Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Genio del Shawarma

    4.0 (65 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 3:00 AM (Next day)

    El Genio del Shawarma Reservations

    Order El Genio del Shawarma Takeout or Delivery

    El Genio del Shawarma Photos

    Business Info

    EL GENIO DEL SHAWARMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Genio del Shawarma

    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

    Chicken and beef shwarma
    Ashley A.

    Not sure why this place has 5 stars. It's really hard to find good shawarma in the Orlando area and this place happens to put a spin on it with Venezuelan flavors. Amazing ...Interesting take, yet it delivers! It's a casual eatery conveniently located to an escape room.

    Rajiv A.

    Forget finding buried treasure, I found something far better: El Genio Del Shawarma. Tucked away on a sleepy street, this place is so good it should have a velvet rope. The food was a religious experience--every bite made me question all my past life choices. The staff were absolute angels. Seriously, if you're not eating here, you're doing life wrong.

    Niela L.

    LOVE THIS RANDOM FIND! Meat was very very well packed -- they were definitely generous. Sauce was yummy but they also had a counter where you can add more sauce. Shawarma was absolutely delicious and exactly what we needed after a long drive! So awesome! It was quick and good service and you were able to sit and just wait with a buzzer. Area was spacious and they have menu available both in Spanish and English! Ambience was pretty laid back too!

    La Bomba Shawarma

    This is one of the best meals I've had in a long time! I got the bomba shawarma and the chicken empanada. The serving size was frigging massive! And so tasty. The empanada was really good too, but candidly I don't get empanadas super often so it's tough for me to baseline against others. I'd recommend this spot to anyone in town. Having said that the menu I grabbed was only in Spanish, don't know if they had English ones but this is a spot where I think reading or speaking a little Spanish would be valuable. Plenty of seats for big groups or tables for. -: well.

    Pepito Mixto sandwich and Chorizo & Cheese Empanada
    J. W.

    Fun hidden local gem! This place was highly rated on Yelp and I'd completely agree! The food (Venezuelan?) is amazingly delicious and the restaurant was a fun and relaxing place to hang out. Their empanadas are fried, giving a really yummy crunch and flavor. If you want a gigantic sandwich with lots of meat and crunch, try the Pepito Mixto. I loved the juicy chicken and beef along with veggies and crunchy potato bits, all topped with a lot of cheese, that made it a unique and super yummy sandwich. I noticed that people slathered their sandwiches with a variety of sauces and I have to say that it definitely elevated all of the flavors to another level. So good!!!

    Karen C.

    The food was excellent! The cashier recommended a potato and cheese pie (can't remember the official name) and it was really good! The empanadas were excellent, especially with a little garlic sauce! The Shawarma was packed full with meat, lettuce and tomatoes. Thankfully we only got one and shared it because it was huge. I loved it but there was one downfall. Whenever we bit into some of the lettuce it was gritty. I think the lettuce just needed to be rinsed off. So we picked all of the lettuce out and it was fine.

    Cachapa
    Shanelle S.

    Casual Venezuelan-Mediterranean spot with large portions. Came here after EPCOT as it was on the way back to our hotel. You order at the counter and then you can opt for takeout or dine-in. You'll receive a buzzer that goes off when your order is ready. Free parking available in the front. Credit cards and cash accepted. Indoor seating only (no outdoor option). The chicken gyro was large and the pita bread was soft, but they didn't put any sauce, so it was dry. The mixed cachapa came with ham, shredded beef, shredded chicken, and various veggies. The plantain outside was a bit hard, but I liked the concept of using plantains rather than bread. Two dishes were more than enough for two people's dinners plus leftovers for the next day.

    Shredded steak on plantain slices
    Gene W.

    This place provides a nice fusion of middle-eastern and Latin American food on the cheap. Plenty of protein choices AND what the meats are held in (i.e., flatbread, normal bread, tortilla, plantain slice, corn bread, etc.). This place is basically custom-made counter/fast-food service, so expect your food in about 10-15 minutes. The dining area is super casual funky. We ordered 2 sandwiches, both with shredded steak. This meat sounds fancy but it's basically Mexican shredded beef. The flavors could be stronger but it's not a problem since there's a self-service condiment bar with a wide selection of sauces. The portion size of the sandwiches was more than ample with the plantain entree easily being able to feed 2 people, so this place provides good value. The plantain slice was a bit disappointing in that it was hard and flavorless, tasting like an overcooked pita bread. Better to stick to the more traditional breads like the corn bread, which was very good.

    Danny N.

    This is the most authentic Shawarma place yet. It has a good atmosphere and, they had live music when we were eating here. The food is a great proportion to what you pay. The desserts were so good and delightful that I wanted more. It was mostly spanish speaking, but they had a couple of employees know what I was talking about.

    Chicken Shawarma
    Ahmed A.

    I've been meaning to check out this food truck after stopping by it numerous times and finally had the chance to drop by! It was a Sunday afternoon, and there was only 1 person ahead in line, so it was perfect timing! After ordering, we waited for about 10 minutes as they make the food fresh, but it did feel longer probably because our stomachs were already growling! After getting the fresh hot food and finally unwrapping it, I was shocked at how filled these sandwiches were- El Genio is not stingy with their toppings! The meat was overflowing and there was even extra meat slices caught in between the paper wrapping! I tried the kibbeh appetizer which I really liked, and then also tried the chicken shawarma and the beef pepito. I was a little disappointed with the shawarma, as although it was stuffed, it just didn't taste much like a shawarma- and the garlic sauce could've used more kick. The pepito on the other hand was great and I loved the crunch from the potato sticks. Both sandwiches were pretty greasy, but pretty good otherwise. Although I was a little underwhelmed by the shawarma, El Genio stood up to its sizable portions and good food. Bear in mind that after a meal here you may need to sit down and rest for a bit, but other than that make sure to stop by!

    Mixed Patacon
    Andre M.

    Food was delicious and came out pretty fast. Just wish they had more sides and more variety of drinks. Overall I was satisfied with the flavor of the food. 1st time trying the patacon. It was a huge plantain torta like sandwich really good

    Cheese and beef empanada with garlic sauce
    Danielle S.

    We have been coming here since they were a food truck and we highly recommend this amazing location! The empanadas are the best in orlando and the interior is very chic! Highly highly recommend the cheese empanadas and beef. (If you ever see the carnitas and cheese get that). The garlic sauce is a must to pair with the empanadas but they have a verity of sauces! They have other things on the menu but we have always come here for the empanadas! Also try the tres leches! There was a line at 8:30 am. There's always been lines at this place (because the empanadas are so good). Please give them a try yelp elite!

    Steak bowl and you can peek my tres leches

    See all

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J. W.
    1
    147
    202

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Tiene las mejores cachapas, si buscan cachapas compren aquí, buena variedad de bebidas, salsas y comida, buen servicio tambien

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian B.
    4
    208
    35

    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

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gaby K.
    1
    31
    149

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of MP O.
    0
    29
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Service and food was amazing.the portions were large and delicious.the inside of the resturant was very modern with large screens.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Overall good food and a lot of space to seat. The service was friendly and very attentive. Food didn't take longer than 10 minutes.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kathy B.
    110
    32
    6

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Just amazing! Food is completely delicious. Every time I'm in Orlando, I'm make sure to eat here!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Amy C.
    12
    6
    23

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Estuvo delicioso, el shahuarma estuvo riquísimo igual la chicha, recomiendo ampliamente este lugar.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great Service, Great Food, Friendly Environment,, a good Venezuelan Food!!!! Deserve 10 Stars

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    El Genio del Shawarma Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Genio del Shawarma

    You might also consider

    El Arepaso de Orlando - Specialty hot dog

    El Arepaso de Orlando

    4.3(7 reviews)
    11.7 miDowntown / Central Business District / CBD
    $

    Last night I found a food truck downtown, Arepaso de Orlando…read more They are open Wednesdays through Saturday nights at Washington and court basically across from Gringos Locos. They have only 3 items: Venezuelan Arepas Ham and grilled cheese sandwiches($7) Colombian hamburgers The Arepas($5) are filled with either shredded beef and cheese or chicken and cheese. The photo on their menu shows crappy American cheese but that isn't what they put on it, they use a white shredded type cheese. The Arepas themselves are white but not really sweet and they cut it in half to open it up like you would a pita and stuff the ingredients inside. They have 3 sauces in squeeze bottles you can put on as much as you like. Garlic sauce, Tartara and a Spicy one. I asked him a few times what peppers were in the spicy one but he just kept saying chili. All of the sauces had a similar white consistency but my fav was the garlic. The spicy one was good too but it wasn't very spicy just a little. I didn't get to try the other 2 items but the Colombian guy working there said they were really good. They also sell soda and water, go try em out after you have danced your booty silly and are wasted out of your mind, then they will taste like heaven in your hand. He said they usually stay open until about 3:30 AM #OrlandoFoodTrucks

    I didn't get to try any food from this truck (unfortunately, I ran out of cash because I hit up a…read morefew other trucks at tonight's food truck event in Avalon Park), but it seems very interesting and I'd like to give it a shot sometime. It seemed to be pretty popular tonight - I saw a number of people ordering from it and I overheard some people talking about how good its food was tonight. Thankfully, this truck is relatively close to where I live (according to Chris R.'s review, it's downtown), so maybe I'll catch it sometime. I did buy a soda here this evening and the employee I talked to for a moment was friendly. The food looked and smelled delicious!

    Photos
    El Arepaso de Orlando - Tonight's (6/18/11) menu at the Avalon Park food truck event.

    Tonight's (6/18/11) menu at the Avalon Park food truck event.

    El Arepaso de Orlando - Fries w ketchup and garlic sauce

    Fries w ketchup and garlic sauce

    El Arepaso de Orlando - Chicken arepa

    See all

    Chicken arepa

    Bulla Gastrobar

    Bulla Gastrobar

    4.4(1.5k reviews)
    15.4 mi
    $$$

    I would like to start by saying that our server, Arianna D. Was very friendly and didn't push…read moreanything on us. The restaurant is nice for casual dining. I would not consider it high-end dining, there were two of us for lunch. We shared a tappa which consisted of three meatballs. We both ordered a larger plate of Solomillo, one steak and one pork. And we both ordered a dessert to share and they were very underwhelming. My issues with the drinks. We ordered espresso martinis, which were not on the menu like many of the other cocktails you could order. The surprise came with the bill. We both had two martinis they were $21 apiece so the four martinis came to $84. I was shocked because the most I've ever spent for a martini in Orlando area and a very high-end restaurant was $18. I guess we should've ordered the sangria with red wine and Brandy for $12.

    Bulla was an absolute great experience. I booked a semi-private room to host about 16-21 people for…read moremy mother's 59th birthday. While I will say, explanation on menus and details were a bit confusing during the booking process, the overall experience onsite was phenomenal. Ryan, our server, was chefs kiss. Clear on expectations, attentive to all guest, and was to par with our meals. While we had a little bit of a delay on some to the steaks, they made sure to take care of our table. The manger overseeing the room with Ryan ensured that we were all addressed and taken care of noting the delay in our food, he handle it with poise and care and without anyone asking - through we really didn't want to be a pest, there was a lot of us. Food quality was fantastic, the craft drinks - delicious, and service - beyond expectations. I look forward to coming back soon for another exceptional experience with Bulla. Thanks you for hosting us, and making my mother's 59th birthday a lasting memory.

    Photos
    Bulla Gastrobar
    Bulla Gastrobar
    Bulla Gastrobar

    See all

    Willie's Pinchos in Orlando - Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich

    Willie's Pinchos in Orlando

    4.1(239 reviews)
    16.4 mi
    $$

    I will review this restaurant in real time. The wait was a bit long just to get a table in the…read moremiddle of the afternoon, but to their credit, it's a small eat in and take out establishment on Goldenrod, very casual dining and with typical Puerto Rican decorations. They have bench seats and independent chairs. They do not have outdoor tables. About the service... long wait all around. I ordered a Coke Zero, they brought a can with a straw- I would say very reminiscent of what you would get in a kiosk in Puerto Rico, but other tables got a cup and ice. Maybe it's upon request? My husband ordered Perrier, or soda water, but they don't have any. It could be that they only serve canned drinks, not from a machine. So he got water, refills come very rarely. So far trickling slow. Every time I decide to do a "realtime review", something happens that it makes the service very slow. They play Latin music in the background. Food's here. Hubby ordered the pinchos with tostones one thing he noticed right away is that the pinchos aren't grilled. I ordered a pork pincho with mofongo and I have to agree, these are deep fried (carne frita). The tostones were good, he said. My pincho is very fatty and the flavor is ok, not seasoned as I would expect. The mofongo is on point, with crispy bits of pork rinds. The bill reflects a 4% increase if you use a credit card, regardless of your party size. I might come back and try some other items, though. Better luck next time.

    It's been a minute since the last time I came to Willie's Pinchos. Their dining area is nicely…read moredecorated and looks way nicer compared to my last visit. I came today for the lunch special for $12.99 which is a mofongo and a pincho. The mofongo was decent it could have been just a little softer for my liking and the pincho was just ok. The pincho had lots of fatty pork chunks and it had bbq sauce but still was lacking flavor. For the portion size and price I think it's reasonable, but I doubt I'll be back.

    Photos
    Willie's Pinchos in Orlando - Dining area

    Dining area

    Willie's Pinchos in Orlando - Chuleta Kan Kan

    Chuleta Kan Kan

    Willie's Pinchos in Orlando - -Mahi and Shrimp Mofongo-criollo

    See all

    -Mahi and Shrimp Mofongo-criollo

    El Genio del Shawarma - venezuelan - Updated May 2026

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