This is a fast casual spot popular with Boston University college students, and it can garner quite the line! But it moves quickly, with the staff frequently shaving off shawarma from the slow-turning spits behind the counter. I opted to make my own veggie plate with falafel, hummus, and plenty of Greek salad. I typically judge Mediterranean eateries by how dry (or hopefully, not) their falafel is--the verdict here is that it's okay for the price point. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Veggie Plate (Falafel, Hummus, Greek Salad) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of my fav go to Middle Eastern restaurant in Brighton/Allston neighborhood. I have been going to Garlic'n Lemon for more than 4 years now for a quick grab and go, the service and the quality of the food have been consistent throughout. During my initial days when I was new to the neighborhood, this restaurant was recommended by my friend, and the staff was friendly and kind enough to hear me and recommended what to try for the first time. For the first timers, I highly recommend to get extra of garlic and spicy garlic sauce with fried pita. They really enhance the overall experience. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

What a dilemma! I was all set to attend a concert at Brighton Music Hall, just around the corner, but I wasn't quite in the mood for Korean food. Since the venue is nestled in Boston's Koreatown (Allston Village), options were a bit limited. Then, like a beacon of hope, Garlic n' Lemons appeared, and I felt like I was transported to the Mediterranean without needing to commit to a sit-down meal. As soon as my dining companion and I walked in, we were greeted by the friendly staff behind the counter. The menu was clearly displayed above their heads (and online), so choosing what to order was quick and easy. The experience reminded me of Subway, where you place your main order and then customize it with a wide variety of ingredients laid out right in front of you. There's plenty to choose from, including pita roll-ups, shawarma, kebab, and veggie plates, as well as protein bowls, sides, and a few desserts like osmalia, rice pudding, and baklava. For proteins, you can choose BBQ or spicy chicken, or original or spicy beef. Falafel is also available. The selection of sides and toppings is extensive, with everything from pickles, turnips, and tomatoes, to hummus, garlic, tahini, tabbouleh, spicy potatoes, various salads, and babaganoush--the list goes on. I opted for a BBQ chicken shawarma plate with rice pilaf, hummus, tabbouleh, pita bread, and a side of garlique sauce. Every bite was bursting with flavor, and I couldn't help but devour as much as I could. Everything on my plate was delicious. There are several tables inside for those who want to dine in, or you can grab your meal to go. They also have a couple of bathrooms for customers, and you're expected to clear your tray when you're done. The staff was cheerful and helpful during my first visit, even bringing my companion's pita roll-up to our table when it was ready. Overall, Garlic n' Lemons is a great spot for a quick and tasty meal. Fast service, delicious food, and a quality experience all around. read more

The staff was so nice and willing to explain everything. They even gave me samples to try before determining which meat I wanted in the wrap. The food was warm and fresh, evident from the grills in the back and being able to see them make the food. Would've been better if they cut straight from the skewers, but that's mostly a minor suggestion for show. Would definitely go again! read more

This place is pretty cool & the food is delicious! Friendly service & super tasty food. They have a pretty big space w/ tables & high tops. It's nice to have veg*n options too. With all the Asian places in the area, it's nice to find something else that satisfies. read more

The food here was spectacular! I'm visiting from out of state and after a long day of travel, the food hit the spot. I got the spicy shawarma and it was delicious. Highly recommend! read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! Friendly staff. Food is great and good price. The new menu is easier to read

I love you guys so much. One of my favorite spots in the Boston area ever. I am very sorry we ended up ordering right before closing, we should've checked!! So accommodating when you did not have to be. The stickers on the food boxes are always cute too. This is the go-to food my boyfriend gets me when I'm sad. Loveeeeeee and appreciate youuuu read more

Love love love this place and love their garlic dip omg. I always get the sharwama plate with rice, bbq chicken and garlic dip and it fills my heart with joy every time. The plate comes in a large portion so I usually have it for two meals. A friend of mine recommended the Arab yogurt drink and it's definitely an acquired taste. The drink is salty and not sweet at all, but it paired well with the food I was eating. I couldn't finish though cause I'm just used to sweeter yogurt drinks. They renovated the interior and have ample indoor seatings. The staff there always look happy and friendly. Highly recommended checking out this place for a quick meal. Food: 9/10 Experience: 9/10 Service: 9/10 Value: 9/10 read more

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One of my favorite neighborhood spots! The food is great but I came to write about management / customer service. I had reached out to the owner because I tried to use a coupon but it wasnt accepted by the server on my visit & they apologized for the misunderstanding and actually mailed me a gift card! They even went through the extra effort of re-mailing it when the post office returned it to sender. Thank you G&L! read more

I enjoyed the catering from here. Got to try a little bit of everything...some of the best falafel in the game! The shaved chicken was also incredible! Can't speak for the ambiance or service since I only experienced the catering but would love to come here in person! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - plate of food - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of the top 5 worst foods in the Boston area. I understand that it is hard to get authentic flavors and dishes. However, I was served undercooked chicken kebab and a rubbery "shawarma" chicken. The dishes were inedible. For F's sake, try to get this easy food/recipe right and pay attention to what's being prepared in your kitchen. read more

I come here at least twice per week. They're consistent, delicious, and so hospitable, that I feel like family when I walk in. We've gotten to the point where they start preparing my order as soon as I walk in, without having to say anything! I've yet to dine in, since I typically grab to go on the way home from work, but the store is clean and comfortable. This is a hidden gem in Allston! read more

This is a solid Mediterranean spot. I tried their spicy beef shawarma plate with fattoush, garlic dip, rice and potatoes, and their spicy garlic sauce. The highlight of the meal was definitely the garlic dip and spicy garlic sauce, which went perfectly with everything! The garlic flavor was super strong. I liked how the spicy garlic sauce had a tanginess to it which balanced out the savory, meaty flavors in the shawarma. The portion was pretty big so I ended up having leftovers. I discovered that the garlic dip completely changes texture when reheated (the oil and garlic split), but it just turned into a very tasty garlic oil. The rice and potatoes were a generous portion but I thought they were just okay. They were good accompaniments to the meat and sauces but were a little plain on their own. We also tried their signature burger which was quite dry and not super impressive. I would much rather get their plates over their burger. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy beef shawarma with fattoush, garlic dip, rice, potatoes - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Love this place- consistency good! Food is fresh, always tasty, everyone there is so nice there. Mostly take out but eat in is very casual and easy. It's our go to take out place. read more

Came here since I was visiting my friend in the area. I honestly didn't think much of this place but I was blown away. Friendly staff! And the rice pudding in the case was everything. I already told my friend that I want to go back. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Beef Shawerma Plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The first time I ever had shawarma was over 10 years ago in the Cambridge/Boston area and I instantly fell in love with it. I think Garlic 'n Lemons is my new favorite place for shawarma in this area. My go-to is the mixed plate with spicy chicken and beef, half rice and half potatoes. The portions are humongous and the garlic sauce is so creamy and flavorful. I love mixing the garlic sauce into the rice and the meat. This is also the first time I see a spicy garlic sauce which also tastes great, but I prefer the regular one. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is some of the better fresh Mediterranean food I have had. I used to come here for lunch monthly, and my office often orders a catered spread from them. Love the swarma and all the sides. Tabouli is dynamite. COVID has been hard for this place, but they are coming back. The whole place has been redone and is a nice dining area. Everything is fresh. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Decor - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Incredible Shawarma! It's on par or slightly even better than Shawarma Falafel downtown. You get to select what else you would like inside your shawarma besides the meat/falafel. So you have the option of going authentic with just chicken, pickles, fries, and hummus/garlic No fuss shawarma and incredibly flavorful. Reminds me of Al- baik in Saudia! So so good! All halal read more

Place is pretty damn solid. GOTTA try the spicy garlic sauce! Falafel is pretty good. Shawarma was solid. Would definitely be back! read more

Takeout order Food was okay Hummus good rice good Side of cauliflower was ice cold. Inedible. Tabouleh was sad excuse. Add parsley to some tomato and cucumber and call it tabouleh, nope Don't live here so won't be back read more

Absolutely my most favorite spot in Allston ma for food. The mixed shawarma plate with a base of spicy potatoes and some Greek salad. I get it with half hummus and half garlic sauce and then top it with tahini and spicy garlic. It's such a giant serving of food and always so delicious. You can't go wrong here. Their falafel and grape leaves are great too! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - mixed combo shawarma plate- garlic potatoes, spicy chicken, original beef, greek salad, hummus, garlic sauce. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I randomly popped in here and it was super solid! Everything was fresh and tasty. I loved the hummus and garlic dipping sauce. The staff behind the counter were nice and helpful. I would go back for sure. read more

One of my favorite places to eat in Allston. I usually get the Shwarma plate which comes with a choice of meat, potatoes or rice, hummus or garlic sauce, salad, and pita bread. They are very generous with their portions and for the amount of food you get, the price is worth it. They also have a variety of sauces to choose from to go with your food. Service is usually pretty fast and staff is friendly. There is a nice seating area next to the ordering station. I've already been to this place many times and will keep coming back. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy chicken with magic sauce. So good! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I stopped in and had the swarmer plate... a lot of food. Easily two meals .. excellent barbecue chicken, beef , salad was fresh and excellent... rice, potatoes, and white garlic tahini sauce ... very cordial staff... even offered me a glass of water with it . Came with pita type bread... I would preferred softer hot pita bread like I usually get at Greek restaurants I frequent... next time I'm going with the salad and chicken swarmer... read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - A lot of food - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Renovated a few years ago. Pleasant and clean dining atmosphere, fast food service. Short wait time, but always freshly made. Food is excellent as ever and, yes, we still drive all the way here from RI! Gotta satisfy those cravings! Tip: You get a really great deal when you order a combo shawarma wrap, which includes a side and a drink for only $10.99! The baba ghanoush (roasted eggplant dip, which is harder than it looks to make at home) is included as a side option. Dine-in restaurants normally charge $7 for the same serving size of baba ghanoush. I highly recommend the Spicy Beef Shawarma on Saj (extra $1 for the thin flat bread wrap). You can choose any drink inside the fridge at the back of the dining area--the have Snapple, bottled & canned soda, Vimto fruity flavored soda (popular in Middle East), and Orangina Citus sparkling beverage. read more

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In Layman's terms, this is a good Mid Eastern place. In Lemons terms, it's even better. Not to be confused with Gallic and Le Mans, which is a store in the Gallic region of Northwestern France, that also hosts a car race in nearby Le Mans. Honestly not the greatest Shawarma I have ever had by any stretch of the imagination but they did put plenty of slightly spicy sauce all over it, which was goood. The chicken was a bit dry but had a decent flavour. The bread was typical Lebanese style - falling apart but in a good way. I'm not sure why the other reviews hate it so much if they've had other Lebanese style Shawarma. If it was $4 I probably would give it five star but it's twice that so it gets a 4. What does get five stars is the spectacularly gorgeous server who was making eyes with me the entire time. Do people even say that anymore. No didn't think so. I think she was Latina and embodies the reason why Latina girls are my favourite. Including Barbie. Especially Barbie. Fine, mainly Barbie. So the place is definitely mostly hype and somewhat average but at the same time I do think it's pretty damn good. read more

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Ordered: Original Beef Shawarma Plate, Mango Lassi Passed by this place and decided to try it out based on the good reviews, but was immediately disappointed after taking my first bite. The beef was on the drier side and didn't taste that fresh. The fries were also soggy and not crispy at all. The hummus was by far the best part of the meal. I thought the mango lassi was going to be freshly made, but it was bottled. It definitely was not as thick as a mango lassi should be and the flavor was a little off. Maybe their other dishes are more appetizing, but I wouldn't recommend the items I tried. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Original Beef Shawarma Plate, Mango Lassi - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I love Mediterranean food and I must admit from the outside, this place definitely intrigued me. However, I am sad to say the food simply didn't meet my expectations. The workers were really nice and let me sample their different shawarmas but they all were just very stringy, dry, and chalky. I'm no Mediterranean food expert, but in all my experience of eating, I have never seen spicy beef shawarma that offputtingly red. I ended up getting a chicken shawarma bowl with hummus but doused most of it in their spicy sauce for it to taste better. For the taste, price point, and portion size, I just didn't feel like it was worth it. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons is owned by a mother-and-son duo, Mama Rosie and Mardig, and this cute eatery offers shawarma, kebabs, burgers, salads, and vegetarian options. We tried the Shawerma Plate, which includes a choice of shawerma (original chicken, spicy chicken, beef, spicy beef, or a mix), salad (Greek salad, fetoush, tabouleh, or couscous), dips, and rice pilaf. I had the Spicy Chicken with the tabouleh, a side of potatoes, baba ghanouj, and the garlic sauce. YUM! This was SO SO SO GOOD! The chicken slices could have been right off the spit and be served hot, though, as they were served a little cold and slightly dried-out. I loved the spicy sauce (don't forget to ask for more!), which was just a cream-based and wasn't all that spicy. The garlic sauce was light and garlic-y, and great mixed in with the chicken. The potatoes were cooked perfectly and well-seasoned with their house spices; they were tasty and great side choice! Staff were a little stand-offish, but the line seemed to be moving along quickly. There were handful of tables to dine-in and enjoy your food, but most patrons seem to call ahead and get their orders for take-out. You're responsible in throwing away any leftovers and placing the dirty dishes and the silverware in their labeled bins. +Shawerma Plate - spicy chicken +request for extra spicy sauce and garlic sauce! +yummy potatoes! +extremely limited restricted parking read more

This place was just A-OK. It is a chipotle style way of ordering food. My Lebanese friend said it was lacking. I thought it was okay, but something was missing. I'm not an expert in this cuisine so I can only go off what my friend said. Prices were decent for the amount you are given so stop on in and order some grub :) read more

Came here after reading the amazing reviews. Sorry to say this is not authentic shawarma, with the chicken tasting bland and needing sauces. Even with the sauces it was blah. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Spicy Chicken Shawarma Plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My favorite place to get Mediterranean food! I'm middle eastern and it's pretty authentic. I love ordering the Spicy Shawarma plate and adding spicy garlic on top- too good! I definitely recommend if you're looking for something healthy and fresh. The food here is so delicious and portions are big, I always end up having leftovers. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

So good! Got chicken shawarma, Greek salad, and rice pilaf. Oh man, and with the garlic sauce on top... yum! Also added some pickles. Delicious! Will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu. It's spacious and calm inside, and it's awesome that it's a family run business. read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - 1. Spicy Chicken Shawarma - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I've been meaning to go to this place for a long time. How can a place like this get such a great rating? It's the food we got pita wraps. The garlic sauce was amazing spicy sauce to add on it. Also everything was addictive. It doesn't have much of an ambience, but the food makes up for it if you want a quick, amazing lunch or dinner I highly recommend read more

Maybe it's because we went at the end of the day, but the shawarma chicken was pretty dry and could have used more seasoning. The sauces were really good though! Ask for the hot sauce-- not to spicy but delicious and not as rich as the garlic sauce read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - BBQ Chicken Shawarma plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Love this place!! The chicken shawarma plate, garlic sauce, hummus, Greek salad, spiced potatoes, saj with extra spicy sauce. It's quite a big portion, you may have leftovers for the next day (nobody's complaining!). You can also go half n half on your plate, and ask for say, half a Greek salad and half tabouleh. I like their desert too, the one with the cream filling. I think it's called osmalia, they even sprinkle some rose water on it. The only thing we didn't enjoy was the falafel, quite tasteless. The customer service may be a hit or a miss, depends on who's around! I've had times when they've been extremely patient with my order, explaining what all the sides are and other times they've tried to rush it even though there's no crowd. But the food is still good! This is mostly a take-out place though they do have chairs and tables if you like a sit-down meal. Unfortunately no parking for customers. If you're very lucky, you might score some street parking. read more

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I've tried four other Shawarma spots in Boston, and out of that sample size this is definitely the best. If I was in a town with better Shawarma options I probably only give this spot a four -- I couldn't even taste the chicken underneath all the yummy sauces that they drenched it in. Five stars to me is "would go out of my way to eat here again?". Given that I love Shawarma, yes I will go out of my way to eat here again. However, since I will also keep exploring other options too, I guess it's more like a 4.5 stars read more

Top 5 lunch spots! I typically order the Spicy Chicken plate w. potatoes, Hummus & salad. In terms of the moisture of the chicken I would say order early in the day for best quality! read more

Garlic 'n Lemons - 1. Spicy Chicken Plate & 3. Orangina - Middle Eastern Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Pretty solid for takeaway. Delivery is usually prompt and haven't had issues with the order. Enjoyed the chicken shawarma plate which came in a huge portion. Would recommend with the rice pilaf and the garlique sauce. Tried the spicy potatoes, but didn't love them and wouldn't order those again. For dessert, the paklava was great! read more