One of my favorite spots in Bham. Delicious food and quick service every time. I get the chicken shwarma and the bread is delicious as well.

Daughter and I decided to do a progressive dinner... And we let ChatGPT create our stops and our menu. This was stop number two... Soup. We had the matzoh ball soup and the lentil soup, with a side of hummus and pita. First... That pita was the most amazing Pita I've ever had! However, I will say that the soups and the hummus were a little on the bland side. You definitely have to take advantage of the hot sauce that they bring to the table made from Serrano peppers. I also never add salt to anything... However, I had to add salt to both of the soups. Still... Definitely would recommend and definitely will be back! read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Hummus 3oz (Small) Pita Bread - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Another vegetarian plate expertly executed. I needed to grab something else to take during my autoimmune treatments and Eli's Jerusalem is almost always a great choice. I've had tons of other food here as well. Nothing has missed as of yet. I'm sure I'll be back for some lamb chops in a few days. Customer service is welcoming. Restaurant is cozy. Food is delicious and consistent. read more

See all

Delicious authentic Mediterranean food! I've been her so many times and they never disappoint. They have the best hummus and homemade pita. When you get there you order and then take a seat. They serve you your drinks and your food and they are very attentive to making sure your drinks stay filled. The people who eat here are locals that come regularly which makes it clear that it's somewhere you are going to want to come back to. Definitely give this place a try if you want something authentic to what they have in Israel. read more

See all

Friends you must stop here to eat this delicious foot! Eli owner and Sarah server was so nice and suggested food items off the menu. The man and woman in the food area was nice too! We got the Red Fish with couscous! Chicken Snitzel with Sweet Potatoes fried! I added the Matzo soup! The daily homemade Pita bread is marvelous! I asked how the Sweet Potaotes fries were made and he said with all his "heart". Charming dining room with music yo match all the type of food in the Middle East area with Jerusalem!. This is a lmust try in a date or family! Single folks lots if space! You will love the friendliness, healthy menu choices also some Gluten! Enjoy! read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Red Fish with Couscos and Jerusalem Salad! Matzo Soup and Pickles and Olives!! - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Bland food and terrible service. This is the kind of place where you just pay your money and say "thanks" for nothing. What used to be a beloved restaurant has turned into a poor-quality eatery. We were served several-days-old salad and pita with dirt on it, and the service was very unwelcoming. Fortunately, we have plenty of better alternatives now (my husband and I both had digestive problems after eating here). Even shawarma from a random gas station was much better and felt safer. read more

Happy to announce that I've finally found my favorite local spot and it's only a few minutes up 280! Walking into Eli's, I knew it would meet every expectation. The laid back atmosphere of the diners and the soft service provided by the staff make for a comfortable dining experience, even for someone such as myself who frequently dines alone. I ordered 2 take out meals with dessert and a glass of wine. It totalled around $50 and was more than worth that amount. Everything was delicious and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was the Baba ghanoush and the 2 sauces, one green and one white, that came with the order. It is the additional flavor that come with those sides and sauces that elevates Eli's from competitors. I am looking forward to the next visit! 08-05-2025 read more

I got the combination platter and a cup of lentil soup. The food was outstanding. As was the service. One of my new favorite places and I'll definitely be back for more. Can't say enough about this great restaurant! read more

Reviewing again, because this place is that good! Really enjoy everything on the menu here. Genuinely you cannot get anything in birmingham that tastes comes even close to how good the food here is! Prices are fair and reasonable considering the portions and quality of the food. Seriously I have never been able to finish the plates here, so I always have some leftover as a pleasant lunch/meal the next day. (and I like to EAT) Plenty of parking, and service is fantastic as long as you don't do dumb stuff and act like it's your first time eating out. They are great about bringing your order to you without you having to even get out of your car when picking up! read more

This place was SO yum!! The falafel was some of the best I've ever had and the carrot salad had a pleasant zesty spice to it that was the cherry on top!! The beef and lamb was delicious and tender! They have the entire menu allergen labeled and staff seems knowledgeable about allergies!! I can't have gluten or dairy so I was pleasantly surprised when I started looking over the menu and could have most everything on it! Even some of the fried foods!! The decor is so cool and totally fitting the vibe! Everyone was very nice and quick. Will be back!!!! read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Beef and Lamb Shawarma Plate with rice and carrot salad with side falafel - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I had this for dinner yesterday and it was good, but I got the salmon and it was super tough and undercooked. But I had a bite of the fried chicken and it was great. The pita was outstanding and I loved the rice. read more

Very good servers in here. The one that accepts the order at the front counter was very kind and the one cookingyou can tell is doing a lot of great work. Then there was another one that continuously cleaned every single table and everything in the restaurant. It was a very cleaned and nice place. The food was very good too. read more

See all

I've gone three times now for the lunch special and it only gets better every time! Half and half / red cabbage salad is the go to for a quick and cheap lunch. Inside it is pretty boring, but they make up for it with friendly and personable service and great food. read more

Well, I truly hate doing this, but it unfortunately is warranted!!! Been here before and it was amazing! We are in, everything was delicious. This visit to Birmingham, we didnt have the same experience. The $18 beef kabob plate only came with 1 little kabob! Seriously??? For $18!!! We spent $60 for basically 2 people to eat, with some sides added. I definitely expected enough meat to fill my husband's belly but was very disappointed. We appreciate the quality of the food but that is ridiculously expensive for 4 tiny pieces of beef. Would have gotten more in the sandwich/pita. Won't be going back. Feel ripped off! read more

Casual. Probably the best hummus and pita I have ever had. Other food was very good too, but the pita is soft and thick and warm all at the same time. read more

This is one of our favorite restaurants. The food tastes so fresh and flavorful. My favorite is the garlic chicken. Absolutely delicious!

I recently had to have a medical procedure and we chose to eat here the evening after, because it was close to our hotel and Uber Eats would deliver fast. I would have waited longer for better food. We both had the chicken kabob with couscous and rice. Three small chewy pieces of chicken, rice that was crunchy and flavorless, cous cous that was inedible because of the texture and complete lack of flavor. This was our second time eating here. The first time was amazing...this time, it was awful. Very very disappointed. Plenty of other option in this area, so it will be a while before we come back. read more

Remarkably good food and service. Can't find anything this authentic in all of Birmingham! I've always enjoyed time spent here.

I believe the owner took our order. He filled us in on the different dishes. Food was good and service was also good. Atmosphere is okay.

I discovered Eli's when they had a location in the Pizitz Food Hall pre-pandemic. Today, I got my favorite meal, the beef shawarma with Israeli salad. I always play it safe and choose rice as my side. The beef is always tender and flavorful. I really like the salad, and it's really good. It's made of tomatoes and cucumbers, and I don't like cucumbers. I also order an extra side of it. They have two sauces that I also love, I guess I should ask the names of them, but one is really  hot and adds a good amount of spice. The staff is always friendly, and they provide quick service. I also like the feel of the restaurant. It reminds me of what an authentic Mediterranean cafe might feel like. Instead of pictures of spices, I think an actual cafe would have the spices presented. They never disappoint and I can't wait to go back. read more

When traveling to Israel on business, the guys in the office would take me to lunch at a little hole in the wall place just inland from Caesarea not far from the Mediterranean. It was literally called something like "The Hummus Stop" in Hebrew. No English. Definitely NOT touristy. 100% local. And dang good hummus. Well, I had Eli's tonight. Ladies and Gents, Eli's was better. Best I've ever had. Day-um. read more

The greeting was super friendly when we walked up to order. The guy was helpful as I cannot have gluten- celiac here. We ordered and sat down in the kind of small but cozy dining area. The waitress was very nice and informed me about the sauces she put on the table. One was mild and one was spicey. Our food came shortly. This was our first time here. We are out of towners. The rice was ok. Good but nothing more special than yellow rice that I make. But good. The falafel was what I got and was told it was gluten free. I worried about it being fried in oil that gluten items had been also fried in. The falafel was new to me- it sounded like I would really love it but I was disappointed. It was blan for me and it was really really hard on the outside and dry inside. The Israeli salad was the best thing on my plate!! I could have eaten a plate full of that!! Wish I had some now! So refreshing- fresh and delicious!!! Husband had some sort of combo plate with a little bit of everything on it. He wasn't really impressed with his meal either. We expected more flavor I think. He , unusually, didn't finish his meal and we brought it home. It's still in the fridge. All in all the service was great. The people were extremely friendly- but this new place experience, for us, was not to rave about or to repeat. We are trying to get outta our box in our older years and look for gluten free options when we do. That's why we stopped here. On a side note. One hour after eating my stomach began hurting. I was gluten sick for three days. I haven't been sick like that since January when I gave up gluten and was diagnosed with celiac disease. Maybe ask them about their fryer. I am not trying to bad mouth them- but it's all that I ate that day. I'm on a really strict diet with diabetes and celiac. And after eating here I got sick - like I had been glutened. People who like bland food ( except for that spicey sauce cause man it's hot like liquid jalepenoes!!!) will like this place. Lots of vegan menu choices. read more

See all

Best Mediterranean food I have ever had! Everything was Fresh, made to order and service was awesome. Relaxed atmosphere for incredible the food is. read more

I had the beef/lamb shawarma today (my favorite). The meat was really dry and had lots of crusty bits and edges. My mom had the chicken shawarma with the same problem. When the waiter came over and asked about our food, I politely told him. He just gave me a blank look and said ok. I was really disappointed because I had was really looking forward to great food I had in the past. read more

First time visiting this place. Food was flavorful, particularly the lamb chops. I did not order platter but I should have if I wanted bigger portion on everything. Restaurant looked busy at lunch time so it seems like a popular place for locals. A beautiful wall mural of Jerusalem stood out to me. Service was good. I ordered a baclava which taste surprised me with a semisweet floral aftertaste. I was curious for another dessert and I went ahead to order knafeh. I was pleased with flavor and will come back for more. I only gave four starts because I think some side dishes were overpriced for the quantity and flavor such as the lentils soup. read more

I have eaten here many times before and have recommended it to my friends. Today, I came in for the garlic chicken, couscous and red cabbage salad. The senior man at the restaurant was very rude. I was waiting to place my order when he intercepted a call in order. The waitress asked me to wait, I was looking down at the menu when I heard what would you like to order. I was thinking that he was finished with the call, so I started talking and he shushed me with his hand. After, he finally took my order I sat and waited, I saw two sets of customers who came in after me get their food and they received cheerful greetings. I finally approached the counter and he was packing up my food and asked do you want utensils? While they should be placed regardless, I ordered a plate and tipped ahead. When I checked my food in the car to eat, to my surprise it was lukewarm, the chicken, couscous, and even the red cabbage salad. How is it possible that the food was lukewarm just coming off of the grill? The salad should've been slightly chilled. I love Mediterranean food! However, I don't have to accept any kind of service. I am very disappointed and maybe he just offers, great customer service to particular customers! I love to support local restaurants but if they can't support ALL customers, I won't make the mistake again of supporting them. Adios, Adieu, y Au revoir. read more

Great food and service. The food was ordered to go so I don't know what the restaurant looks like. I had the kabobs and rice. It was absolutely delicious read more

Food was decent and freshly made. Not the best we've had, but overall the food was good. The interior is cute and the service very friendly. I really liked the chicken shawarma and pita bread. read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Lamb Kabob Plate, Chicken Shawarma - Side - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Been to this restaurant multiple times This is some of the best food in Birmingham (IMHO) Staff always friendly and knowledgeable. Food is always well prepared. read more

I met a good friend and she bought me lunch at Eli's Jerusalem Grill. After a couple of beverages we ordered lunch. We both ordered the special lamb Rack Pops and Tabouli Salad. These Pops were cooked perfectly medium rare and served with balsamic rice and couscous. Delish ! The fresh made Tabouli was very fresh and also delicious. I would highly recommend Eli's Jerusalem Grill. read more

First visit here today. What a wonderful place. I had the garlic chicken sandwich. So good! Service was awesome.

This place has the best lamb chops outside of Iceland. I used to live in Iceland and would get lamb on a regular basis and this is the only place that really forgives me Iceland vibes. Their customer service is great. Their food is excellent. I will be back and I have been going here for probably, nine years. I will be back thank you for running a fantastic restaurant. Also, their food mostly organic or naturally sourced read more

Great food and service. Always reliable. High quality food. This has been a weekly lunch for years now. read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Menu 05/27/23 - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Thanks for offering a military discount! While food seemed fresh, it lacked distinctive flavors and was rather dry overall- (we had chicken lunch special with couscous and rice) We might possibly try again, but not rushing back. Iced tea was good though. read more

Great food! Nice atmosphere. Clean bathrooms and the staff were very nice and helpful read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

We like trying different places when we travel and we noticed this restaurant on Yelp. My wife and I decided to order a variety of things to try. The cool thing is that their menu allows for a lot of customization. I ordered a side of lamb chops that were served perfectly prepared with a nice char. They were moist and tender. My wife ordered a steak kabob that was equally as delicious. Together we shared a roasted red pepper hummus that was perfectly made as well. We were told that the small was for one person but we were glad we only ordered one. It was perfect for two. The pita bread was fresh as well. We also ordered a cucumber salad that had a wonderful lemon vinaigrette applied. The staff were really friendly and we enjoyed interacting with the owner for a few minutes. This is a highly recommended restaurant! read more

Live in Atlanta and cover four states. This is 'hands down' the best place I've had what I considered good Mediterranean food elsewhere. I guess I've become accustomed to dry lamb! Not here, all the meats I sampled were moist, favor full and accompanied by great rice and couscous and sides. Carrots are very special. I'll be a regular, if only 3-4 times a year! read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Combination plate - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I finally remembered to review Eli's. In a crowded market of Mediterranean restaurants, Eli's is a unique Israeli offering that stands out in a very good way. This place is popular enough to have a second location downtown in the Pizitz Food Hall, but this is the original location and always a good reason to stop while driving 280. The hummus alone is worth the price of admission! I could easily eat several helpings of the fresh pita and hummus, which I feel is the freshest around. Since once cannot live on bread alone, you cannot go wrong with the shawarma plate, giving a much less greasy and fresher tasting option than your typical spot around here. I'd eat here any day of the week! I've come to realize how much I rave about this place but how rarely I go; this will change, I know! Don't skip over Eli's and you won't be disappointed! read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Gotta love the hummus and pita! - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

The feeling of home is something that psychologically, almost all people long for. An interesting phenomenon is, one does not have to be from a place to feel homey, it just feels like it and is quite difficult to describe. Eli's is an example of a place that caters to that emotion very, very well. The Vibes (4/5): An obscure strip mall, where Eli's is located is just as bland and boring as the rest of the highway 280, yet there is this gem nestled in it. Upon stepping in, it feels like a home kitchen. It's open kitchen design, the nice ladies and the lack of formality create a feeling that it is indeed somebody's home. There is some decorative arches and otherwise a very basic design that does not fuel any emotions by itself. It is very clean and spotless all around. The Food (4/5): Starting off with a chicken schwarma sandwich, it was delicious. The bread is really what makes this place standout, but the Israeli salad and other touches are also a must. Continuing to the schnitzel, although good, it was somewhat dry. Given my limited experience with Israeli food, it's hard to say if that's intentional and traditional, or something that wasn't done right. All I know is, I would not go for that dish again. After having many schnitzels around the world, this one is not what I would have expected. The saffron rice and Israeli salad were delicious. The Service (5/5): The ladies here really went above and beyond. They were very careful to ensure that everything is done right. This is certainly a place I'll recommend and return to, particularly to try the lamb dishes. read more

Eli's Jerusalem Grill - Chicken schwarma sandwich - Falafel Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Food was spot on average and the staff seems to not give a flip about your business. There were two middle aged men preparing the food, I assume one or both were the owners, and two teenage ladies running the cash register and the dining room. As I waited for my order, I saw 4 people picking up carry out orders, each one of those customers said "thank you" to the staff after they paid and were leaving. Not one of the employees said "thank you" back. read more