I came here to escape the fast food industry around woodcrest, and I was not disappointed. What really drew me in from there social media was the beef kufta as I haven't found some that was good. To my surprise it was the best I've had, not to mention they were completely out when I arrived. The service was so good that they went out of their way to make us some from scratch, they were also nice enough to give us a pita bread to for free. All in all this is by far the best Mediterranean food experience I've had in a while not only because of the food but the hospitality as well, they have definitely earned a life long customer read more

As a Middle Eastern native who has enjoyed Arabic cuisine across the U.S., I can say without hesitation that Baladi is the best in the area. Every dish, from the perfectly spiced kebabs to the creamy hummus is authentic and masterfully crafted. And the customer service is second to none warm, attentive, and truly the best I've experienced. Baladi is a gem I'll keep coming back to. read more

See all

So was really craving baklava and was getting out of the theaters and found this place. So happy I did, I went around 3:15 and they said a fresh batch will be put in at 6 so I waited came back. And the kindest woman came with a large batch once I came in and let me try some. She cut me a fresh piece, It was amazing and warm. Please come here and experience the amazing hospitality and atmosphere. Next time I will be trying their food. read more

See all

The food was delicious when I got home and ate it about 3hrs later. I can't wait to go back and eat at the restaurant fresh from the kitchen. They did take a long time to bring our chicken and beef kabob plates. We waited a half hour. I didn't have time to eat before the movie next door started. But like I said it was delicious when I got home. The use of charcoal gets two big thumbs up. The place is clean and the family that runs the place is very friendly. They were apologetic for the long wait and offered us some home made baklava. Soooo good. And the kind woman who made that also made the house made pita. Pay the extra and get the house made pita. Went well with the hummus. I will be back and I won't be in such a rush next time. Thank you Baladi. read more

This place is beyond 5/5. It is sooooo good. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and their food is all made by their mom. God bless that woman. Thank god she opened a restaurant because her food is so deserving and amazing!!!! This is definitely a new favorite. 10/10 recommend to everyone. P.S.: I don't like hummus but I tried theirs just to give it a shot and it's actually really good too! P.S.S: The baklava and knafeh are both incredible. They're not too sweet. Everything is delicious. read more

Amazing food and amazing people! We just went for the first time and we loved it. Had some steak kebab and kufta- did not disappoint! Can't wait to try the shwarma next!!! Loved the place too. Cozy, humble, and rich with culture. Will definitely be supporting this place as much as possible! read more

the food wasn't bad but I feel like the portion is kinda small for about $27 dollars, it was my first time and the wait wasn't too long or too short but I suppose they make the food fresh so I didn't mind. maybe it's cus I got it to go but next time I'll just stick to the chicken plate if that means more protein, maybe bc the area has older people so these type of portions suit them read more

Baladi - steak plate no salad extra rice and homemade pita - Arabic Near Me - Riverside, California

Fresh food, superb service, and the best rice I've ever tasted!!! I think I found my favorite Mediterranean place.

The best authentic Palestinian food I've ever tried in my life in the US and that's even after going to Sababa in Anaheim, I love this place so much and drive an hour just to come and try it. A must visit if you're looking for something authentic and middle eastern. read more

Baladi - Arabic Near Me - Riverside, California

Had the absolute best experience here at Baladi! The food was fantastic and service was so sweet, warm and homely! I will definitely be back. read more

I recently stopped by Baladi in Riverside and had a really great experience. I ordered the kafta sandwich and it was honestly one of the best I've had. The meat was flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and cooked just right. Everything tasted fresh and well put together, not rushed. One thing that really stood out to me was how clean the restaurant was. You can tell they take pride in their space, which makes a big difference when you're dining in. The service was also excellent. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and made the whole experience smooth from start to finish. Overall, great food, clean environment, and solid service. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

Th most intimate and personal experience we've experienced in a very long. We felt like we were visiting our auntie and received, not only the blessing of a home cooked meal, but experiencing a connection with a very nice family who cares. We shared some taste testing and talked with the sons about Formula 1 racing. This made our experience. Now, about the cuisine, it was nothing short of amazing. The food was freshly made with love and care. We both got the chicken kabob plates and absolutely loved it! My favorite! You have to try the spinach Fatayer and the Knafeh cheese cake! I love this place. It feels like home. We are already anticipating a new experience at Baladi. read more

Everything about this establishment screamed comfort, great taste and quality. The Chicken Shawarma was delicious, crispy with a healthy amount of chicken pickle and a great garlic sauce. It was crispy and generous in size. The kind gentleman serving at the cashier and one of the cooks, John were super helpful in navigating the menu. 10/10! read more

I wanted to love this place so much. Extreme lack of customer service and overpriced for what you get - shared it was our first time visiting them and live in the area. Gentleman didn't engage at all. Fine, perhaps he wasn't in the mood. 4 chicken shawermas and $80+ later (crazy) for a very dry, thin sandwich (which I asked about), fries, and zero engagement from the team working (it was not busy). Fries were good which is why it got two stars. I wish he would have spent more time speaking with me about different options, I ended up adding extras to our meals when we got home. Went from being very excited to unsatisfied with the sandwich and feeling unwelcome in person. We cater middle eastern food A LOT and would have loved for this to work out because it's so close by. This is not the typical experience I've had with similar restaurants in other areas. Maybe it was bad timing (Sunday evening) but incredibly disappointing experience all around - I am not quick to leave a low star review but this place really left a bad "taste" in my mouth. read more

Had an amazing first experience at Baladi! Came with my girlfriend and we both loved the food--everything was fresh and flavorful. The staff was super friendly and made us feel welcome. Definitely coming back! read more

Didn't know this existed. It's near the back of the shopping center across from the theater. Staff were very helpful and extremely friendly. Owner says they have been open a month. My wife and I split a mixed grill kabob plate. Meat was cooked to perfection. Hummus had good flavor. My wife's only suggestion was wishing they had a shawarma plate along with the shawarma wraps. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

Food was good. Everything was hot Place was very clean People very friendly courteoushad

Food is amazing! Great service love the hospitality from the owners. Must try the shawarma is the go to

Best authentic Mediterranean food around. Chicken kabobs are the best and food taste home made everytime.

Yo this was actually fire, the hummus is so peak too bro. Service was amazing and oh my goodness everything was great I love this place

Baladi is one of my favorite restaurants in Riverside. With great hospitality and excellent customer service, I felt very welcomed and encouraged to try their Middle Eastern dishes, which are packed with so much flavor. Every bite feels authentic and thoughtfully prepared, making it a standout spot for anyone looking to explore something new. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff truly go above and beyond to make your experience enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Baladi to anyone looking for delicious food and a memorable dining experience. read more

Love this place! Great food can't wait for them to get the shwarma! Kufta, hummus and fries are fantastic! The service is awesome! Super friendly read more

My husband and I went and had a falafel and mixed grill! The food was very fresh and delicious they also have a catering menu and family deals! I will definitely be back for more read more

Just went for the first time with family and loved it! Extremely clean restaurant, very polite, and food was absolutely delicious! I got the beef kufta plate, toum, and kanefah, all were made fresh and a great portion! We also got complimentary fries and pickled turnips! Will definitely be back! read more

Amazing falafel, hummus, homemade pita...great service, cozy spots to sit and enjoy - will be back!

Had lunch at Baladi today. What a wonderful experience! The owner is so thoughtful and conscientious. The food was delicious, made on the spot and seasoned to perfection. The restaurant is comfortable and inviting inside. We sat at a table outside with comfortable seating. This is my third time... it's now a regular! read more

The only thing better than the delicious food is the excellent customer service. Great restaurant! We plan to be back.

The food was excellent! I especially loved the hummus and the falafel. Highly recommend the homemade pita bread! It was so fluffy and delicious! read more

Food was great!! Everything was absolutely amazing we stopped here right before heading back to Arizona and would definitely come again. Wish there was a location by where I live read more

We went for a family lunch to the new restaurant called Baladi, the food was really good we ordered the family meal that came with chicken, beef kafta and steak the meat was premium quality super tender and well marinated the sides of rice, French fries and the house salad was delicious. Lena the owner was very nice and gave us a coconut dessert on the house that was delicious too. I will highly recomend it . read more

Good food, very expensive and small portions. Asked the cashier for a combo with fries and drink 3 times and she didn't put it in id rather go to Greek street and spend the same amount of money for one kebab here, at Greek Street same price I get a gyro that's 3 times bigger with soup, fries, and drink for 18 dollars. I probably wouldn't come here and would rather drive the extra 15-20 minutes for a bigger and cheaper meal. read more

Go to place, we have been a few times now and love the food! I have the beef kabob plate and loved the meat, the rice, the hummas, the salad. Definitely say yes to the upgraded pita option! Worth the money!! Can't wait to go back. read more

Really really good food! I went twice in a row for lunch! And here's a bit more to get to 85 characters

Service is great, place is clean! I've had a lot of chicken kebab wraps in my time, but this one is in a league of its own. From the very first bite, you can tell they aren't cutting any corners. It's fresh, flavorful, and delicious. read more

Excellent, fresh home made food, I really recommend it very much. Service is excellent. read more

Ate here for the first time today and food was amazing. Gentleman who took our order was friendly with excellent customer service.

Loved it so much the first time I came back again to try something new. They have Lazy Cakes that I wanted to try and I got Beef Kufta. I am going to be a regular for sure. The service is amazing and the overall ambiance is welcoming like you are a family friend coming over for dinner and they send you home with a goldmine of delicious food. read more

Absolutely amazing food and customer service! Staff went above and beyond when I mentioned my pickle allergy! Had the shawarma wrap, cheese fataver, and baklava and everything was fresh and delicious! Will definitely be returning to try the rest of the menu! read more

First time visit. Small indoor seating area, but has more space outside. We ordered the mixed grill plate and kufta wrap. The mixed grill had very tasty tender moist pieces of meat, small side of very good salad, and hummus. Rice is good. Unfortunately if you want pita bread that is extra money. I declined. Should be part of this overpriced plate. The wrap was very tasty. We also purchased a can soda. Paid over $50. Food was very good but over priced considering you are served in a to go box and plastic silverware. Staff is friendly. read more

Our first time here and we are impressed! The food is absolutely delicious! We ate outside on the patio and a very nice woman, who might be an owner, brought out our food. She brought more napkins and sauce, and asked if it was our first time dining with them. She welcomed us and said she hoped we enjoyed our food and hoped to see us again. We will definitely be back! Great food and great customer service are not always easy to find, but you'll find it at Baladi in Riverside! read more