I love to stop by this little cafe for a quick lunch. The food is always fresh and really good. Eat in or take away, it's great.

Not sure why they have 4 out of 5 stars?!? Customer service: Horrible! (It was my first time there and the older man who helped me was very short, unpleasant, and borderline rude when I tried asking some questions about the menu). Price: Way too high for the quality. Food: Meh. (I ordered combo chicken lamb plate. The chicken was pretty good but the lamb had funny taste, and it had no sauce just meat and rice with hummus and salad. Also had the balaclava - which was very, very dry). I've definitely had good Mediterranean food before, and this wasn't it. Save yourself the disappointment and go down the street to Opa! read more

I'm really glad to have found this place, it's one of few Mediterranean places I've had the opportunity to try and it is amazing! It's centrally locate in downtown Walnut Creek so there is plenty of parking, for that reason, it can occasionally get very busy. I ordered the chicken platter which comes with the seasoned chicken, basmati rice, salad, and pita bread with hummus. I would recommend ordering ahead of time if you're in a rush, great food takes time to prepare. :) read more

Babalou's Mediterranean - Chicken Platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

terrible customer service!!! the workers are rude and clearly do not care about their customers. do not enter do not enter

This place is amazing!! Absolutely love the combo salad and they ask you if you want it to be spicy. Just make sure that your order enough tzatziki sauce to go around. read more

The best falafel and the best hummus i've ever tasted! The falafel is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and full of flavor. And then there's the hummus! The texture is far from that grainy gritty stuff found at the supermarket - Sooo creamy and airy. Dip that falafel in the humus - it's Just heaven! read more

This place has different prices that show on the online menu and almost 40% higher once you order and go to pay at the restaurant. We put in a large corporate order and we usually pay about 300$ for big catered orders for 10-12 persons. When we went to pick up the food the tab was $700! A tray of yellow rice was $80! The owner was called upon to explain this hike in prices between the online pricing and in-restaurant and her answer was that the online menu pricing was not updated and costs 1000$ to change. Very disappointed with the dishonest charges today. We lost our appetite. All our staff are very unhappy and we will never order from this place again. read more

Atmosphere/Service First off, it's not a restaurant. It's more "fast food". You order food that you can choose to eat there or take to go. There's a few seats inside, and all the times I've been I have always been able to get a seat. Food Coming from NYC, halal street food is very popular. I've been looking for a place to satisfy that craving and this place does it! I ordered their spicy combo plate (chicken and lamb). It comes with rice, salad, pita, and hummus. Everything is cooked when ordered. I also asked for additional hot sauce. The hot sauce is more of a mild spicy. Even without the sauce, the meat is very flavorful. I do think $12 is a bit pricey for what it is, but worth trying! read more

Babalou's Mediterranean - Combo plates and pitas - Mediterranean Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

After enjoying Mediterranean food in Southern California this past weekend I thought I would dig around here for some places in Walnut Creek and it happens this is right in my neighborhood. I went in this evening and ordered the gyro plate. Absolutely delicious can't say enough about how great the lamb, rice and the sauce tasted. From a service standpoint I thought the gentleman who is older was not engaging and lacking in an answer to why I would be taxed on the to go order which might be a common practice but I'm not usually taxed on to go food. Not only did he not supply a response he completely disappeared after I had paid. Outside of that experience the food definitely is worth combating the service and I just may Door Dash in the future! read more

Easily one of the best combination plates I've ever had in my life! I also recommend getting the Spicy lamb gyro. Def stopping by here every time we are in the area. read more

If you guys ever want to try some flavorful Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. Huge portions and friends staff. Definitely will be back soon! read more

Babalou's Mediterranean - Mediterranean Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

One of our favorite go to restaurants. They have such amazing lamb gyros and lamb plates. I'm so picky about my lamb especially when it's sliced but they have such amazing quality here. Parking isn't the best but there's a garage nearby that has the first hour free. The service is always fast and accurate. I really can't say anything bad about this establishment. My husband and I eat here at least once a month... Sometimes more! He's Lebanese and very picky about his hummus. These guys make a mean batch that doesn't disappoint. I'd also recommend trying their Falafel's. They're hands down the best I've ever had! read more

My man Waheed really catered well to me. I had planned to go and meet Kevin another worker there because I had popped my head in there before just to check it out after I had ate elsewhere and Kevin had shown me to what it seemed to be as genuine interest. So in short they have a nice crew of guys here. He did have some comments about the way I ate spicy and kinda held out on me when it came to the spicy sauce even though I told him I was willing to pay extra bt nonetheless I still am giving this organization 5 stars for the facts below plus the food was bomb with balance in flavoring on top of all that! Next time I must ask what he puts in that house made hummus. Cuz it taste quite creamylol oh ya and the baklava is 7/10 the falafel wrap prolly top 2 I have ever had (and ive had some from a number of restaurants/stands in my days) . Would had more edge to be number one if filled more how I prefer and how I told Waheed. Bt excellently wrapped nonetheless with flavor and again good balance with the flavors. read more

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Love this place! I usually get the chicken plate with rice and French Fries and it's beyond good. The owners are friendly and work efficiently to make sure the food is cooked correctly in a timely manner. read more

Can't say much about the service because it usually leaves much to be desired. It's also not an altogether cozy spot to have a sit-down meal, but by golly, if they don't have the tastiest shawarma in Walnut Creek for the most reasonable prices probably in all of the Bay Area. Basically, a great place to grab and go a cheap lunch if you're in the area! read more

The people who are talking about the owner and giving a bad review are not being kind. This older gentleman is from Jordan. He is an introvert and he is very kind. Please do not expect high energy in your face service like other places. This is a humble Mediterranean joint with high quality food. So what he isn't laughing or being fake happy like other places in this town. Please be mindful of differences; including cultural differences. This guy had a great conversation with me because I spoke Arabic to him. He was surprised I could and was very pleasant. Anyhow, you don't have to speak Arabic, but being kind and accepting differences goes a long way. Plus, the food is the most important part of this thread. The food is amazing and please go and check it out for yourself. read more

I never thought I was someone that liked greek food but this place changed me! The hummus here is silky smooth and like none I could find!

I ordered two garlic chicken wraps but two plain wraps arrived instead. I called the restaurant to let them know that they arrived without garlic sauce and tahini, and he completely dismissed me and said they don't come with either, even though the menu says it clearly (pic attached). I would've normally let this go but the customer service was so awful and I will never return or recommend this place to anybody. 0/10 customer service. read more

The old man in the front was super rude. The food was not made fresh, just warmed up and extremely dry. No flavor at all. Was super excited to try this place only to be disappointed. read more

Hands down best Mediterranean food in the East Bay that I've had so far and I've tried a half a dozen Mediterranean places. I usually get the chicken schwarma (spicy). It's delicious, the hummus is great too. Could use an extra pita for all the hummus, but that's okay. I agree with others when it comes to customer service. Feels off, never really greeted warmly. Otherwise, place is great. read more

Really delicious Mediterranean food in downtown Walnut Creek. The best part is that this place is very cheap in a sea of more expensive places. We got a combo plate and a deluxe falafel. The combo plate was the winner. The meat was so delicious I kept going and stealing bites from my boyfriend! The falafel was crispy and full of veggies but the flavor was a bit boring. I ended up adding lots of the spicy sauce which helped. I suggest this place if you are shopping in downtown Walnut Creek and need a cheap and quick fix for food! read more

I eat here probably twice a week. The chicken salad is excellent and a healthy option but also a very filling one. The tzatziki is phenomenal. I always order an 8oz side of it to bring home with me. The only way they could improve the place would be to make their own pita. Currently they send you with one in the bag it came in from whatever grocery store, but not a big deal. I have only ever had this one salad from here, but everything on the menu has always looked great! read more

The best Greek food! Their shwarma and gyros are the best I've had in the East bay! Their whole menu is delicious! I have had multiple items from the menu( falafel, gyro, hummus, shwarma, dolmas, various sauces etc.) on the occasions I've been here and I've never had anything I didn't like. It's a great hole on the wall place with delicious food and many options including vegetarian, gluten free (GF) and various meats. read more

The food is delicious and consistent. They are quick to get orders out. Love the gyros and lamb plates!

The chicken kebab plate from Babalou's is really good. I also like that they offer a "spicy" option as well. I always order ahead because prep time can be a little lengthy just depending on their amount of traffic but I've always been satisfied with the quality, quantity and accuracy of the food. read more

It's essentially a takeout place, though there are some tables. Food is delicious! I always get the chicken plate. The only bad thing is that it is often impossible to find parking. read more

This place is hands down the best Mediterranean restaurant in the area. The chicken and lamb combo plate is usually what I get every time. The wraps, plates and appetizers are all very good. Best hummus ever. I sometimes drive the 30 mins it takes to get here just for the food. Sometimes the service isn't great but I think it has to do more with if the owners soccer team is winning or losing. Soccer (Premier League) is usually on all the time when I'm here. Thank you Babalou's!! Best food and prices ever! read more

Every time we're in Walnut Creek we come here. It's inexpensive, quaint, and delicious. The veggie plate is perfection! For 8.95 you get hummus, pita, 2 pieces of falafel, 2 dolma, baba ghanouj, and tabouleh. For $1.98 extra you can add three more pieces of falafel. I split it with my boyfriend, and it's enough food for 2. There's plenty of tables, and whimsical murals on the walls. The staff is friendly, and you can generally find street parking nearby. If you're looking for a quick bite without paying a gazillion dollars or going to a chain, this is the spot! read more

Babalou's Mediterranean - Only $8.95 for this delicious veggie plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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Over the last few months I have ordered take out a number of times. They prices are fair and the food is good.

Great place for a quick and tasty lunch. Food is very tasty, and the prices are right. The gyro or combo platter should be considered, just depends how hungry you are. Either way, expect it to be packed with well seasoned meat. If you opt for the gyro, don't be surprised if after finishing, you think about going back for another! Give Babalou's a chance the next time you're looking for a delicious lunch option! read more

The food is excellent. They are a bit stingy with the meat and there are no sauces to accompany the food. They seemed to be short-staffed the last two times that I visited. read more

What a great lunch! When you order a simple gyro sandwich with a side salad, you may not expect much. Today, the lamb gyro was tender and very flavorful. I can't spell the sauce, so I won't try. Excellent. Even the side salad was flavorful with fresh cucumber, tomato and onion. Simple but far exceeded expectations. I'll be back. read more

I come here once in a while, it's quick and decent. I generally order the chicken salad but have had other things on the menu. So, a little conflicting at first taste it's pretty good, the thing is its extremely greasy. I don't know if anyone else gets this feeling. It it seems to give me quite a icky feeling due to the amount of grease used. I think Babalou's has great potential aside from that! The hummus is amazing love the taste, really good flavor. Some restaurants have hummus that taste pretty bland. As far as seating and service it's a little of a fast food feel, quick food they do bring it to your table a little similar to a chipotle dining or something of that nature. It's not a high class upper end restaurant if that's what you're looking for. Really good for to go orders or a quick lunch stop. read more

Babalou's Mediterranean - Spicy chicken salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Food here is good. I've eaten here a lot. They gotta work on customer service. Some guy at the register was incoherent and rude. Takes your money doesn't say thanks. Nothing. Business will suffer with someone like that. Good food. Bad service. read more

Rarely do I ever leave an establishment annoyed, upset, and almost completely unsatisfied...to a point when I had to convince myself that a one-star review would be too harsh and unfair, so two stars would be "giving them a break." Babalou's disappointed me in so many levels. We came here with fair expectations after watching such a positive review from "Check Please Bay Area." Most of the people who stood with us in the slowest moving line on earth were also there because of the feature on "Check Please." Apparently, they were completely unprepared and frazzled by the increased business from the positive publicity. As a result, we ended up with one of the biggest dining disappointments we've had in recent memory. We stood in line for nearly 30 minutes, though it felt like 45. Don't get me wrong, it's not a long line...not at all. But the line moved at about 2 inches per minute, so slow that many of us in the back started wondering what was going on that was causing so much gridlock. Check it out: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/NcajCVUnqNwLXAEqzVen5A?userid=pypZb3V5TXHOnlTj-qLSrw It was a standard dinner rush, or perhaps a little busier than normal. Regardless, it was apparent that they were not prepared for it and did not know how to deal with the rush. By the time I got to the front of the slowest moving line on earth, they were out of Lamb, they were out of Kefta Kabobs, they were out of another item I requested that I no longer remember. I actually had to ask what my remaining options were and had to settle for those. It was 2.5 hours before closing time, just barely past normal dinner hours. Though the wait in line was long, the wait for the food to arrive was even longer. It took nearly 40 minutes for the food to arrive. When it did, the food was room temperature and the meat was tough and dry. When I realized that my order did not have the garlic tomato sauce (for which I paid extra), they casually told me that they ran out of that too. Actually, the look of the restaurant and the frightful (or indifferent) look on the employees' faces were quite telling. The floor was sticky and littered with clutter. Tables were rarely maintained. The whole evening was just very chaotic and stressful for the staff and the patrons. They closed for the day two hours before normal, explaining to patrons that they ran out of most items due to the publicity from Check Please. That, of course, begs the question of why they were so unbelievably unprepared. They should have been and the show was not a good excuse. Quite frankly, it was unacceptable. Bottom line, I am 100% willing to come back and give them another shot in the off chance that I came in one of those rare evenings that only happens once in a blue moon. Plus, I honestly do not like giving two stars away. However, they did not give me a reason to hurry back. What I experienced at Babalou's today was nothing short of unacceptable, so two stars is generous. read more

Babalou's Mediterranean - Babalou's at dinnertime (0/5) - Mediterranean Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I certainly hope this place is not Walnut Creek's "gold standard" Mediterranean joint (going by the reviews) for I will really truly feel sorry for Walnut Creek then. I had the Mediterranean (vegetarian) platter. The horrible Babaghanoush was a total disappointment, and I was very much looking forward to this item so the feeling of utter disappointment was doubly more so. Fortunately the Tahini and hot Falafel were the saving grace. But then the very pedestrian Tabouleh and Bakdonsieh brought the bar down once more. The Dolma did not do anything to improve my plight. I also had a garlic yogurt drink but am not a fan of it. Well at least it wasn't expensive, and it stays open a bit late till 11:00pm. And as many others pointed out, the staff are very warm and friendly -- gotta give that to them! read more

A very strong 4! So as I get older, I always try to remind myself to never judge a book by its cover. Babalou's is a good case in point. Whenever the fiance and I want a good quick bite to eat after work, we usually head to ramen Hiroshi or Kevin's Noodle House. Whenever we'd walk by Babalou's, we'd just kinda peer in and quickly walk by. Always seemed dark inside and uninviting (that still is a con for me). So anyways my friend who lives in Orinda contacted us for a quick impromptu meal and we all decided to give Babalou's a go. To say the least, we were really impressed by the food! As I wanted to try a little bit of this and that, I ordered the spicy gyro wrap, a small side Greek salad, baba ganoush, and mint tea with sugar. Fiancé had the spicy chicken plate. First the mint tea was truly outstanding. It had the right amount of sugar and two real mint leaves. The gyro wrap was excellent too. The outside was nice and crisp and the gyro meat was spiced just right. I wouldn't say it was like burn your tongue spicy, but pleasantly spicy. I thought the Greek salad was just alright. I've had better. The baba ganoush was up there in taste with the gyro too. Of all the dishes I ordered, it was definitely the gyro and the mint tea that would bring me back. Fiances spicy chicken was slightly overcooked but still edible. It the pieces that weren't were really delicious she said. Of note, the spicy flavoring or seasoning tastes identical for both our meals. Definitely coming back. And definitely putting Babalou's in my contact book for take out! read more

Babalou's Mediterranean - Spicy gyro wrap. EXCELLENT! - Mediterranean Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Gayle, me, and the Kid stopped in last Saturday with Groupon in hand. We were down in the WC anyway and a late Lunch sounded like a plan. Babalou's is next to McCovey's and considering how much I like Middle East Food, I'm surprised that this place wasn't previously on my culinary radar. But as Reg Dunlap in Slap Shot once said: "That is About to Change". We ordered the Lamb Sharwma, a Falafel Wrap, a small order of Hummus, 2 Lebanese Beers, and a Soft Drink. That all turned out to only about $10 above the Groupon amount. And for the same price as a deli sandwich, the first 2 items offered almost twice as much food and a more savory taste and texture. We also had enough to take home and almost cover Dinner. Service was fun and friendly, and the atmosphere was comfortable casual and happy noisy. It also shows that even in Trendy Downtown Walnut Creek, you still get quick, delicious, and plentiful cheap eats that are probably better for you than comparable fast food fare. read more

It's pretty challenging to find a lunch place Walnut Creek where you'll walk away for under $20 for two AND still feel like it was a great meal. Well Babalou's is the answer to that! I had the BEST falafel I've had in a long time. For a while I was "off" falafels-either too bland, too soggy or just plain gross at other Mediterranean spots. The one I had at Babalou's was perfect! Crisp, well seasoned and the lavash bread it was on stayed nice and firm-it didn't fall apart or turn in to a soggy mess. My boyfriend got a chicken kabob wrap and loved it. For two wraps and two sodas it was $19.96. Can't wait to come back and try their tabouleh and hummus-you can see it in their front refrigerated display and it looked really yummy. Friendly counter service, nice seating and delicious falafel. Can't believe I never tried this place in my 3 years in Da Creek. Definitely will be back-it seems great for a quick, cheap week day dinner for those nights where cooking is out of the question. Yaaay for Babalou's! read more

Poop. This place used to be decent. Too bad, it's not any more. Food looks sad, tastes the same. Too bad. It sucks when places stop trying. Better off vacant than taking any people's time and money. Too bad. read more