premade food at checkout and pay. If you plan to enjoy the food onsite, there is patio seating made from stone (see photos). The service was pretty friendly. I encountered a few store employees. They seemed genuine and welcoming. If you pay with credit card, there is an up-charge. I ordered pies - chicken pie and pepperoni pie. I have tried many pies at the local Middle Eastern grocery stores and eateries all over the city. These were my least favorite. The main problem was that the dough was soggy. Almost like they were frozen, then thawed and left standing out for awhile. Chicken pies didn't have enough spices, and pepperoni enough meat. I did not eat either after first bite because they just didn't taste fresh. It was disappointing. I would recommend this store for grocery shopping. I'm reluctant to recommend it for prepared foods. read more

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Nice family owned place with great options to eat, nothing fancy but good local food. A+

Terrible meat shawarma sandwich. Hard tiny pieces of meat. Ingredients tasted stale. Pita bread was hard. Hummus did not taste good. YUK.

I ordered the beef schwarma pita, meat pies, and spinach pies. the food was good, however seating is limited if you're planning on staying. the menu can be hard to understand, and some of the items listed they don't serve anymore. overall, i had a fine time, but probably won't be back. read more

Fantastic home cooked middle eastern food. (Take out counter) Their bread pies (meat or sheese or spinach) are top notch best around if you like that type of food. Also, the kunafeh good dessert. And for sure you must try their zucchini and cabbage fingers (each finger of either stuffed with same mixture of rice /beef/ seasonings). Omg delicious but only available certain days. Home cooked authentic delicious and healthy. And lastly, today we tried first time their baked chicken. I guess its only on saturdays, but we will be making a trip on saturdays because its freaking amazing. Skin on, covered in spices and mixture of things maybe almonds and unique spices. Delicious. Comes served on a pice of flatbread. We gonna be doing thsi plus the fingers of cabbage and zucchini whenever we in the area on a satruday. Home cooking middle eastern deliciousness. Great job guys thank you for sharing ur kitchen either way love. read more

When you walk in, the heavenly smell of fresh cooked food is the first thing that hits you. You can watch them make anything you order fresh from the pretty extensive Mediterranean menu. My favorites are kibbie, spinach and feta pie, stuffed cabbage, and for dessert the kunafeh and the bakalava and top notch. The grocery side has a fantastic variety of products from many countries. Last but not least, the customer service is five star. They are very helpful explaining what things are and are always really friendly. LOVE this place!! read more

Very unique items and love coming here to try something different. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you read more

I was in the area and unfamiliar with the neighborhood, looking for a bite to eat and stumbled upon this gem. Awesome selection of imported groceries, fresh produce and delicious and affordably priced deli/takeout food. The spinach pies are awesome! I think they were close to closing but the counter workers were friendly and helpful. read more

It is a supermarket with food service. Food was okay, I went based on the reviews that it said best Falafel. But it was okay. Had also Hummus with meat. Was okay. So if u want something quick on the go, this , will fill the stomach. read more

Holy Yumminess! This place is a gem! I'm in Cleveland for business and have visited Assad twice in two days. I had the beef shawarma platter and dolmades tonight. Yum. I also picked up a cactus pear and a lovely pomegranate. The people are friendly and the food is fresh and delicious. It's worth stopping in for a bite! read more

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This place is one of my absolute favorites! I've tried many falafel in the area and further out and Assads has hands down the BEST falafel in my opinion. Their hummus is also the best tasting. The chicken kabob entree and the beef shawarma are also great and must haves! The service is great and the atmosphere is always welcoming. read more

Best middle eastern in the city, hands down. It's difficult to not walk out of there without one of everything. The more you try, the more you are hooked. They are extremely friendly and helpful. read more

Sort of a grocery store, sort of a bakery, and from what I could tell, not quite a restaurant - and it is all very authentic Middle Eastern. I was venturing downtown and needed to bring dessert to a picnic, so I routed to Assad's to check out the bakery options. What I found was a small and super authentic grocery store specializing in middle eastern ingredients, foods, and grocery. Bakery selection was somewhat limited - many were packaged goods - but I did see some fresh-prepared baklava and wrapped date desserts. There was also an assortment of fresh middle eastern breads that looked tasty. Prepared middle eastern meals were available to order behind the counter, probably for a "to-go" eating occasion. The neighborhood is not one that is up and coming / hip and trendy, so I would not necessarily feel so comfortable walking around solo, but the folks I interacted with were friendly and perhaps surprised to see a white girl in the 'hood. read more

So here i am walking down the street with one of my best buds. We were looking for somewhere to eat while i had work done on my car. I read the name of Assads Bakery as we passed it on the opposite side of the street. We never really considered it an option so we didnt think what of it. It was raining out side i had no hood on and i wanted a bite to eat. After a short burst of wind this amazing fragrant smell hit the air. It smelled of bread butter and ethnic seasonings! It was at this moment when we knew we had to cross the street and locate that smell. I felt like toucan Sam following my nose past a bar or two. As we got closer to the bakery we knew that was where we were going to eat. When we first went in the store instantly reminded us of some of the hybrid bakery stores with hot food in New York City. Coming here for the first time we weren't really sure where to order. The chef bursting in smells was fairly quit until he asked us what we wanted. I decided on the Chicken Shawarma and ny buddy the beef. He also got a dozen falafel's and paired it with some of cheapest baklava we have ever purchased. The cashier was the sweetest elderly woman with a keen sense of humor that was very welcoming. We decided to eat in the cramped store with seating tables and groceries geared toward people originating in the Middle Eastern countries. The store was filled with laughter of people speaking in a language i found unfamiliar but i could tell they were all liie family to one another. read more

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The wife and I got take out from here on a weeknight. We both ordered the kafta platter: three sizable beef kabobs, rice, salad, and hummus. The portions were great. The hummus, salad, and rice, were all flavorful and fresh. The kabobs were SO DRY. They were well-seasoned, but the dryness kind of ruined the whole experience. It was almost difficult to eat. read more

Assad Bakery - Super dry kafta kabobs. - Bakeries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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What a great hidden Cleveland Gem! Not only do they have a great selection of middle eastern groceries but the food there is great!

One of my favorite restaurants in Cleveland period. Everything is made in house, including the many varieties of pitas and stuffed pies. Beef shawarma is incredible--fatty and juicy with caramelized bits. Recommend getting it in the amazing Assad's Platter, which comes with a 1/4 lb. each of chicken and beef shawarma, five pieces of falafel, stuffed grape leaves, beef kabob, chicken kabob, a kefta kabob, hummus, perfectly cooked rice, pickles, cucumber salad, and pita. Assad's is also a well stocked Middle Eastern grocery store with fresh spices, nuts, legumes, grains in bulk. Fresh feta cheese behind the deli counter. Top shelf olive oils, tahini, and a great selection of hard to find cheeses/yogurts too. Produce selection is modest but fresh and inexpensive. The owner is very friendly and takes pride in his store -- was glad to answer any questions I had. Definitely worth the 30 min. trek out here from the East Side. read more

Assad Bakery - Assad's platter is amazing -- this is half of it. - Bakeries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Ordered beef shawarma and in all honesty it had no taste and was oily. Hope you can fix this. Thanks read more

Awesome place with very kind people. Love the shwarma there and every food! Very delicious.

We came to Assad's to buy some middle eastern ingredients (e.g. harissa for our homemade chicken and rice). It's a small grocery with freshly made meals behind the counter. One of my friends had brought their falafel to a potluck, and I have to say it's one of the most memorable ones I've had! What really got me was their selection of homemade feta cheese - they have THREE kinds to choose from, all different processes and tastes. I tried to play cool and pretend like I knew what I was ordering, like I knew the difference between them... :) We will be back for the meals! read more

We "discovered" this place last Friday, and planned our Sunday just so we'd have a reason to drop by again. It's a little slow, and it might take a few minutes for anyone to acknowledge you, but the food is worth it. When we were there on Sunday, they even had fresh chickpeas! Have you ever had a fresh chickpea? There is a reason the saying, "two chickpeas in a pod" does not exist, because chickpeas live lonely lives in their individual pods. Also, my dear Yelp friend PW gave this place 5 stars (actually, everyone who has reviewed this place has, which should tell you something) and he has great taste. Celebrity endorsement! read more

Assad Bakery is one of the many great resources for Middle Eastern cuisine here on the west side. It is like our own Gaza Strip right here on Lorain Ave. I usually go to Al Manar for a quick pick up of hummus or tabouli. I am friends with a couple of the dudes that work there from back in the day. So customer service at Al Manar has not been an issue. It has for some others. The service at Assad's is fantastic even with no personal connections or prior shopping experiences. I was referred to as "habibi" which is always a great greeting. I didn't even need to throw a couple Arabic words out there to show I'm down. The hummus at Assad's reminds me of the family recipes of friends. It has a more grainy texture and not as smooth or tahini infused as my favorite (Nate's). The hot pepper sauce and olive oil is a great topper and definitely should be asked for. The grape leaves are fresh and delicious as well. The tabouli is also slightly different here when compared to many local spots. It is not as citrus-y but more minty and herbal. They have the typical "street meats" as well on rotating spits along with Middle Eastern groceries. I cannot wait to make my way back to Assad's. read more

Phenomenal shawarma, freshly made to order falafel. Assad's is a small grocery store with two tables out front when you walk in and a smattering of smaller tables in the store. Once you walk inside you see the kitchen area off to your left and the expected aisles of middle eastern spices and groceries. Ordering is a breeze just head over to the counter and let the cashier know what your heart desires (chicken shawarma, with tomatos, pickle, tahini sauce, and garlic sauce) and watch as it is put together. I've had shawarma in many middle eastern countries and other large US cities, and I can comfortably say Assad's is still one of the best. It is always exceptionally fresh, and the quantity of food you will get in one shawarma will have you looking for your bed. I normally have to get two shawarma sandwiches at other establishments to feel satisfied, I only made that mistake at Assad's the first time I went, since then I only get one. Pricing is fair, quality and quantity of the food is awesome. The ambience isn't great, but it's a grocery store what did you expect. Owners and staff are very polite and helpful. read more

I have been on a quest to find the best middle eastern food in this city...you can tell by seeing my other reviews. THIS PLACE IS THE BEST I have heard alot about this place, and it doesnt get more authentic then this. This place is a actually a bakery with an middle eastern grocery store. They have a a nice grill area where dishes are prepared fresh. Its a local joint, well known for it's pita bread, and it supplies pita to alot of the other middle eastern restaurants with in the nearby states. I had there kefta kabob, beef shish, and chicken shish...and it was spot on. The beef shish was the best I have ever ever had...it was so juicy and flavorful. I also had some tabouli salad, which was just perfect. And I ended it all with a nice Knafa for dessert, and this was pherhaps the best knafa I have ever had. This place uses the freshest ingredients, they make all sorts of things, but well known for their grilled items. They have a bakery where they make thier own bread, and desserts. And I have tried the food and desserts in the local area and none of them compare. IF you real authentic, you go here. This place is so legit, that on certain days they will make stuffed hearts....i was skeptical...but it was pherhaps better than any steak i have ever had. This is the place for REAL ARABIC FOOD. read more

I don't think I can go a week without stopping here. The food is amazing, chicken shawarmas and grape leaves are my favorite! The pita is made fresh by them and when you go in you couldn't ask for friendlier service. All the guys that work here are great to talk to and always make you feel welcomed. I'm glad I stopped in this place a few months ago. read more

Assad Bakery - Storefront of Assad's from Lorain Ave. - Bakeries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

If you want great middle eastern sandwiches and food, to go, then this is the place to get it. My favorite is the Falafel. If you like the fried Kebbi balls, try it there and you can thank me later. Best kept secrete, is their "Kunafa" or as some write it "Knafe". Wow. We sometime make the one hour drive from Canton, Oh just to get some. read more

About 12 of us from Cleveland clinic Home Delivery Pharmacy from work decided to do Mediterranean and we all met at Assad Bakery. Clean, great service and everything was absolutely great. The falafel hot freshly made. Their pita bread is their trade mark. We had them prepare hummus, baba ghanoug, labana, variety of pickles, falafel sandwiches, shish tawouk, and taboula. They serviced us hot tea and a variety of home made sweets, everyone were happy . A special thanks to the Chef Talaat, owners Maher and Fred read more

Assad Bakery - Enjoying each other's company - Bakeries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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A wonderful foriegn goods store. Going to be a part of my shopping rotation. Also includes a a great menu of middle eastern cuisine.

Pros : best pita bread in town and a large variety of Mediterranean food. The few things I have had the restaurant up front were good. Cons : the owner of the place that works the counter is difficult to deal with and tries to cheat you. I went in the other day for some fresh tabouleh. It wasn't ready and he said it would be about 10 minutes. It was more like 20 but who's counting? Well apparently he isn't. While I was waiting he rung me out for the pound of tabouleh, a sandwich and a bad of spinach pies. He finally goes to the back and comes out with the container still open and weighs it. It's like .74 pounds and he goes in the back to add more. This time he comes out with it closed and just hands it to me and says it's a pound. I dropped it in the scale next to the register and it was still under. I told him and now he tabouleh was out front but he still wanted to go to the back but I insisted he used what was out front. He added it and handed it to me again. I weighed it and he seemed offended that I did that. Personally I don't know why he had a problem with me. I go there from time to time and stock up on pita bread. His son and another guy that work the counter are always very nice but this guy always seems to have an attitude. I will check out some other Mediterranean stores now. I think I'm done with this place. The tabouleh at Falafel Express is better :) read more

Try the shawarma- delicious. They make it up as you wait or browse the aisles. Not the most attractive or well stocked of import stores, but its a plus for Cleveland's slowly rising Arab district along Lorain Ave. Workers have been friendly without fail on several trips to buy bread (honestly, I toast it and use it as chips for homemade hummus and cucumber yogurt dip. I dont like the taste of it fresh out of the bag) Prices are reasonable, especially compared to what you have to pay for olive oil or tahini in a supermarket. give it a chance if you're in the neighborhood and hungry or looking for some rose water or flatbread. read more

Great service! Helpful employees and very tasty food. Everything on the menu is gods gift, cannot overstate that!

Good Middle Eastern food to go (limited seating)! I won't get a beef shawarma anywhere else in the Cleveland area!!! Family owned and operated- I get takeout for lunch here at least once per week. read more

Assad Bakery - Shawarna, hummus, turnips, cauliflower, parsley and grilled onions.....delish!!! - Bakeries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Best falafel I've had in Cleveland. Soo good! The sandwich was huge and had all the toppings for just $6. The pita is fresh baked and soft. Staff was super friendly and they sell a ton of specialty items. Great experience. Will definitely be back! read more

This by far is the best Middle Eastern food in Cleveland and the surrounding area! I have been coming to Assad's religiously for years and have always been treated as family. The food is all homemade and since I started going has only gotten better! Assad's does not skimp on anything! The beef and chicken shawarma are both, hands down, the best I have ever eaten! The falafel is crunchy and not dry like a lot of other places! All of the food is prepared as if they are serving it to family! Stop by and try it for yourself to understand the flavor and care put into all of their delicious food!! Also if you are brave enough and like spicy food, try the homemade shatta!! Stop in and say hi and don't forget to tell them Russkiy sent you!!! read more

literally the worst food i ever had in my life... literally... i so wanted to like it, the whole not posh, one table, bakery/store/hidden gem type of thing... everyone there seemed local and knew each other, assumed it was the 'in' place to go for authentic food... and blah, just garbage... had a beef and chicken shawarma, one of each, a few falafel balls and fries... could not take a bite of anything without spitting it out... honestly have no idea how this place exists... in total shock... and its not like im unfamiliar with the cuisine, i love middle eastern food and seek it out everywhere i go... i hope i bump into the person that recommended this place first day i landed, so i can make him pay me back the 30 bucks down the drain... yalla, theres the review, i never write these things, but still feel ill from the few bits of food that violated me and hope to save someone from similar trauma read more

simply, the best. family-owned. professional & kind. amazing pita, sandwiches, dawali, & middle eastern fare.

Assad's has the best falafel I've tasted in the United States, and rivals even the food I had iin the Middle East. Light, fluffy, crunchy on the outside--a foodie's dream. Do yourself a favor and make the trek down Lorain. read more

So yummy! The guys who run this place are so friendly and always helpful! The food is made fresh when you order and the chicken schwarmas are to die for!! read more

Stopped in for the first time the other day. Hands down the best hummus and tabbouleh that I have ever had (here in the US). The grape leaves were also good. I was pleasantly surprised to also find halloumi there, and proper (imported) Cadbury chocolate. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. I will definitely go back. read more

Disappointing! the older salesman tried to scam me with selling 1/2 prepackaged patisserie/cookies because they did not have the smaller size at the time. He split the bigger package in 1/2s, he kept claiming that he put the exactly 1/2 of the package. I asked him to sell me the other 1/2 as well to find out that he was lying. they were a mismatch!. No issue except that he did not have to claim honesty he did not have. It was an immediate turn off. Later on we found out that the cookies were stuffed with moldy pistachios (see picture) my daughter was eating that one. when we returned it to show them what they sold us, the salesman/owner did not take responsibility which I kinda expected based on my first encounter. I would stay away from them because I will not trust them. I am reporting them to the FoodSafety. There are many better middle eastern groceries down the street, honest owners and cleaner goods. Good luck read more

Assad Bakery - Moldy pistachios stuffed cookies sold by Assad bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio